What are some of your must-haves

[model 10]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

Engine access.
More engine access.
Even more engine access.

I think I bought our boat, on a good part because of engine access. That has turned out to be a good plan.

[gjordan]

Most of the boats that I have seen with twin helms and open sterns (not talking sugar scoops) are very race related boats. High tech race boats are only sometimes good cruising boats for small crews. I have not sailed any of the twin helm/open transom boats but (in my opinion) dont think they would make a comfortable, easily handled cruising boat. They do look good in add copy though. ______Grant.

[skipmac]

At the end of the day, if you really want to go sailing the only must haves are a hull, mast, sails, a way to steer AND a bucket.

But the things I really want to make living on a boat more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable:

- A real bed. Not a pull out berth in the main salon and not the forepeak (aka sail locker or alternatively a bounce house when underway at sea)
- A real shower stall. Shower in the head leaves everything wet and messy.
- A good bimini top for use underway. A good boom tent for use at anchor.
- A fridge to keep some fresh good.
- A decent galley including a stove with an oven.

The list could go on and on but that's a good starting point.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I have never Chartered, but believe picking a boat based on chartering, would be like picking a wife based on a Honeymoon.

Chartering is more like the dating that you do before you marry. Most people don't create a list of criteria, pick a person that meets all the criteria, and then ask to marry them after one or two meetings. Yet people DO seem to buy boats that way!

Chartering is like dating around a bit. You get to know different types, realize what you like and don't like, realize what you can tolerate and cannot tolerate, establish the criteria that are truly important, and finally figure out what it is that makes one just right for you.

Like others here, I would strongly recommend chartering (preferably for several weeks at a time, if possible) before buying.

[a64pilot]

I looked at Chartering and while I assume it would have been enjoyable, I decided to spend the money on a generator and a watermaker, or autopilot and new Radar and chartplotter instead.
I just couldn't justify the cost, it would be I guess like if you had to pay Alimony for those dates

[Our Tyme]

a64pilot

Ken
(SEL)

[denverd0n]

No, alimony is an on-going cost. Chartering is more like paying for dinner and a movie. Then you can do it again, or move on. Your choice.

I would much rather pay for dinner and a movie many times over than marry the wrong person.

[barnakiel]

Yep. Chartering is nearly always THE answer.

Boats / long term cruising / ocean sailing are things for the vagrant, lazy and shameless. Modern mind is not cut attention, dedication and perseverance.

Chartering is like reading a comic strip, cruising is like reading a Mann's novel.

b.