I Want this . . .

[Aero]

Hi there all, I'm new here and I want to try liveaboard with my wife, but we have a long way to go. I had to start somewhere so I spent some time today looking for used boats and I found boats.com to have quite alot in all price ranges. I noticed that some Turkish companies had good prices and I wanted to know if anyone have experience buying boats outside your own country ? In this case from Turkey.


Thanks, looking forward to your replies

[rebel heart]

Where are you located now? Buying outside your area can be tricky.

Here's a great boat. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...0-a-40363.html

[Aero]

I live in Norway. Thanks for the link Its a nice boat.

I looked into some boats called Ketch which was very nice and how are those boats ?

[skipmac]

Welcome to the forum.

I would advise caution buying in Turkey. There are some boats for sale there that are made very cheaply with low quality wood that rots easily. Not recommended.

If you plan on sailing in Europe you might want to focus on boats in the EU as I understand there are special certifications and standards required by the EU that could be a lot of work and cost to meet for boats built in other countries.

[Aero]

I see, thanks for the information. My prefered destination for sailing would be south, maybe to asia cause my wifes from there

[Eric50]

These are 2 questions to ask yourself before starting to spend money in something that will be a great disappointment, not to say a huge amount of money wasted...

Turkey "Gulets" (I guess this is what you are thinking about, nice wooden boat...to watch) looks good, and sound very cheap generally.

But, these boats are usually manufactured for the local charter market, bringing non sailor tourist at sea for few days, under very nice sea and weather condition (if not, they stay at mooring waiting on weather), jumping from one bay to another, for bathing and relaxing most of the cruise.

They have masts, but not every time sails...and if so, they are not equiped properly to use these sails most of the time, they just want to "look like" old sailboats, on a romantic fashion, once again having their specific market in mind.

Of course, there are exceptions, with proper rigging, sailclothing and decent construction, but the prices are not anymore attractive in such case.

I would strongly advise you, as you are in the "Viking land", to try to sail as much as possible locally, to meet as much sailing people as you can in Norway, that will probably very helpfull in your search and analysis.

I noted that Norway (been there several time, for the job) is one of these countries that has a marina, or an harbour, in most of the cities alongside the coast and that sailing is a very popular activity.

Actually this is one of the best place to sail and get some advice.

Another way to help decision, is to choose a boat that is made with a material you are the most familiar with, this to help you in maintenance, servicing and repair...quiet important for a long cruise.

[Alan Brown]

I'd be willing to bet that a lot of world cruises end in Turkey. For many couples, after flying home a couple times to visit the family, the thought of resuming the cruising lifestyle may start to wear a bit thin. Once the decision to move ashore is made, the need to get rid of the boat as quickly as possible will certainly have a dampening effect on prices.

I would not hesitate to look at boats from well-known manufacturers, no mater where they're located. The big challenge, I would expect, would be finding a qualified surveyor.

Go for it!

[DeepFrz]

Aero, how much experience do you have sailing?

[Aero]

Thanks for the information. I guess I better drop those Gulets boats then

I don't have experience at all, but I guess I have the time to learn cause I'm not buying anything yet. I always for some reason liked wooden boats

[Aero]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Aero, how much experience do you have sailing?

none Just getting the urge to get rid of the rat race

[DeepFrz]

I would really recommend that you join a local sailing club and learn how to sail before looking at buying a boat. Sailing is a great sport but its not for everybody. You may love it, you may hate it. Living on a boat is not like living in an apartment.

[Aero]

I have plenty of time to do that first and I will probably look up some clubs too. I won't be buying anything for a couple of years. Living in a small space is not a problem. With the house I got now it can't be worse

[bvh]

hmmmm............ your house cant sink

[DeepFrz]

One person put it that when he moved on to a boat he became mayor of the boat. I think most people become sanitary systems engineers, diesel engine mechanics, pump re-builders, bilge cleaners, sailors, navigators, contortionists, battery and charging system experts, electricians, steering system specialists, winch re-builders...

Well, you get the idea.

Size is one thing. Now try to make a cup of coffee while you are standing on one leg and holding on to the kitchen counter with one hand while your wife and kids try to knock you off your feet and pour cold water on you. Get the picture.

Not trying to dissuade you, just injecting a little reality into your "urge".

[Randoneur]

If you can afford it, I would recommend that you buy an small inexpensive boat and sail it during the next few years to learn sailing and boat maintenance. If you buy wisely, you will be able to recover the cost of your first boat and will have a better idea of what kind of boat you want to move up to. It will also get you out there among other sailers and they will all be proud to show you their boat and discuss them with you.

In effect, start out like Sven Yrvind did.

Good sailing to you.