How much of a bluewater/open ocean boat do I actually need?

[GordMay]

It would be interesting to see a word frequency study, on this and other cruising/sailing/boating forums.
I’d hazzard the guess that one of the most frequently expressed standards of acceptance would be (some iteration of) “cheap”, often prefacing some other, usually expensive, criteria like strong, durable, best ...

[camaraderie]

Redbull... you are right of course that it would be possible for a high volume production boat mfr. to produce a very seaworthy blue-water boat with all the right attributes at a cost that would be substantially reduced from the current crop of semi-production and custom boats.
The problem is that the boat would still be priced way higher than their non-bluewater boats and would not have any appeal to the 95% + boaters who do not need a blue water vessel and want to spend their boat bucks on other things...whether they be Bose music systems or Mylar sails.
In order to JUSTIFY the tools and equipment for such a vessel...the mfr. needs to be able to sell in VOLUME. Thats why you don't see 'em.
Cheapest 35-45' current production boat suitable for long term ocean cruising I see out there is the Caliber 40. It would go for about 350-400k suitably equipped whereas a Hunter41 equipped for comfortable coastal cruising would run about 100k less...and the Caliber cockpit and interior probably provides about the same space as a Hunter 36 from a WAF (wife acceptance factor) standpoint.
Does anyone else know of a bluewater 35-45' currently produced boat that comes in at less than $350k for new?

[Brent Swain]

Older boats( albergs , frasers, spencers etc) are far betterboats than newer boats like hunters or beneteaus at a fraction the price.
Brent

[Crossett]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Redbull... you are right of course that it would be possible for a high volume production boat mfr. to produce a very seaworthy blue-water boat with all the right attributes at a cost that would be substantially reduced from the current crop of semi-production and custom boats.
The problem is that the boat would still be priced way higher than their non-bluewater boats and would not have any appeal to the 95% + boaters who do not need a blue water vessel and want to spend their boat bucks on other things...whether they be Bose music systems or Mylar sails.
In order to JUSTIFY the tools and equipment for such a vessel...the mfr. needs to be able to sell in VOLUME. Thats why you don't see 'em.
Cheapest 35-45' current production boat suitable for long term ocean cruising I see out there is the Caliber 40. It would go for about 350-400k suitably equipped whereas a Hunter41 equipped for comfortable coastal cruising would run about 100k less...and the Caliber cockpit and interior probably provides about the same space as a Hunter 36 from a WAF (wife acceptance factor) standpoint.
Does anyone else know of a bluewater 35-45' currently produced boat that comes in at less than $350k for new?

how much does an island packet 370 run? other than that, no.

[Pblais]

Does anyone else know of a bluewater 35-45' currently produced boat that comes in at less than $350k for new?

I would say none. The idea of a "true blue water" boat is not the normal boat that is purchased by even close to a lot of people let alone a majority. Few people actually want one and fewer yet need one. While it is easy to say if they were mass produced they would be cheaper, the market is too small.

[Lynx]

Have you looked at PacificSea Craft?

Nor'Sea also makes one.

Both USA made.

[CARL]

All boats are a compromise somewhere, if you like what a certain make seems to offer ,be it huge accom,or good pointing ability ,good down wind performance etc, go for it .Yes some may behave in a blow better than others ,but with todays forcasting at least you should be able to prepare for it in time, or run from it, what ever you get remember, youl still be watching the same sun set as the boat next to you. He just might be a bit dryer.