I Don't Want a Bluewater Boat

[Fishman_Tx]

If one is to liveaboard wouldn't you want something a bit larger than a 30? Our 34 would be just tolerable, but then I only have a 10'6" beam; it's a bit "camperish".

[Randyonr3]

I looked for years for a boat that would fit the same basic needs as you say.. I was set on the Beneteau FIRST 38 for a number of reasons including being a "Blue Water" racer and if it will put up with the intence racing, it would sure put up with the cruising I would put it through..
I then happen to pick up a cruising book about a family of 5 that cruised around the world on their FIRST 38.. (Andy & Liza Copeland) seems Andy was a yacht broker , not for beneteau, but it was his choice for an around the world cruiser..
Happen to meet Andy and Liza a couple years ago and they still sail the FIRST38..
Couldnt find a 38, but did find a FIRST 42 in mint condition.. sold our home and moved aboard it about 7 years ago.. been cruising the waters of the west between Alaska and Mexico...
In those 7 years I've replaced every system on the boat, and to this date, I still feel I made the right decision.. loads of room, sails like a dream, points like a hound-dog, and Damn She's fast........
The First Series Beneteau is built as an all out race boat, with creature comforts, and the older boats can be picked up at a pretty reasonable price..
Over 90% of a cruisers time is spent at anchor.. I suggest you find a boat that will get the job done when sailing and provide creature comforts while at anchor.

[Cheechako]

Thank God someone doesn't want a "Bluewater Boat"... now we dont have to go through that again!
My choice is the Islander Freeport 36.... if you can find one.


"I'd rather eat worms than sail a Beneteau" :>)

[sneuman]

I've eaten worms (in Thailand) and sailed a Beneteau (both Thailand and the Chesapeake). Beneteaus are nice, roomy boats and sail well. The worms, I could take 'em or leave 'em.

[barnakiel]

Bavaria, Hunter, Dufour.

I think a J35 is a cool middle of the road boat. And the choice of s/h ones is great so one can pick up exactly where budget/maintenance skills dictate. They sail very well, have livable interior, and I met one that sailed from the US to NZ (and probably on).

b.

[barnakiel]

And btw west indies to oz is easy. If they make it from oz to california this would be a better test for a boat (a mean a tougher test).

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Bavaria, Hunter, Dufour.

I think a J35 is a cool middle of the road boat. And the choice of s/h ones is great so one can pick up exactly where budget/maintenance skills dictate. They sail very well, have livable interior, and I met one that sailed from the US to NZ (and probably on).

b.

Have to disagree a little, even though I am a J boats fan. I have heard too many stories about J35's that were poorly maintained and now need major repairs to fix deck core problems.

So while they may appear to offer good value, my guess is the ones in good shape (if you can find them) command higher prices.

Also, they are cored below the waterline and above, so you need to be very careful when looking at these boats.

[sck5]

I dont have one but I have to say Sabres are beautiful boats that sail like a dream.

[Cheechako]

J35 is pretty much a flat out racer isnt it? I like the J boats though...

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

J35 is pretty much a flat out racer isnt it? I like the J boats though...

Yes, but like a lot of other racers with enough room below, they can make very good cruising boats. And in the case of a J35, no major modification is really needed, as far as I know.

[sneuman]

I'm not sure what is the point of turning a racer into a cruiser, when much of the racer's performance is predicated on being stripped to the bone.

As cruisers, with all that cruisers carry, many or most of these dedicated racers are likely to be pigs.

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by sneuman

I'm not sure what is the point of turning a racer into a cruiser, when much of the racer's performance is predicated on being stripped to the bone.

As cruisers, with all that cruisers carry, many or most of these dedicated racers are likely to be pigs.

Well, the fact is, racers are turned into cruisers for a variety of reasons, and it's done enough to make me believe a lot of owners get what they want out of it. And while I have never done it myself, I would not dismiss it as an option for coastal or Carib cruising.

Racers are not necessarily pigs as cruisers, especially if they don't have to carry so much provisions, fuel and water that their performance is badly affected by the change in their waterline.

[bangkaboat]

Headroom & beam are major considerations, as well. When I bought the Cal330 I mentioned, I looked at a ton of other boats. Yes, the Alberg is a lot of boat for not much money, but at 6' 2", I had to rule it out, as well as many others. I would suggest not buying a "name", but getting a boat that is closest to what you want. Keep in mind; the purchase is just the beginning of the investment. Make sure the electrical has been replaced/maintained. same for propulsion system, rigging, etc. .

[sneuman]

Originally Posted by speedoo

Well, the fact is, racers are turned into cruisers for a variety of reasons, and it's done enough to make me believe a lot of owners get what they want out of it. And while I have never done it myself, I would not dismiss it as an option for coastal or Carib cruising.

Racers are not necessarily pigs as cruisers, especially if they don't have to carry so much provisions, fuel and water that their performance is badly affected by the change in their waterline.

I'm not saying it can't be done, but I suspect that more often than not the result is less than satisfactory.

[unbusted67]

I am going to add a few more things to this since this thread seems to be doing pretty well. I really love CDs and Albergs, they are tough boats but I hate, and I mean hate having two settees running parallel down either side of the boat. I think that basically negates the ability of a boat to be lived aboard. That leaves only the v berth and cockpit as places to lounge around. I know this narrows things down pretty seriously but hey.

The other thing is that I am seeing a lot of people come up with 36 through 38 ft boats. But my girlfriend and I are not averse to going small, very small. Any thoughts on pocket cruisers with good interiors? We have been looking very seriously at Nor'seas (I know not cheap and not fast). We like the size, interior and ease of handling that comes with a smaller boat. We would like something that isn't a nightmare getting in and out of the slip.