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Old 06-03-2015, 08:42   #1
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Planning Ahead

Hi everybody, new to the site and first time poster. I'm currently landlocked in Missouri but planning to move to Florida in the next 5 years. We are wanting to live on a boat and do small voyages, (The Keys, and the Caribbean Islands.) My question is what size of boat will I need to safely sail these waters? Would a 35ft. be good or do I need to look into something bigger? Thank You very much I really enjoy reading everybody's posts.
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Old 06-03-2015, 09:04   #2
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Re: Planning Ahead

A 35 should be great for a couple. A good size to handle readily. All the way to Trinidad is only "overnighters" at the longest.
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Old 06-03-2015, 09:06   #3
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Re: Planning Ahead

35 feet will do just fine for two people. Perfect for Florida and the Bahamas. We do it in a 37 footer and sometimes I wish it were a bit smaller.
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Old 06-03-2015, 09:47   #4
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Re: Planning Ahead

Thank you for your input. We currently have a 27ft. on Table Rock Lake and I can't wait till we can sell everything and move!

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Old 06-03-2015, 10:29   #5
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Re: Planning Ahead

IMO 35ft is an ideal cruising size, the bigger you get the more expensive it will get, both to buy to handle, and to maintain.
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Old 07-03-2015, 04:39   #6
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Re: Planning Ahead

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Robbie.
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Old 07-03-2015, 15:44   #7
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Re: Planning Ahead

Welcome & greetings from SW Florida. A 35' would be fine cruising Florida & the Caribbean. We've seen smaller on our cruises. It all depends on comfort and affordability.
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Old 07-03-2015, 21:08   #8
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Re: Planning Ahead

Thank you everybody. I'm sure I'll have lots more questions!

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Old 22-03-2015, 21:24   #9
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Re: Planning Ahead

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie430 View Post
Hi everybody, new to the site and first time poster. I'm currently landlocked in Missouri but planning to move to Florida in the next 5 years. We are wanting to live on a boat and do small voyages, (The Keys, and the Caribbean Islands.) My question is what size of boat will I need to safely sail these waters? Would a 35ft. be good or do I need to look into something bigger? Thank You very much I really enjoy reading everybody's posts.
We are planning a similar move. Love to hear others experiences in moving from normal life to live aboard!
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Old 23-03-2015, 09:45   #10
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Re: Planning Ahead

One thought, keep in mind that a lot of your time will be in the cockpit... even at anchor. Some things that are a plus for the Caribe:
1) Comfortable cockpit seating, and good size cockpit.
2) A design that works well with a Dodger and Bimini.. watch for boom and winch handle clearance etc.
3) Dingy stowage; davits, or room on the foredeck for the size dingy you need etc.
4) Less importantly , a swim step or stern exit is nice for snorkeling etc.
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Old 28-03-2015, 18:43   #11
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Re: Planning Ahead

Have a 46' Cockpit Motor Yacht. Good size. Twin diesels. I can handle myself. Good space, two cabins and a decent galley. 1 and a half full heads. Even has a tub. Really a condo on water. Good access to the water via cockpit. Lived on it for two years. Haven't regretted it a bit.


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Old 29-03-2015, 04:56   #12
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Re: Planning Ahead

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, NHcruiser.
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Old 31-03-2015, 09:46   #13
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Re: Planning Ahead

Thank you everybody!

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