Advice for old but sturdy 25-30ft blue water cruisers

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by SteveSpring

When I was researching what I wanted my next boat to be (bearing in mind it was to be a liveaboard, I looked at lots of boats from 27 to 33 feet. I was looking at older types of boats, as I had a definite fixed budget, so was looking at Rival 32's, Elizabethan 29's, and so on. In the end up, I settled on an LM27, as although shorter in overall length to the others, the space inside was surprisingly good for a 27 footer. And it also saves quite a lot in marina fees, so maybe the old adage of getting the smallest boat you'd be comfortable living on applies? As per the pics posted by Pete, the whole boat is useable space (mine has pilot house doors mind you). In summer the cockpit is alfresco dining and lounging (maybe I jest, OK a few days in Scotland LOL) and in winter it becomes my entrance porch, where shoes and wet gear gets dumped.

I'll be honest, it's not a style of boat I initially could see myself in, but it is working out really well, and she CAN ACTUALLY SAIL! No windward beast in terms of pointing, but every boat is going to be a trade off...

Anyway, the point I'm trying to get across is not to dismiss some of the shorter contenders in trying to stay under 10 metres...

I completely agree.. also I doubt your ambition is to cross the Atlantic in her but.. for what I understand your aims to be she is near perfect..

[SteveSpring]

Indeed... If I get to the crossing ocean stage, she will get punted for something more suitable, but that's a long way off!

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I was not trying for conversion accuracy..
The important point I wanted to get across was keep it under 10metres as it can save one upto and over 1000 euros a year in marina fees than a boat that's 10.01 metres.
Some have been known to measure boats and its not just LOD.. they will include overhangs like anchors and arches/davits.

I wasn't looking at conversion accuracy either I was pointing out that 32ft of boat is still under the 10m point and when you are looking at sailboats 2ft can make a heck of a difference in living space. ( depending on cabin layout.) I hadn't seen many 30ft with aft cabins but there are several 32ft boats that do have one.

[ravinracin]

Originally Posted by newhaul

hence my preference for flush deck boats lots more room in cabin.

Flush deck = stooped back on my 24'. A year of being stooped over and she was sold.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by ravinracin

Flush deck = stooped back on my 24'. A year of being stooped over and she was sold.

my 24 has companionway that raises for standing headroom in port or at anchor. My new to me 29 is awesome in the headroom dept. Safety underway no cabin trunk to work around.