Gave my two week notice at work...

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

I just moved our 34 footer from SF to Vancouver Island. Everyone I know says if you're going to do what you just said, a windlass is one of those things that become VERY important. Factor that in, 'cuz anchoring in 25 feet is a LOT different than in 12-15 feet of water.

HEAT is also critical. Critical. As in very important. Boats from other climes usually don't have it. Buy local, save the cost of moving it.

Yes, good advice! I was thinking the same thing. I'm not a big fan of having my face numb when I wake up Hoping one will come up soon. Keep checking Craigslist when I can

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by Don C L

So I am gathering you are not in BC now but you would like to be, right? I think that sounds like a great idea too, but I grew up around cool water. I love the idea of chugging around the BC coast with the diesel heater fired up and a pot of hot coffee on and the cool morning mist drifting through the forest around you in your own little cove... and that great smell of the damp PNW forest... hey! I need a vacation too! One thing, when you buy a boat you are buying an engine. In that neck of the woods you'll want a nice, fresh little diesel, a bit newer, fresh-water cooled, well maintained... because if you have to repair it or replace it, that will be a big chunk of change. Personally I'd look for a boat with a dodger too, hard one if you can find a boat with one in your price range... would be nice to close up the cockpit a bit so you can sit out with the cup of hot cocoa watching the rain (and I mean that, I too love that weather.) Personally I would not think of shipping a boat there. When you are ready, go to areas you like and walk the docks and check Craigslist etc. There are lots of good ol' boat candidates. I thought BigNick got a good one but one like that may be out of your price range. Older well-maintained classics like a Pearson Vanguard or some of the old Columbias, along with Albergs or Bristols and others could be good deals. You might check to see the "plastic classic" group and thread here for possibilities too

I will be off work and in BC within 2 weeks The picture paint is exactly what I had in mind. I experienced that a few winters ago but it was much less enjoyable having to trundle two weeks worth of food and gear and a canoe up a slippery grass and rock slope twice a day. Batmanning 150feet of rope and an anchor would be easy by comparison (watch me regret those words now).

Yeah I saw BigNick's boat: it looked palatial, definitely out of my range

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by goat

Have you been on a Vega? Not a lot of head room, unless you're 5'6" or less you'll be stooped over most of the time. Another option, and I hate bring this one up, Brent Swain boats. There are quite a few of them on the island, usually cheap, you can take them to ground on the bilge keels on the big tides they have there. Being steel the log hazards are lessened. Just don't get sucked into building one yourself. And look carefully for rust.

Nope, I've been on a Brent Swain 36 and a San Juan 24, that's it! I would hope the Vega has at least as much headroom as the San Juan. I'm used to having to hunch over, I'm huge It's all good. I'm sure most of the time below I will be sitting or sleeping anyway. I had to duck on the BS 36 too even though it had a high roof. Story of my life

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by Charlie

Ketonomad

If you are a personable sort you can easily pick up a ride from cruising couples who would like someone to help them sail their boat. It will stretch your budget for months. Just throwing this out as food for thought. When in my 20's I sailed for 10 months on $4,000 US.

Yes, I had thought of that but, if I'm being honest, I am both annoying and an a hole, haha. It's a gift. Even when trying to be complimentary I rub people the wrong way. I don't want to be the subject of a CF thread titled "Never Sail With KetoNomad" Hahaha

Was considering finding a few owners of A30s and Vegas and bribing them to go for a daysail with me. I can feign being charming that long

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

Quote: "Dare I ask how much it would cost to truck a boat out from Ontario Quebec to BC?"

Why would you even think of doing that when the BC coast is FULL of good, smallish boats for sale at reasonable prices?

Be aware that on CF the membership ranges from people who are very wealthy to people who are very poor. IMO you, like I, are in the latter category. $38K is chickenfeed if you get yourself confused about what group you belong to.

Accept with grace that you belong in the latter group. Then come here - to Vancouver - and boat-shop here. Long distance boat-shopping is, IMO, a mug's game. Once you are here, the whole coast will open up for you. Stu is on "The Island". Bet you dollars to peanuts that where he is, there are good boats for sale, though they will not likely be actively advertised. Powell River, Nanaimo, Gibsons, Ladysmith, et al, are all within easy reach of Vancouver. and there are good boats for sale in all of those places.

C&C 27s and Mirage 27s go for about five grand UNLESS you buy through a broker. You just have to keep your eyes open.

My approach - because I'm poor and because I'll get poorer thanks to my advanced age and the way the world is going - was to buy cheap and to re-engine. With a brand new BETA 20 in the boat she'll live to be a hundred, and engine repair (as opposed to maintenance) will never become a problem.

If you choose to go that route count on 5 - 10 grand for a serviceable boat and fifteen grand for the engine replacement. That'll still leave you a little money left over.

Also be aware that if you deal with a broker, the settlement price tend to be 50 - 60 percent of the listing price.

