Buying my first sailboat.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

No...

Sorry Bobby, I agree.

[bacon80122]

There are 2 yahoo group sites I love to scan you might find something for your needs.
Freesailboats , and Sailboatstuff
I've seen great boats in your area (NW) that range from "no way!" to the well equipped gem needing cleanup from non use. The moderator only reposts what he finds on Craigslist and eBay from central to west coast. He has a full time job and is lax on east coast a bit. I've seen some great buys for cheap and just point and go " oo - oo" as I'm trying to stay out of more new projects at 70.

Bryan , centennial CO & Pine Is. FL

[jmschmidt]

In your first sentence you asked if your were "crazy. In your second sentence you stated that you "live in Portland, Oregon." I was born there and now live in Hawaii and sail only between 20 degrees North latitude and 20 degrees South latitude. Does that answer your question. Just kidding. I still like the NW but please don't go offshore there, or anywhere else, until you have a strong boat and about 1,000 years of experience crewing for someone else on a strong boat. PS: I was not kidding about the 20N to 20S, well, OK maybe 25/25.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Look for 48 Degrees North (magazine for boating).

They are online too and have classifieds.

Good luck.

My Opinion?

A 25-27 foot boat is like camping in a tent with a porta potty and OK for a single guy or gal. But they can be very small spaces inside.

I have seen small Catalinas (in sailing condition) for $4-5K. But, they are small inside.

[jangann]

The good thing about $5000 is that if you hate living on this boat, you're not out much. I think 27 is about the size you can afford while at the same time not being miserable. Make sure you can stand up. I agree you want a cockpit enclosure if you're going live aboard up there.

A 25 is possible, but I think you'll want the 27. Good luck and report back.


An Ocean Lover in Maine.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by BobbyOrtega

So here's what I consider to be a realistic goal. I'm hoping maybe you can tell me if I'm crazy or not.

I live in Portland Oregon and plan on purchasing a used sailboat to do some daysailing and light weekend cruising on the Columbia river.

I'm looking to find something in the 22'-30' foot range.

A boat that is ready to sail off the slip. Something that is not riddled with expensive problems. And something I could liveaboard in only moderate discomfort when my landlord eventually sells the house and my cheap rent goes away in a year or so.

I'm looking to spend 5k or less. I fully expect to spend further time and money on maintaining and improving the boat but for the most part want something thats mostly turn-key.

I have no illusions of sailing to fiji in this boat, just exploring the columbia and possibly the puget sound when I feel ready for that. Ideally I'd like something I could feel ok about sailing up the coast to Washington and not trailering but I'm flexible on that. Comfort, condition, and price are the biggest factors for me.

Do you think, with my budget, I can find something that would suit my needs aside from some of the hideous cheap boats out there in my price range?

Years back I had a 27' ODay that would probably meet your needs if you can find one. As I recall it had a hell of a weather helm but sail pretty well. I think they discontinued them for a 28'er that was beamier.

Good luck with that budget.

[Time2Go]

I'd also look at Ericson 27's
I sold mine many years ago to a fellow that lived on it
For 3 years with his girlfriend and two dogs
It can be done, he sailed it on western Long Island sound
I do miss the "Live n' Learn" and I hope it's still going
Had an Atomic 4 engine. Don't be scared of these
Never knew of one that blew up even though they were nicknamed
The Atomic bomb. I would imagine that most 27's in your price range are gonna have these