What Boat and Why

[Pblais]

plus nominal maintenance

I could live with that.

Until you have mastered sailing OPB's (other peoples boats) I wouldn't get one just yet. Give it a reasonable time period. Not having a lot of time or money is not a good situation for owning a boat. Maybe find a friend that is busier than you are would be a better a joint venture. I'm thinking you invest less money but be more flexible about the options. Showing up on race night regularly cuts a lot of slack.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Pblais

Until you have mastered sailing OPB's (other peoples boats) I wouldn't get one just yet. Give it a reasonable time period. Not having a lot of time or money is not a good situation for owning a boat. Maybe find a friend that is busier than you are would be a better a joint venture. I'm thinking you invest less money but be more flexible about the options. Showing up on race night regularly cuts a lot of slack.

Ditto.

[RigelKent]

Time and tide will tell: I have had my offer accepted on an '98 Oceanis 311 here in Perth that satisfied my original criteria. Not quite as large as I originally was thinking but it's here, it's now, at the price I wanted, and comes with a pen that's a 10 minute walk from where I'm working. Strong Aussie dollar has made a big difference, as does the end of our summer to bring it within reach.