Entry level liveaboard-cruising boat

[ineedmonies]

Thanks so much for the warm welcomes and advice, I really appreciate it.

One thing I find so baffling so far is how drastically different view points on certain vessels can be. For example I have read many Morgan OI owners rave about their boats and how sturdy they are even in blue waters, mainly 38´s and 41´s, but here and other places they are generally said not to be great sailers and not for blue waters. Additionally Islander Freeports have been mentioned as great boats capable of blue water passages yet in this thread http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tchs-8572.html they are said not to do all that well in weather and are mainly coastal cruisers.

More than anything this has just made me realize I need to get out and start sailing on as many boats as possible to see what I like and what I will feel comfortable in. Any tips on being about to get sailing experience without spending a bunch of money? I will be moving to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in about a week. Plan on joining the yacht club and hoping to get experience as crew and help out with anything and everything I can in exchange for sailing.

Anyways, thanks again!!

[ineedmonies]

Also, what are the general characteristics of a boat that is blue water capable? Thanks!

[Cormorant]

That question has been asked and answered here many times. See if this link brings you to some of the relevant threads:

https://www.google.com/search?q=site...+water+capable

[Jack_Tar]

There are islanders and there are ISLANDERS. Islander this and Islander that. Islanders cone in various models designed and built by different people. My information and experience is limited to Islander Freeports. Designed by Bob Perry. This boat is capable of blue water and coastal sailing. Evident by their dispersal around the word. I have met Bob and he lives here in Washington. If you would like to talk with him or ask questions he is very friendly and open. He posts on a web site called Sailing Anarchy. I know the many designs he has done and several are very heavy boats in deed. Baba for example. As for renting like mentioned well lets say perhaps if we were all rich.

With any boat there are strong points and weak. The Islander Freeport when built used a very thin window = weak point. There are several kits offered to upgrade. As for the rest of the boat she is built like a tank. Keel stepped mast. Engine set nice and low. A huge amount of storage. So depending on your likes and dislikes we may all just as well argue about anchors. It's a mystery. Any opinion posted can be debated with no end. It boils down to ya pics your boat and take your chance.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Not raining on anybody's parade here... Just first hand observations...

The PO to my Morgan stepped up to a 41' Islander Freeport... Awesome room, 5x bigger inside... Heavy and seaworthy as heck... BUT... BUT... BUT... When we would go sailing together to the islands, I could sail circles around him in speed and maneuverability in the Morgan... Often having to wait up for him...

He moved on to a 36 Union and a 41' Morgan pretty quickly loving the Islander for some things, but not enough for the disadvantages above...

He might have the 41' Morgan for sale still... Brand new fit out... needing very little for world cruising.... under 40k....

[Mimsy]

There are so many options open to you if you are willing to go under 40 feet. Where are you located?

[Jack_Tar]

What I am trying to get across is there is a major differance between the Islanders. Here is a link to an Islander 36. My Gallery (2 of 5)

Here is an Islander Freeport 36. islander freeport 36 - Google Search

Stella Luna is located in Tacoma Wa.

[Jack_Tar]

[Jack_Tar]

Here is a link to some 200+ pictures of Stella Luna http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWbdu0Zs2qZ

[ineedmonies]

Where are you located?

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If anybody is around and needs help with anything or just wants to take a friendly couple for a cruise in exchange for cold beer just send me a pm.

[Hudson Force]

There's been much posting here about Out Islands and Islanders. Please don't mix them. I'm often frustrated when people say they have a Morgan Out Islander,- 'no such boat! I've been living on the Out Islands since 1973 and enjoy all they have to offer. I'm also fond of the Islanders. Neither are "performance" boats, but they both fill a niche.

[henryk]

My Cruising friends are selling their 44 footer for mere $35000 , negotiable. Sarabande was built in the 60-ties but they invested a ton of money in to her . She's on Craigslist in St Thomas and already in the Caribbean.

[Jack Tar]

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWbdu0Zs2qZ

No fixing needed. Ready to go.

[barnakiel]

my frist sailboat,

fixing up something,

Sea-worthyness,

Reliability,

two years to fix everything up,

a Morgan oi 33,

going around the world?

It sounds like there may be some contradictions. To me, fixing things up and reliability do not match, unless you are a skilled boat-builder, or else a keen and experienced boat owner.

If it is your first boat, get one that is ready to sail. Spend two years sailing rather than fixing up.

my 2 cents
b.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

There's been much posting here about Out Islands and Islanders. Please don't mix them. I'm often frustrated when people say they have a Morgan Out Islander,- 'no such boat! I've been living on the Out Islands since 1973 and enjoy all they have to offer. I'm also fond of the Islanders. Neither are "performance" boats, but they both fill a niche.

I believe the Morgan OI 41 was called the Out Island (OI) 41....