Hi:)

[SitkaTana]

Hello everybody,
I’m picking up on my cruising plans after a few years of major distraction. I am living in Oregon now and on track to buy a 32-36ft cruiser by next year on the east coast. I have often read posts on here but never made one so yay! It’s started.
Hope to see you all around!

[Adelie]

Welcome.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sitka Tana.

[SitkaTana]

Thanks��

[skipmac]

Welcome to the forum.

Have you narrowed down what brand or type of boat?

[SitkaTana]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Welcome to the forum.

Have you narrowed down what brand or type of boat?

Kind of. I’ve narrowed down that it has to be a really good deal and in my budget, 70’sish, solid engine, with sails, no huge major immediate issues. I prefer a lot of nice wood interior. I could go for several brands and types!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SitkaTana

Kind of. I’ve narrowed down that it has to be a really good deal and in my budget, 70’sish, solid engine, with sails, no huge major immediate issues. I prefer a lot of nice wood interior. I could go for several brands and types!

Well, unless your budget is under $100 this should be doable. Even for $100 I see deals occasionally. Might have to take a boat that needs a lot of cosmetics but look long enough and you will score.

[SitkaTana]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Well, unless your budget is under $100 this should be doable. Even for $100 I see deals occasionally. Might have to take a boat that needs a lot of cosmetics but look long enough and you will score.

Thanks! I agree!!!��

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SitkaTana

Thanks! I agree!!!��

Got an email from a sailing friend today. He just found a 39' solid ocean going sailboat (not mentioning the name as it's advertised and don't want someone jumping on it). Ad claims good engine, good sails, needs some cosmetics, $10,000.

This model was on my short list when I was shopping and most listed for $60,000 to $120,000. Unless this boat is totally trashed inside and the seller completely lied it will be a great deal.

Get to the east coast, hang out and look for deals. One will come.

[SitkaTana]

Thanks, It’s really true. I’m obsessed with looking and finding perfect ones now. But the right one will come up when I’m prepared and over there.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SitkaTana

Thanks, It’s really true. I’m obsessed with looking and finding perfect ones now. But the right one will come up when I’m prepared and over there.

Well, don't get too obsessed with perfect. Unless you have a seven figure budget or you are the luckiest person in North America you're not going to get perfect, at least cosmetically.

Look for a boat that:

1. Has no serious structural issues. Things like damage to keel, hull deck joint, large areas of wet core and delamination in the deck.

2. A reliable, working engine. Unless you get lucky and the boat was recently repowered you will have an older engine. Make sure it's one that was fairly common and parts are readily available and not expensive. Older Westerbekes are bad for gouging on parts.

3. Usable sails.

4. Rigging in usable condition.

I wouldn't worry a lot about electronics. You don't need a boat load of fancy gadgets. A good VHF radio, speed/depth and a GPS is enough.

[Sailing Sangha]

Did you ever get your boat? I have mine down in Newport, OR. Been slowly doing the over-winter rehab and replace of misc. items etc. Its slow, as work took me out of state for a while. But its turning spring, the weather is turning nice and the boat is shaping up. If you haven't gotten your boat yet, you could always come get in some sail time as I venture in and around.