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dogeconomics · 11-03-2014, 05:25

Hello! This is a followup to my previous post: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...0k-102269.html

My grad program took a bit longer than expected, but come August I'll be free to set sail. My budget is now $35k for boat and refit. I am looking for a well-founded boat that could cross the pond with at least 6'4" headroom. Lots of people have suggested I forgo this criteria but my preferences are such that I do not want to slouch, especially considering I intend to live aboard. I'm looking for a cruiser so speed is a distant priority.

I've done much research over the past year, and am going to visit a couple boats next week: a Dreadnought 32 and a Freedom 33 Cat Ketch. I hear tell that the later Westsail 32s had 6'4" headroom? I've emailed some dealers about it but have yet to hear any replies. If true, then that would certainly be top of my list.

My heart longs for a Bob Perry design, but my budget puts the Babas, Tashibas, and Valiants out of reach.

I look forward to any suggestions you have. I'm still new to sailing, but haven't lost the bug while poking around the SC lakes in my little puffer 12 for the past 2 years. My uncle sails (and has won races in) a Bristol 32. I might cruise to the Caribbean with him late in the summer. Or I might just take my own if I've found her by then.

Thank you for your thoughts!

gamayun · 11-03-2014, 10:17

Don't budge of your "have to have" criteria (as long as they're "reasonable").

You might also look at Freedom 32s, which will be easier to find on the East Coast. I looked at a Coast 34 in Vancouver a while back -- 7-ft headroom, and an extremely nice boat with lots of extras, but this one was about double your budget.

CR38 · 11-03-2014, 10:17

www bestsailboat.blogspot.com

CR38 · 11-03-2014, 13:12

I am 6'5" and initially had a similar requirement - finding a bluewater capable boat with at least 6'5" headroom. Sadly, there just aren't that many boats built with tall sailors in mind. The Island Packets have the headroom but are well outside your price range. In the end, I compromised and found a boat with 6'2" headroom and you know what???? Its just fine. I have found that sleeping berth length is more important than headroom.

Check this blog. Lots of good info on great ocean crossers for less than $40K.

Best Offshore Cruising Sailboats < $40K

dogeconomics · 12-03-2014, 06:37

Thanks thats a good site I haven't come across yet. Those Coasts are nice, but like you said, a bit out of my price range. It seems my options are severely limited, given my budget. Even that Freedom 33 doesn't have enough headroom. Dreadnought is looking like the best, albeit slow, option.

Holding out hope there are Westsails with enough headroom somewhere.

redpointist · 12-03-2014, 07:56

I don't know if you'd consider an Aloha 34 to be an ocean crosser or not, certainly some have crossed oceans in the past, and it looks like it has comparable specs to the freedom 33 you're interested in. It has at least 6 foot 3 inches headroom all the way to the v-berth, and in most places looks like its closer to 6 foot 5.

**JPA Cate** · 12-03-2014, 16:41

Try looking at an old Columbia 50. I'm short, so I may be wrong here, but I seem to remember they had excellent headroom. Be prepared to replace the engine or the suit of sails, but not both.

Ann

dogeconomics · 12-03-2014, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Try looking at an old Columbia 50. I'm short, so I may be wrong here, but I seem to remember they had excellent headroom. Be prepared to replace the engine or the suit of sails, but not both.

Ann

Thats a really good looking boat. Nice lines. Someone said 6'6" headroom. Unfortunately I'm looking for something I can comfortably single hand.

Just talked to the Dreadnought owner. 6'4" headroom, not the 6'7" I read online. I wonder why it isn't a more published feature? Though maybe most normal sized people don't have to worry about it.

Cheechako · 12-03-2014, 17:25

On the cheap... a Rawson 30 has pretty good headroom. Probably hard to find a nice one anymore... some around though. Dry sailors, but old school Bill Garden design so shorter water line.... Probably $12k for a nice one! Better sailors than a dreadnaught, WS or Freedom 33 cat ketch.

Greenhand · 12-03-2014, 17:33

I'll start sending you the ones that I (5'4) can't reach the grab rails. Unfortunately, the only one I can remember off hand is a shiny new Bavaria Vision.

dogeconomics · 12-03-2014, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenhand

I'll start sending you the ones that I (5'4) can't reach the grab rails. Unfortunately, the only one I can remember off hand is a shiny new Bavaria Vision.

You could pick any boat! I'm jealous.