Hi Unknown
I am basically in the same position as you except I live in NJ.
I too plan on cruising the
Bahamas and the Keys during the
winter
of 2015. I am also looking for a 30 sized
boat which
seems to be the sweet spot although would consider a 27.
Years ago I owned a 27 and think it would be fine for a crew of two
The
Captain and my Admiral. I have been armchair and
internet
shopping (It's 17 degrees outside) all over the
east coast for a suitable boat and what I have found is this.
I have no doubt whatsoever that
I will be able to find a suitable NON
PROJECT boat for around 15K Cash
Stuff will have to be done but not to the point of being a
project.
I'm staying away from them and will go down to a 27 if need be.
The good folks here have helped me focus on what's important
and in what order
Hull
Engine
Rigging
Sails
These are the biggies that you want to avoid having to
refit and fix
A little tuning, fine, A
refit No
I have eliminated a "Wheel" as a requirement
A tiller would be fine
I have eliminated a
diesel as a requirement
(after finding Moyer
Marine an Atomic 4 would be fine)
And so on
I suggest, as was suggested to me that you read
Don Casey's The Complete Illustrated Sailboat"
I also suggest you read Moyer
Marine "Complete Owners and
Service Manual - Atomic 4" as well as read up on their website
I make this suggestion because it will be the
engine in lots of the
boats you will come by. Many are afraid of this engine and nicknamed it the Atomic Bomb I was in this camp but not anymore after finding a good source of information and support for this golden oldie.
Once the better
weather gets here I plan to start some serious
marina, boat yard,
dock walking looking for that perfect opportunity
It seems to be a great buyers market and cash always works wonders.
Good Luck and Happy sailing