Buying a Used Sailboat

[rexrhr]

I am 62 and have been to the Carribean 10 times and have finally decided to buy a sailboat and cruise the islands with my wife and friends. Any suggestions on where to buy the boat and where to slip it. I want something around 40 ft and a reasonable slip fee.

[Pete7]

Welcome to CF, there is an interesting saying in Europe that your next boat is within 15 miles of you, ours was 8 miles away. Might be a bit tricky if you are mid US though.

There is such a huge range of boats that would suit, your problem is probably where to start both in make and location.

Where are you located now?


Pete

[rexrhr]

Thanks Pete: I live in Arkansas and have taken courses in sailing and now i want to do it myself. I want to only spend about 50-100 k for a boat. Where to keep it is the problem. can i get a slip in the carribean at a reasonable cost? Dont know this yet or should i keep it in Florida or better yet Puerto Rica close to the Virgin Islands my favorite spots. Any help would be appreciated.

[speedoo]

Are you planning to cruise part-time or full time? Have you chartered in the Caribbean?

[rexrhr]

I plan to cruise at least 4 times a year if possible

[rexrhr]

I have chartered several times but now have the training to do it myself

[Alan Brown]

Rex,

You have asked a very broad question that is almost impossible to answer without more information.

For example:

1. Where do you live. Some areas of the country have lots of boats for sale, others, very few?

2. How many persons will be aboard to crew?

3. What's your experience level? Is this your first boat, etc.?

The list is endless!

Please tell us more about yourself and your plans.

[rexrhr]

1. Live in Arkansas 2. 2 to 6 will be aboard 3. I have completed ASA courses 101,103,104,114 4.This will be my first boat 5. I want to go to the Islands at least 2-4 times a year. I want a used boat and dont want to spend more than 100k

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by rexrhr

1. Live in Arkansas 2. 2 to 6 will be aboard 3. I have completed ASA courses 101,103,104,114 4.This will be my first boat 5. I want to go to the Islands at least 2-4 times a year. I want a used boat and dont want to spend more than 100k

Which Islands, and for how long each trip?

If you cruise in the Bahamas, it is possible to dock the boat in Ft. Lauderdale pretty inexpensively, but not at a marina. And Ft. Lauderdale is a great place to buy a boat as well.

[Boracay]

I'm curious as to why you want a sailboat. At 62 it must be starting to get more difficult to move about unless you're unusually blessed, and it doesn't sound like your wife is experienced enough to run the boat.

Have you considered a trawler type? I'm also 62 and if we had the range of trawlers available in the US here I'd probably have brought one. As it is I'll probably move over after our first major trip if the Admiral is still game.

I did a Yachtworld search on trawlers $60k to $100k in the US and got over 500 hits.

Other members would know better than me their suitability for cruising the islands.

Why do you need to go 4-5 times a year?

[skipmac]

Hello Rexrhr,

A few additional comments and info. For $50-$100 K and a 40' boat, unless you get real lucky you should expect to do a good bit of repair and maintenance to get the boat up to speed.

If you plan on keeping the boat somewhere and going to the islands a few times a year I see two options. 1. Keep it in FL since anywhere else in the US will add at least another week to get to any islands. 2. Keep it in the islands somewhere.

If you keep it in FL you can stay at a marina, on a mooring or at a private dock. Marinas for 40' start about $400/month and go up. South FL could be double that. Moorings start around $200. Private docks usually 50-75% of a marina in the area.

In the islands I don't know of too many private docks and only a few places offer moorings so you will probably have to go for a marina. Costs vary a lot depending on where in the islands. You would need to narrow down the area to get a better idea.

Skip

[s/v Beth]

Originally Posted by Boracay

I'm curious as to why you want a sailboat. At 62 it must be starting to get more difficult to move about unless you're unusually blessed, and it doesn't sound like your wife is experienced enough to run the boat.

I'm 52 and I thought I was just entering into my sailing prime. I can singlehand my 40 footer, but it is a bit big for just me and my wife.
My 23 footer, on the other hand is just perfect for the two of us for short trips...
How about a 25-30 footer for extended fun for two? Sailboats do not have to be difficult. They do require a lot of knowledge however....

[nautical62]

I didn't catch how long you wish to cruise each time. If your total yearly cruise time is 8 weeks or less, consider buying a boat in charter management. You may get 45% of the cost back in income and have no dockage, maintenance, or insurance costs.

In terms of purchasing, I'd also look in the Caribbean. There are many boats for sale in the Virgin Islands. Perhaps combine a charter with some boat shopping.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by rexrhr

I want to go to the Islands at least 2-4 times a year.

If I went to the islands four times a year I would be gone at least 10 of the 12 months, maybe more..............sweet!