Boat Shopping...Need Suggestions

[Carat]

House is now under contract....I am now very actively searching for a suitable boat. With that said, I will be looking in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas...possibly Texas and Illinois.
There is 79 Fuji 32 ketch I like in TX, but want to consider other boats. Pacific's are too expensive at the size I want.
I want at least 32 ft....was looking at 27 ft boats, but I want more space. I will be taking boat to Florida in the future and plan to cruise to Bahamas.
What boats should I look for that aren't cheaply made and fall apart or leak a lot?
Thanks for any help.

[S/V Reveille]

Minimum 32 feet. Shallow Draft (Bahamas).
Provide some more details as to your requirements and wish list. What's the budget?

[S/V Reveille]

Oh, and congratulations on selling the house... That's a milestone, and sounds like you are well on your way!

[Calif.Ted]

Why are you looking for a sailboat in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas...?
I think "possibly Texas" is the only one that shares an ocean with Florida and the carribean.

[Carat]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

Why are you looking for a sailboat in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas...?
I think "possibly Texas" is the only one that shares an ocean with Florida and the carribean.

I'm in Missouri. There are lakes around here with sailboats. The close states are convenient for me to travel without having to fly or spend a whole day driving to the location. But I'll do it for the right boat. Just trying to alleviate the stress on me in this search.

[Carat]

Originally Posted by Mark0808

Minimum 32 feet. Shallow Draft (Bahamas).
Provide some more details as to your requirements and wish list. What's the budget?

Budget....$15k to 25k..up to $30k. I am wanting to trade my car, which is valued at $12,800, so add that to my cash to spend if seller wants a muscle car in partial trade. I don't mind a fixer-upper as long as it's not major damage and repair. I work on my own vehicles, so repairing things and getting filthy doing so does not scare me.
I want a shower, if possible. Don't care about head system because I'll remove that and replace with a compost. I'd like a larger fridge because I like to eat...but I'm vegan so I don't need to store meat. Just fruits and veggies.
Seems like most of the boats I like are in TX so far.
What about flood damaged boats from the hurricane? Are they red flags or can I find a good deal?

[cpt_757]

How do you take a boat from MO to Fl, trailer? Transportation will be a headache unless you have extra $10,000 to spend.

[Carat]

Originally Posted by cpt_757

How do you take a boat from MO to Fl, trailer? Transportation will be a headache unless you have extra $10,000 to spend.

Since I'll be pretty much homeless after closing and I move out of house, I can go anywhere. So, I realize I don't have to be confined to any state. Also, I have contacted transport companies to check prices...and it's not $10k. But, I am prepared to pay transport if I need to.

[goat]

Make sure you look at the west side too. You can always go through the canal or ship overland if the sea of cortez isn't your cup of tea.
http://sancarlosyachtsales.com/sail-boats-for-sale

goat

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Carat

Since I'll be pretty much homeless after closing and I move out of house, I can go anywhere. So, I realize I don't have to be confined to any state. Also, I have contacted transport companies to check prices...and it's not $10k. But, I am prepared to pay transport if I need to.

The final cost of transportation will greatly depend on the boat. In the 27-32' range you are right at the breaking point. Beam over 8' requires permits in most states. Beam over 10-11' again depending on the states, could require permits and and escort, maybe two.

If you fall into the 10-11' category the trip will cost several thousand dollars. Might not be $10K but it will be a lot. Don't forget yard charges to lift the boat on and off the trailer, crane charge to pull and restep the mast.

Bottom line, unless you find the deal of the century inland you will do a LOT better buying on the coast.