Selecting a solid hull

[j.russell]

Hello all. I've been reading the forum for a while(getting lots of good info) and now I have some questions that hopefully some of you can answer.I suppose I should tell you that I live in south florida and work for a company refitting large yachts, motor not sail. I've probably racked up about 10k miles doing deliveries to the caribbean with fellow captains, so I'm no stranger to the ocean and what it can throw at you. The few times I've been out on sailboats I really enjoyed it. I've been saving for a few years and now ready to take the next step and buy one. Basicly what I'm looking for is a project. I'm willing to spend up to 20k on a hull in the 34'-36' range. There are a lot of boats out there in that size and price range, but I'm really lost when it comes to choosing a manufacturer. Most are from the late 60's through the 70's. I have more time than money so I want to make sure I make a sound investment. Any info or suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks. Oh by the way before I forget, I'll mainly be using it for sailing the Key's and Caribbean. Maybe further one day. Thanks again.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha J,
I'd do a little reading on the couple links after my signature and decide on which kind of hull you'd like. Full keel, fin keel or 3/4 keel or centerboard combination. Once you've decided that then you can pick which manufacturer might be best for you. I like Allied, Columbia, Catalina just to start you off. There are very many more good hulls out there. I own a Cascade which is a good hull but has an iron keel which you may not like. In the area you intend to sail you might want a shoal keeled boat but you do sacrifice a bit of performance.
Good luck in your search. I think now is the time to pick up bargain boats.
kind regards,

[j.russell]

Thanks SkiprJohn. The link was very informative. The people I work with tell me that if I'm going to be going to the key's mostly then I want something that doesn't have a large draft. Five feet or under. From my searching I found a 1974 Cal 35 which draws 4.8. I have provided the link to it. Perhaps you could give me your thoghts.
1974 cal 35 cal cruiser sailboat for sale in Florida

[ctl411]

Hunter 37 cutter on ebay 5 foot draft.