Which had a harder life? Racer or Caribbean Liveaboard?

[Hudson Force]

Imagine a third Tartan that had been left unused and untouched at the dock for the same number of years. It could very well be in worse shape than the cruiser or the racer.

I don't think there's any worthwhile answer with this information. Boats raced, cruised or left idle can be in excellent or poor condition.

[valhalla360]

Absolutely no certainty without a full survey of both boats.

If we are talking statistical differences...I would expect the rigging, sails and bottom to be in better shape with the race boat. The rigging and sails may or may not be suitable for cruising. I would expect the interior and house systems to be better on the cruising boat.

[SoundWave]

Good advice and appreciated opinions!

I didn't mean to sound like I was seeking buying advice or opinions, the Admiral and our surveyor will provide plenty of those...

Really more of just a theory question:
Which is harder on a boat, liveaboard cruising or racing?

I was thinking similar to valhalla360 "statistically" answers, e.g. that rigging is stronger but more stressed on a racer, probably more coral groundings on the cruiser, etc.

Thanks

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by jrbogie

ive raced every boat i've owned hard and each boat was a much better boat when i sold it than when i bought it. i suppose somebody needs to explain to me what the difference is between racing hard an any other kind of sailing as concerns wear on a boat.

Exactly. Its all about maintenance. I believe any boat that is half-way maintained will outlive many owners.

[Chris Whitney]

Having owned a crushing boat for a year now, I say you should buy a boat that has been doing what you want to do. If you want to race buy a racing boat. As another person mentioned the racing boats are as light as they can be and likely sparse on the inside. Great if you are wanting to fill your shelf with trophy's. My boat was a coastal cruiser and that's what I am. It's tricked out with things that make my better half smile when she comes aboard. And that's the most important part of my boat, her smile! No matter what you buy the list of wants is going to be long. But I am learning all the things I find aboard I think are strange turn up pretty handy when the event shows up where I need it. My old 1982 gulf star has lots extras you won't see on new boats, and all are in place for crusing!

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by captlloyd

Exactly. Its all about maintenance. I believe any boat that is half-way maintained will outlive many owners.

Yep, and after racing my own boats (beachcats) hard or crewing on a monohull all weekend, the cruisers (weekend warrior variety) hadn't left the dock.

They were doing maintenance all weekend most weekends rather than sail.

Therefore, I'd buy a boat owned by a cruiser way before one owned by a racer

[poiu]

Is the choice seriously between a race boat and a cruiser? Is the decision really down to how bashed up the boat is likely to be? It's a piece of string answer and anyway how can these two options possibly be alternatives? Seems to me really mixed up thinking. How can you choose between no compromise hairy chested sailing or comfort. These are polar opposites.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, bkpatriot.