Be aware that permanent moorage is difficult to find on this coast. LIVE-ABOARD permanent moorage is nearly impossible to find. But you say you don't like marinas in any event so that may not be a problem for you.

Running time from suitable "hidey-holes" to government wharves and to marinas with small stores where you can provision is counted in a (very) few hours almost everywhere on this coast.

Should you have to go back "on the road" to top up your bank account there are many marinas that offer "concierge service" so someone will keep an eye on your boat while you are gone.

Moorage (if you can find it) is five grand a year in the Vancouver area, about half of that elsewhere. I think there are three vacancies in my Marina is West Vancouver. I could ask for you. If I'm right I should think you could negotiate something for the remainder of this season, ending 31 March. Marina would, of course, need payment even if you haven't yet a boat to put in the slip.

I also think that the adjacent yard has one or two smallish (27 or 30 footers) for sale at a reasonable price.

TrentePieds

I love your blunt honesty, haha there should be an emote for laughing.

I am aware I am a bottom feeder in terms of finances, no shame here.

If I find a suitable boat I plan to store it on the hard when I am back at work as my job is like a prison sentence (when you're in you're in) though prisoners get to work out an hour a day so they have that over me, haha. But yeah, I'd much rather not have to worry about my boat sinking. I'm guessing boats being blown over in dry storage is rare. I wont even dream of storing it near Vancouver, everything there is too expensive for my miserly ways.

I'm not worried about permanent moorage either, I don't like to be in the same place two days in a row, partly why I want to live on a boat

Thanks for the advice and the laughs.

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by windshadowthree

I forgot to mention in my last post: Get Don Casey's book, "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" before you go any further. This book would also be helpful for power boats. If I had of read that book before purchasing a previous boat, I would have saved myself about 6k!
This book is excellent! You can do your own preliminary surveys on interested vessels and when you finally, after viewing several duds, find the one that passes your survey, hire a professional surveyor for the boat and another mechanical survey for the motor. My $300 mechanical survey saved me a $900 bill, netting me a total saving of $600. Canadian $. Bottom line, get the book!

How many books does Don Casey have? Haha I had This Old Boat previously but I don't recall how into pre-purchase inspections it went. I will see if I can get that book used Thank you

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

Keto: (supplementary)

Went back to read you first post. I deduce that you are, in fact, a Canadian citizen.

If so: Don't forget, when you lay your budget, that on EVERYTHING including the original purchase of the boat you must pay 12% GST/HST. If you buy in the US, there may or may not be Customs Duty payable. Inquire in each instance. There will, in addition to Duty, be GST/HST payable at 12% ad valorem.

If you are NOT a Canadian Citizen, you may, provided you meet the requirements in regard to visas etc. come here with your boat as a visitor, for 182 days in any year, but must then depart again for the remainder of the year (183 or 184 days). On a Visitor's Visa you are NOT permitted to take employment. I sometimes sense that US citizens believe that moving from the US to Canada is as simple as moving from one US state to another. That is NOT the case! To obtain "Permanent Resident" status, equivalent in many respects to possessing a US "Green Card", US citizens must jump precisely the same hoops as citizens of any other nation.

TrentePieds

You are correct, I was born in Canada and have maintained citizenship my whole life Last time I crossed the border I didn't think to ask but there has probably been a huge rise in US citizens trying to move to Canada as if it were no different than, say Montana, haha, I know some people are pretty upset about the whole Trump thing and talking about pulling up stakes. Hopefully most do their research (like how we have PM with no political experience here too bahahaha).

But yeah, that 12% gst/pst is going to be a drag, too bad there are no vegas for sale in Alberta.

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by robbievardon

Winter in Canada is a time of boat buying bargains. Storage fees of $1500 to $2000 are a real incentive to owners to sell if they are changing boats or giving up. It is possible to obtain a boat "Free" just to get the owner out of the storage fee and the boats are by no means "a wreck" For your needs assuming you are going to live a simple life 25ft to 27 ft is a good length as you can find many versions with varying internal layouts and varying prices. I have seen recently the same make and size of boat on "o b o " from less than $3000 to more than $15000. this is all about equipment and condition and not necessarily age. First you need to go and see some boats to decide what layout you like internally,does it have a head, what is the cabin headroom,is it organised on deck for a single sailor,ie can you manage the sails from the cockpit? Unless you are thinking South, the sailing season is over for most of Canada so you can find boats for sale where the price includes winter storage and putting the boat back in the water next year. I would suggest you pick 2 or 3 types then start looking at the for sale adds. For some reason which I cannot understand many sailors seem reluctant to post many pictures of inside and out of their boat and the quality/angle of the shots is often poor along with little technical data. Others give lots of pics, tech data and service history. I have seen both. You can of course ask for more details but quite often it is slow to arrive at all with a typical response of "thats all the pics i have" Think modern cell phone!!!! Having said that no information does not always mean the boat is not worth seeing/buying.I would suggest that if you are not desparate to become a nomad you consider waiting till next spring to buy.Although prices will go up then,the problem now is that many boats have been wrapped up for winter so you can*t see inside. Next viewing for a boat I was interested in is April 2017! To start you off try searching Kijiji webb site, you can select price,size,area to avoid a few thousand adds. Best of luck, but you have to balance a mixture of patience and speed to get the bargains, Robbie

I will be on the West coast so winter is better than summer for sailing. Winds can be heavy but in the BC summers its often foggy and devoid of wind or really light winds. Plus drysuit = endless summer as long as the thermometer gets above freezing during the day yay West Coast! I gather you are in the East?

