best boat under 80k cruising keys, bahamas, carribean.

[Blue Crab]

:whist ling:

you don't need a bigger boat. you want one. after the 40' you buy, you'll want a big cat. just get the cat now. no better boat for those weekend jaunts.

[Cheechako]

Yes, shallow draft will be nice for sure.... If the boat is just a tool to get you there then something like a Morgan OI 41 is fine. However, they are getting pretty long in the tooth....You dont want to go to something that becomes a continual project... so maybe get what you can afford that is the same year or newer than yours....and similar condition. Shallow draft will limit your choices a little but if spend a lot of time in the Bahamas and want to get off the beaten track you'll be glad you have it...

[jewel114]

Steven,
Go in the boat you have. Make a nest for your daughter and don't woory about it. My wife and I spent 60 days camping in Europe on bicycles with our 13 year old son towing our 6 year old daughter in a trailer. Kids are learning about life at this stage and what you teach themis what they know. Cruising kids are great kids. We are retired teachers and are encourging you to go.
We have cruised the East Coast and Bahamas since 1996 and will go agin next year in our Dana. Had a Hans and Island packet before. We are self taught Californians so you are not5 unique. Harley

[Pblais]

There really is no such thing as a "best boat". When you are shopping at the modest end of the price range what you pay for the boat may not be most of what it will cost you to make ready and outfit. It's all money you spend so spending up front or later costs about the same.

You need to sort out your life style and what you need vs what you want. For the "best boat" it's more about you than it is about the brand name on the boat. Being happy is the sweet spot for all things. Great boat names come in all shades of wrecks too. Given a list of boats you have examined and are really for sale and fit basic requirements. The "best boat" is usually the one from the list in the best condition. Let someone else buy the others.

For prolonged travel nothing beats a big boat you can fill with all your crap - most of which you only think you need. As I say it's mostly about you and not the boat! It's not that technical.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Yes, shallow draft will be nice for sure.... If the boat is just a tool to get you there then something like a Morgan OI 41 is fine. However, they are getting pretty long in the tooth..........................

I found some humor with this statement realizing that I've been cruising on a 1973 Morgan since 1973. I think I'm getting pretty "long in the tooth" too!

[barnakiel]

What are wind conditions in Bahamas? Is a heavy boat good option or should one look for a light craft?

b.

[barnakiel]

That Krogen ship (very nice indeed) is 6 feet deep - is it not too much for Bahamas?

barnie

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

That Krogen ship (very nice indeed) is 6 feet deep - is it not too much for Bahamas?

barnie

Only draws 3'2" with the centerboards up.

Kadey Krogen 38 Review: Tandem Centerboard Gunkholer - Waves « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

As for wind, I think the easterly trades hit the Bahamas.

[Blue Crab]

As for wind, I think the easterly trades hit the Bahamas.

Yes Mon. It be called the "Torney Poth".

[barnakiel]

Argh - yes, now that I looked up other K 38 at yachtworld I can see some of them are quoted with centerboard. Well then - centerboard up and into the shallow water we go. Somehow this boat reminds me of Ericson 36 - the same sort of well in the bow and then the spacious cockpit. Very nice boat.

b.

[svjustus]

We have been living aboard & cruising for 8 yrs. in our Irwin 42' CC. The first 2 yrs. our two then teenage daughters were with us. (East Coast, Bahamas, West Coast of FL., Chesepeake, etc.) She has a 4 1/2' draft and at 29000 lbs., she is certainly heavy!! The roominess & storage are great!! Our boat is a 1975, so we are refitting her right now but we love her & wouldn't trade her. Irwins are a production boat and they do fit into your budget. Check them out on Yacht World. Happy sailing!!

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

Yes Mon. It be called the "Torney Poth".

Yep. But that's pretty generic. I mean if the location calls for a lighter or a heavier craft. Unless one wants to motor a lot.

b.

[Noname]

Call me biased but a used Island Packet would meet your requirements.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Yep. But that's pretty generic. I mean if the location calls for a lighter or a heavier craft. Unless one wants to motor a lot.

You'd want heavier so you'd didn't get beaten up as much. island packet would be ideal.

[Hudson Force]

I don't consider the Bahamas to be in the trades or the "thorny path". Those terms better describe the Caribbean. There's little "beating up" going on unless you catch the tropical storm or the northers that can last five days to a week or so in the winter, but it's full of protected anchorages. In the summer the winds are generally light with some afternoon thunderstorms. I like the spring best for consistent pleasant winds. Heavier cruisers or the "featherdusters" can do well.