A Denver couple moving to Florida

[PaddyoRiley]

Hello!
As stated in the title, my wife and I will be moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in January. We know the basics of sailing but are planning on attending Bluewater Sailing School's ASA 101,103, and 104 course to prepare us for our ambitious sail down to the Virgin Isles. We are currently in the market for a cruiser with a very small budget of 35,000 (this being our only money for a sailboat and all the possible expenses that come with it). Are goal is to travel with a flotilla of other sailors to make things a bit safer.
Any advice would be great!
I'm sure I'll be posting a lot of questions over the next few months,

Thanks!
-Paddy

[Talbot]

First - welcome!

you obviously want to spread your money as far as possible and will have to be very careful on selection of vessel - a lot of people would consider that budget only sufficient for the additions they want to make to the boat. However, there are vessels that may meet the requirement without need for additional work.

With that budget, I would be looking at a ferro - as they are often set up for cruising with all the bells and whistles already installed, and are very undervalued by people who do not understand them.

[AnchorageGuy]

welcome to the forum. There are a gazillion posts asking the same question about buying a boat in your price range so have a look and do a bit of searching and you will find lots of info.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Paddy,
Welcome aboard! Good to have you here and looking at boats.
Florida is a great place to look for inexpensive craft.
kind regards,
JohnL