Want To Buy: looking for project liveaboard

[ktarditi624]

Hi everyone! I am looking for a liveaboard cruiser for my son and I. I would love to show him all the world has to offer. I have a smaller budget but am willing and able to make a project my own. I am looking for a 40-45 with 2 cabins. around 25,000 is what i can pay. I know its a long shot but I am willing to try anything at this point. Anyone who cruises will understand, I am sure. Thank you so much everyone

Kristin

[laika]

Here's wishing you and your son a wonderful journey!

Just beware that it always seems to take twice the money and thrice the time, and finding any major system deficiency on a boat that size could quickly become a show-stopper on that budget.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by ktarditi624

I have a smaller budget // I am looking for a 40-45 with 2 cabins.

Welcome to CF, Kristin!

How old is your son? Are we talking toddler or teenager? When do you want to start sailing?

Since you have a smaller budget, a smaller boat will probably fit better. If you look for something around 30-35' max, you can probably find something with a V-berth and cabin, so you can each have your own 'bedroom' and share the head - which should not be a problem with just the 2 of you on the boat.

If you don't stretch your budget too much, you'll be able to afford the boat with less stress and penny-stretching, which will be a lot more fun and allow you guys to move aboard and start sailing (a lot) sooner ...

Just my $0.02

[oldragbaggers]

+1 for what Lizzy Belle said, and best of luck to you.

[svGenesis]

What is your total budget? Projects cost money too! If you plan to DIY and have $10k set aside for the project side, I know of a tremendous boat value!

[Minggat]

I have project Hans Christian 38T in Honolulu. $15K. PM me if interested.

[Licurgus]

Have a 47ft ISLAND TRADER KETCH
HAVE DONE ALOT TO HER. ASKING 125K. New bow thruster new shaft & couplings new painted top side. Mast redone etc etc etc. Super live aboard Yacht.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Licurgus

Have a 47ft ISLAND TRADER KETCH
HAVE DONE ALOT TO HER. ASKING 125K. .

But you'll consider an offer of the $25,000 the OP has to spend ?????

[Dave22q]

I think you're in no position to buy, fit out and maintain a 40' coastal cruiser, much less a blue water boat. $ 25K is not nearly enough. You might finf an extremely well maintained 30' for 10-15 but your budget for fitting out would still be real tight. Remember smaller boats are a lot cheaper to equip and maintain. If your son is small you might consider a 26-28' boat. Whatever you chose, condition will be key. Make sure you can find real experts to advise you if you are not one. Good luck in your search. There are always a few great deals out there. I hope you find one.

[Wallaby]

I don't want to murder your dream, plus I've seen many people on boats that cost less than $25K, living onboard with kids, or alone, and traveling, if not around the world, then as far as the budget allows.

You asked about the boat:
Cost to buy and maintain is a function of size and age. As a broad generalization, add 10ft to the length and double the cost to buy. Two people can be comfortable with 26-30ft, if it is the right boat for them.

There are bargain boats to be found all over the place--start with marinas and look at older boats that are seldom if ever used, and the owners are tired of paying for dockage. Enlist the support of the marina manager. Make low offers--you never know. Be warned, these boat will need work.
Also look at 'unpopular' boats, though there is always a reason why they are cheaper. The Morgan OutIsland series springs to mind in your size range. Slow to dead going to windward, but a lot of boat for the money, and you might find a good one for your money.

Don't forget you'll need a survey. And did I mention repairs?

Now to the budget:

I've seen people survive on what they can make working part-time at marinas etc, or doing small jobs on boats.

You will get a better idea of the issues if you can share more information: overall budget, boating experience, work skills, age of the child.

[boatman61]

You can have my steel 1981 Van de Stadt for that price.. $25K.
Large V berth, heads, salon, galley and aft cabin.. lotsa new bits/extra's..
Basic fit out internally but can be sailed away and lived on as is after a hull scrub down... further jobs done at leisure down the line or...
Keep her in the marina (2K euro/yr) and fix her up in a lovely country first..
Ahhhhhh... Portugal..

[freelandken]

Look at the posting from Feb 3- Broker with free slip. Owner is going to Netherlands and wants to sell his boat-$25k.

[Franst8]

The deals are definitely out there. Recently sold by my marina neighbor for 10,000, Catalina 30, from early 80's. Lots of good upgrades, new bottom job, thru hulls, sail inventory, great shape overall and this in SF bay area. Go for a smaller size and you'll find the perfect boat you can afford

[hamburking]

Don't forget about ebay...always some deals to be had there:

Sailboats 28 feet | eBay

C C Custom 41R Ready to Cruise or Race Must Sell Fast | eBay

1991 Beneteau First 38S5 Sailboat Work in Progress | eBay

1979 Irwin 34 Sailboat Totally Restored Super Clean and Ready to Go Anywhere | eBay

[Scout 30]

The old adage that the cheapest boat you can buy is often the most expensive usually holds true. 45' is more boat than you need & more boat than you can afford. If you are serious about this you need the smallest boat you can live with in the best condition you can afford. Boat repairs are crazy expensive. There are a lot of experienced sailors on the site that would be willing to help you but you really need to provide more information about yourself & your situation starting with: do you have any sailing experience?.