Cruise for a Summer

[evansmith]

Hello all.
I am a college student and an experienced boater but I have not sailed In years. A friend and I are going to start taking lessons for the next semester and have discussed acquiring a boat to sail and live on this coming summer. I am from mobile and would like to travel the icw and maybe spend some time in the keys. I know there is a lot of unprotected water between here and there. How feasible is this? What kind of budget would we be looking at for the boat? We are expecting to be uncomfortable. That is fine we are wanting an adventure. What should we look for in a boat ?

Thanks
E

[boatman61]

A reliable inboard engine...

[delmarrey]

You may want to do a search within the forum here under ICW, there's lots of info. As for a boat, since you only plan to do mostly inland waters and coastal, I'd suggest a power boat with diesel(s). There's more room aboard a powerboat per foot of length. Your not going to get much sailing in on the ICW.

And you'll want to check out the anchoring & holding tank laws for FL as well.

[hummingway]

Since you're in school I'm guessing money isn't plentiful. If you plan on doing more then being tied to a dock you'll have to budget for repairs. There are lots of cheap boats in the states right now but I'd guess most will need a lot of work and maintenance will have been neglected.

You're budget will depend on how much money you have I suppose. Look through these listings in your area and you'll see what I mean. Alabama sailboats for sale by owner.

The Pearson 28 has probably been well maintained: 1989 Pearson 28-2 sailboat for sale in Alabama

Here's a bargain in Florida. 1985 Catalina sailboat for sale in Florida

If your idea is to buy a boat keep it a year or two and sell it, just remember boats are cheap right now because they're hard to sell.