Paul
Your knowledge of
computers seems to be the central topic. Perhaps you need some
real life involvement, and that is going to be a beast of an effort. That not only
involves a pretty boat on the computer adds, but your
safety and the
safety of
your
family at sea.
What type of vessel are you looking for ? What is your experience as to seamanship and sailing ?. Where would you be sailing this boat ?. What length ?, mono or cat ?
Are you planning on
buying in your local area, or some other state, coast or country ?.
One thing that is very true. It is hard to find a well built, well maintained vessel, in the
used boat market. I do not believe a bloody word that any boat seller, or
broker
tells me.
Also, if I were planning on
purchasing a sailing vessel, I would have in narrowed
down to
LOA, manufacturer, age ( newer is much better ), and going thru
my own several hour
inspection list of every
single system, all
rigging,
engine and tranny, sails, inventory,
head room, berth length,
cabin sole,
portlights and hatches,
hull, topsides, bow to stern, port to starboard ,and above and below the
water line, and if that all checked out, do a several hour sea trial , under sail, and get an independent and respected
survey.
Many times, people get all excited about
buying a boat, but they really do not have
the knowledge or experience in what type of vessel they want, or what to look for.
It is a whole brand new and exciting world .
In that case, and I am not saying that is your situation, hold up a bit.
Join a sailing club that has many, many different types of vessels. Take the several
hours of lessons, on several different types of vessels. You will learn what you
like and do not like and what vessels appeal to you and those that dont.
No huge financial mistake.
After the check outs, sail those boats that you might like, not just day sails but
for three day weekends or more in all sailing conditions. You then can make an educated selection, and narrow down the field and chose the correct vessel for you and your
family.
.
Or if that is not the case, then as others have mentioned, you have a lot of
work and searching, and SWAG'S in your future.
And be aware, that used and older boats can have loads of problems and deferred
maintenance, and systems problems, and
rigging problems. You are not going to
discover hose problems from a spread sheet.
Take it for what it is worth, we are actually trying to help you, but have little or
no knowledge of your experience or what type of vessel you even want.
Wish you good fortune.