Want To Buy: Sailboat Needed

[Spirit sail]

Hello All,
I am seeking a sailboat. My wife and I came up with this bright idea that we want to sail from New York to the Caribbean next winter and spend 3 months. We are on a fairly limited budget but are willing to work on a fixer upper...Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[boasun]

You can start by looking at yachtworld.com. Will give you an idea of what is out there on the market and adding to this. Wander around a few marinas to see some boats close up. Talk to owners and if the two of you can hitch a day sail with some of those owners you will learn even more.

[skipmac]

A little more information would help get a better answer.

First, can you give us some idea of your boating experience?

Then, limited budget is a very subjective concept. Your limited budget might be more than my net work, or vice versa.

[Spirit sail]

I have boating experience but not a lot on a sailboat. I have a friend who has been a Coast Guard capt. for years who has a 50' that will have me trained by then.....I hope....Limited budget, for me, $5,000-$10,000. Have a good job opp. in USVI and would love to liveaboard.

[skipmac]

Even in a very depressed boat market that's a pretty small budget. Unless you get really lucky I would expect anything in that price range to be well under 30', with no extras and need a lot of work. And unless you have really good DIY skills a lot of work can translate into a lot of money.

[Spirit sail]

Thats what I figured. I am willing to spend more but like anyone I guess money is the biggest issue. Just don't want to get in over my head. This has been a dream of ours for a while and we can finally do it. I am happy to see that people are willing to help and aren't so quick to put down someone trying to start out.

[skipmac]

I think you will find that replies on the forum are generally polite and helpful. It can get a bit testy when someone posts really clueless plans but you seem to have a realistic understanding of what might be involved.

[Spirit sail]

I think I understand, for the most part, what will be involved. I am also in the mid stages of the Six Pac with Masters Upgrade course. Hope to be licensed by mid-summer. I currently am also a part time mate on the Rose Lummis. A 49 passenger tour boat on the Erie Canal and Seneca Lake...2nd year. I say part time because we go out only 3-4 days a week. I have learned a lot from her captain.

[skipmac]

Aha. Then you already know that the pointy end is in the front. Gives you a good head start on sailing.

[Spirit sail]

Uhhhhh, It is? LOL..

[erinsavov]

I know of some boats for sale here in Culebra, Puerto Rico that would fit your budget but it's a long ways from where you are.
But let me know if your interested and I will gather information for you.
Erin

[Bill Burgette]

There are some potential boats on Yachtworld that fit you description. Especially the part about doing some of the work yourself. Here are a couple examples: First one $10,000, Second one $7500, Third one $5500
1966 Morgan M34 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com $10,000

1967 Pearson Renegade Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com $7500

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1709&url= $5500

Aha. Then you already know that the pointy end is in the front. Gives you a good head start on sailing.

Sorry, Skipmac, I just couldn't let you insult Mr. Atkin like that. Maybe he just didn't know his bow from his stern. There are few absolutes.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Bill Burgette

Sorry, Skipmac, I just couldn't let you insult Mr. Atkin like that. Maybe he just didn't know his bow from his stern. There are few absolutes.

Busted again for a generalization. When will I ever learn. But I do have to admit, I always thought that even old William put a little more point on one end than the other. The plan you show certainly contradicts that assumption. Oh yes, my other fault, making assumptions.

[Spirit sail]

erinsavov.....Thank you and I would love the info if you could get it to me!

[harryrezz]

Spirit sail - Had to jump in here to say I also work on the canal - as a part time Captain on a pair of tour boats out of Lockport. I live in Buffalo and keep my 44 foot CSY cutter in Grenada in the southern Caribbean. Drop me a PM if you're interested and I'll give you a phone number if you'd like to chat a bit about your dream/plans.