Cruising Eastern Australia

[nzdave]

So the kids have left and gone to Oz, and we have explored all the coastline in NZ. The dog and I have decided that the only thing to do is sell up and buy a live aboard displacement Cruiser and cruise the coast where the wife will be close enough to continue mothering (on occasions) the offspring.
I am thinking 50-60ft GRP not Steel, and Single Engine..any comments?
Is the purchase of a Marina Berth essential?
We would like to travel further at some point are there any clubs/groups who do this in convoy.

Any information to help would be much appreciated thanks.

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by nzdave

So the kids have left and gone to Oz, and we have explored all the coastline in NZ. The dog and I have decided that the only thing to do is sell up and buy a live aboard displacement Cruiser and cruise the coast where the wife will be close enough to continue mothering (on occasions) the offspring.
I am thinking 50-60ft GRP not Steel, and Single Engine..any comments?
Is the purchase of a Marina Berth essential?
We would like to travel further at some point are there any clubs/groups who do this in convoy.

Any information to help would be much appreciated thanks.

East coast Queensland is at its best if you don't have more than 5 foot draft, if you go big look at a swing keel or centreboard unless you'll look at a multi. Thers just so many nice rivers, creeks shallow area's to explore and seek shelter in. Cheers and welcome...

[Boracay]

I am thinking 50-60ft GRP not Steel, and Single Engine..any comments?

50-60' is a very big boat. If it is cheap you'll never get on top of the maintenance. Even if you can afford something this big in good condition it'll be much too big for two crew without a lot of experience to manage.
37'-45' is a popular size range for two persons.
Have you had a look at available boats round where you are?

Is the purchase of a Marina Berth essential?

Many cruisers plan on cruising and anchoring out. If you just want to stay in one place a boat is an expensive way to do it.

We would like to travel further at some point are there any clubs/groups who do this in convoy.

There are the Sail Indonesia and Sail Malaysia rallys. Some clubs do organise coastal cruises, particularly for smaller boats and trailer/sailers.

[donradcliffe]

I think you will have a bit of difficulty communicating with the local lads, especially the ones who didn't notice that you posted on the powerboat forum, but that's one of the best parts of going to the West Island--you get to learn a new language.

The advice about shallow draft is good in any case, and you might want a design which protects the prop in the case the tide goes out too far.
Single screw or maybe a powercat, depending on price. I would think that 40-50 feet might be more appropriate for two people.

If you want company, here's a link to some rallies Noonsite: Rallies

[rusky]

Hiya NZdave,

I can talk about Gold Coast to Darwin if you wish. Day sailing up to Lizard Island and further if thats your gig.

cheers

ozzie Dave

[nzdave]

Thanks for the Info, would a PowerCat be good enough for the occasional offshore trip?
I could never get used to going in the wrong direction, on a 45' lean and pulling on strings......for me power is the only way!

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by nzdave

Thanks for the Info, would a PowerCat be good enough for the occasional offshore trip?
I could never get used to going in the wrong direction, on a 45' lean and pulling on strings......for me power is the only way!

Like anything, get the right one and it will be, some won't.

Or get a sailing cat, and you don't have to put up with the lean!

And use bugger all fuel. Last year went from Hervey bay to Airlie on 40 litres.
Coming from NZ, the distances here might take some thinking about!

Buying a marina berth is certainly not essential.