What boat would you recommend for our cruising

[BeachbumKW]

Wife and will be taking off in March. Starting the sailboat
search now We live in the keys and will be cruising the Keys west coast of Florida Dry Tortugas and Bahamas
Any recommendations for the best sailboat for cruising these areas. Thanking you in advance

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by BeachbumKW

Wife and will be taking off in March. Starting the sailboat
search now We live in the keys and will be cruising the Keys west coast of Florida Dry Tortugas and Bahamas
Any recommendations for the best sailboat for cruising these areas. Thanking you in advance

Without knowing your budget, experience, size preferences, it's pretty tough to make a recommendation. But if it were me, I'd be looking for a nice, old, well-maintained, shoal drafted, S&S designed, well-made boat like a Tartan 27 or 34c.

[four winds]

Some answers to these questions will help with advice.

Full time liveaboards or still have home base on land?

What would be a ballpark price budget? With some reserve for refit.

What is you sailing experience so far?

Generally a good coastal cruiser with fin keel and draft less than five feet and air draft under fifty feet would be my preference for this area. If something around 32' is big enough for you then there are many boats that would serve you well. Like my Pearson 323.

[BeachbumKW]

40 K would be our total budget. Cruising for 8 months a year Minimum sailing exp. owned 26 Pearson we sailed out of Naples for weekend jaunts and was on a racing team in Charlotte Harbor rail meat lol have my Captians license for what it's worth

[four winds]

OK, that's doable. Man, that current in the pass at Charlotte Harbor is a ripper. Like that area.

Here's a strategy. Sailboatlistings dot com and Yacthworld dot com. Search parameters; Florida area, 30-40 feet, less than 30k dollars. See what pops up and looks good to you. For example, more traditional style or more modern style. Why? It's hard to love an ugly boat (your defintion of ugly/pretty). If that doesn't matter to you then your chance of a killer deal goes up. For me there isn't a deal good enough to by some boats.

Then post a couple of boat models you like and folks here will have some very good advice based on their own experiences.

[reed1v]

Hobie 18

[Scout 30]

I'd look for shoal draft under 4' at a minimum & avoid bolt on fin keels. You will run aground. The Island Packet 31 centerboard version is my favorite at 3' although the standard version will work. Good quality & quite roomy for a boat that size.

[UNCIVILIZED]

What's been stated so far, plus:
- Freedoms, like a 33'er
- Wharrams
- 31' Searunner
- Other inexpensive Tri's & Cats
- A C&C with a CB

[cp1]

It's really based on your budget and where and how you plan to cruise. I specialize in working with people to do just this-find the perfect cruising boat. If you send me a PM or email we can discuss your plans.

Captdougcp1@gmail.com

[lesterbutch]

pearson 32-40, built like bomb shelters and many have been upgraded within the last few years. I have a 72 Pearson 35 that has all new equipment including engine and I have about 35K in it total. Sails like a dream and is fast, good sea boat also.

[ArtM]

Here's how used boat buying works in the real world.

There are boats for sale. The boat YOU want is not available at the price YOU want to pay.

However, there is a "best available" boat that is "at or below" the price you are willing to pay.

Find the best match you can, and take it. Buy as well as you can because, someday, you'll need to sell that boat when your "perfect" boat suddenly becomes available!

For the area you named, I'd be looking for shallow draft, good airflow through the cabin, and open deck space up top.

Durability would not be a major concern, I think, because that area is known for calm waters and mild weather as long as you're not trying to weather through hurricane season. I prefer the comfortable interiors of the so-called "cruising boats" aka "bendy boats" to the utilitarian construction of the heavy "ocean" cruisers.

[tuffr2]

Dude - you live in the keys already. Just look at what other people sail. Go to any marina and start looking around.

[CSY Man]

Here is a good one for your needs:

1979 CSY CSY 33 sailboat for sale in Florida

Located in Key West. perfect.

I owned that boat for 14 years, know it well.

[BeachbumKW]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Dude - you live in the keys already. Just look at what other people sail. Go to any marina and start looking around.

Thanks that's real helpful 😳

[BeachbumKW]

I really appreciate all the input taking it all in keep it coming