[uncle stinkybob]

Some here will tell you that you need a million in the bank to own a boat and cruise. rubbish! It all depends on your ability to live within means, do all the work needing done yourself. and the guts to give it all you got. Do it and do it now.

[kennyarmes]

Keto
I am here in the west coast and sail all year long as well when off the truck and time allows. Good luck with finding a boat. Look hard at the way it was taken care of and if you can get receipts that the previous owner has to prove that the work has been done (if it was done by a company ) mine was done mostly by a company. Good luck

[Juho]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

HEAT is also critical. Critical. As in very important. Boats from other climes usually don't have it. Buy local, save the cost of moving it.

In addition to having some kind of a heating system I recommend investing in a good down duvet. You can save on heating costs and trouble that way. I often heat the boat shortly just before going to bed (an sleep vey comfortably until the sun comes back and starts heating the boat next morning).

[TrentePieds]

Quote: "I recommend investing in a good down duvet."

Duvets are luvverly, but in a SMALL boat?? Damn nuisance, stowagewise, sez I.

However, where Keto is going, a good mountaineering sleeping bag from that exemplary, hardcore socialist enterprise named Mountain Equipment Coop, headquartered in Vancouver, and jammed from floor to ceiling - several stories worth - with QUALITY stuff, is the way to go. They sell bags that'll keep you snuggly down to -30ºC, and that ain't gonna happen in the Salish Sea.

Personally I'm happy with a lesser bag. But I keep my hoodie on, cos I'm bald and my bag doesn't have a hood.

It isn't the cold that gets you here, it's the dampness. So far so good. we mostly manage to dry our stuff. But if you really can't get your stuff dry - or live with it wet as we used to do when sailors were sailors and women were glad of it - you pull into a marina and go to the wash house and stick it through the dryer. Remember, excellent marinas are only an hour or two away regardless of where you are around here.

TrentePieds

[TrentePieds]

Quote: " too bad there are no vegas for sale in Alberta."

I know where there is a US30 you can have for fifteen HUNNERT bux. On the hard, in an EXCELLENT yard that'll let you do as much of your own work as you like. And help you with the hard stuff for a moderate charge. Hull looks okay, but I haven't been below. I was told that the interior was "being worked on" when the owner went sideways. Outboard engine. Probably only fit for scrap, but in a hull that size you want an inboard diesel anyway.

If you are interested in a look, even just as a learning experience, drop me a PM. You'll find that there is MUCH more room in a 30 than in a 27! You will also find that an "American type" hull has MUCH more room that a Scowegian type hull. And you'll find that the Murrican hull and rig will go faster in Salish weather than the Scowegian. IMO those things are important for what you want to do and where you want to do it.

TrentePieds

[KetoNomad]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

Quote: "I recommend investing in a good down duvet."

Duvets are luvverly, but in a SMALL boat?? Damn nuisance, stowagewise, sez I.

However, where Keto is going, a good mountaineering sleeping bag from that exemplary, hardcore socialist enterprise named Mountain Equipment Coop, headquartered in Vancouver, and jammed from floor to ceiling - several stories worth - with QUALITY stuff, is the way to go. They sell bags that'll keep you snuggly down to -30ºC, and that ain't gonna happen in the Salish Sea.

Personally I'm happy with a lesser bag. But I keep my hoodie on, cos I'm bald and my bag doesn't have a hood.

It isn't the cold that gets you here, it's the dampness. So far so good. we mostly manage to dry our stuff. But if you really can't get your stuff dry - or live with it wet as we used to do when sailors were sailors and women were glad of it - you pull into a marina and go to the wash house and stick it through the dryer. Remember, excellent marinas are only an hour or two away regardless of where you are around here.

TrentePieds

Hardcore socialist MEC haha, thanks for that. Your writing style cracks me up.😂

I'll get another Marmot Trestles bag. Actually fits my girraffe like body! Never liked down "It's worthless when wet" they say. In BC they might as well save their breath and say it's worthless hsha.

Well with your local knowledge and thirty feet you MUST be from the Southwest, am I right?

[KetoNomad]

Yeah I think I would pass on that boat even if it didnt need a ton of work. I dont like the exposed rudder and the hull bulged out so much in the middle. Reminds me of my last boat and it would rock side to side like crazy with minor waves. Seakindliness is of utmost importance to me. I uh...am not fond of barfing lol��