Moving "up" from a @#&*% Catalina 30

[Sidney777]

Please look at Irwin 42 or 43 center cockpit.

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by Sidney777

Please look at Irwin 42 or 43 center cockpit.

I can't find one that has a walk thru transom or that sails well.

[Sidney777]

Some Hunters have a walk thru transom and that's prob why offshore boats don't,and power boats do.. ,Sails well? What is your criteria and did you see something that says ??
How bout power boat ? Or, you can cut a walk thru transom. Do you really care about how it sails ? Are you racing or sailing to Tahiti ? You seem to want a floating condo for your relatives ? Sorry for my suggestions, I will stop.

[JPA Cate]

Teteparae,

imho, Irwins are POS, underbuilt. Stick with your boat and make it work, or spend more than you had planned and get a boat that will please your for years to come!

Ann

[UNCIVILIZED]

I'm inclined to agree with Ann. For a whole bunch of reasons. Though if you're fixed on boats with those requirements. Strictly speaking, some C&C's might meet them. Such as the 37/40 XL (or +). Though I've not been on one, & can't speak to their quality, as the company was having fiscal difficulties in that eara. But they look roomy, & allow for ease of egress from the water. Along with good sized doubles, most with master's aft as well.

[Spindrift NH]

Caliber 40 has a walk through transom, not sure of cabin layout but I believe they have pullmans.

[Tetepare]

Thanks Ann & UnC and others.

No, I'd not buy an Irwin. I do like the interior space. But they are poorly constructed.

SpNH, the Calibers I've watched, but the lowest price is $90k for a bank repo in PR. Most are over $200k which is above my budget.

Hey, I'm open to suggestions for a larger boat. We want something to leave in the Great Lakes for summers after retirement.

Meanwhile, it appears that I've picked up a personal troll! Awesome! I've never owned one of those. I guess they're like the weeds that wrap around the prop shaft that won't kick off in reverse. How long to do I get to keep my troll? Do I have to share it, or is it all mine?

[Cheechako]

Older Island Packet maybe? Cape Dory?

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Older Island Packet maybe? Cape Dory?

I LOVE!! the Cape Dory. My friends have them, and what fabulous yachts. On those days it's blowing 20+ their vessels always look picture perfect. But no step thru transom. I also love the Pacific Seacrafts, and if going around the world it would be my preference. But I'm not going around the world, in fact I want to stop going around the world. I want a boat that a couple can live on for six months at a time with reasonable comfort and and safety...lazy comfort and safety, like summer cruising in comfort.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Tetepare

I LOVE!! the Cape Dory. My friends have them, and what fabulous yachts. On those days it's blowing 20+ their vessels always look picture perfect. But no step thru transom. I also love the Pacific Seacrafts, and if going around the world it would be my preference. But I'm not going around the world, in fact I want to stop going around the world. I want a boat that a couple can live on for six months at a time with reasonable comfort and and safety...lazy comfort and safety, like summer cruising in comfort.

For that there are plenty out there! Just got to find one with a walk thru I guess. That's the issue. Beneteau?

[robert sailor]

Reading between the lines your probably a candidate for a CC around 42 feet, give or take. Walk around double bed, good sized galley and lots of separation from the v berth when you have guests. For a nice one you'll be starting at 100 large or so. Beds or bunks are important as you spend 8 plus hours a day in them so I understand you feeling like your cross bred with a dog getting in and out of a typical v berth.

[ohdrinkboy]

Have you considered adding a swim platform to a non-step through stern. Not 100 percent what you want, but certainly closer.