What size boat can I start with & Grow into?

[Scout 30]

I share your passion for classics & yawls in particular but they, like schooners in this size, are rare unfortunately. However, ketchs are more common. Here's a few interesting options in Yachtworld located in the NE.

1979 Cape Dory 30 Ketch Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1976 1976 FUJI Sailing Yacht 4-108 35ft Ketch Sail Boat For

1977 Ta Chiao CT-35 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Don C L]

Considering your preferences and budget, I'd say look around, as I did, for a classic from the 60s. They are built very well, solid hulls, encapsulated ballast, etc., but because of their age and full keels, some folks shy away from them, so they can be real bargains. I am always pushing the old school classics here but there are good reasons. Have a look at the Pearson Vanguard, or if you can afford it, the Rhodes 41. I love my Columbia 29 (S&S design.) The Pearson Triton is worth a look. The Albergs, Bristols and Cape Dories, Albins are all worth a look too. TO ME now, the virtues of a narrow beam, long keel and a keel hung rudder outweigh the negatives. Take a look at bluewaterboats.org and atomvoyages.com.

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Considering your preferences and budget, I'd say look around, as I did, for a classic from the 60s. They are built very well, solid hulls, encapsulated ballast, etc., but because of their age and full keels, some folks shy away from them, so they can be real bargains. I am always pushing the old school classics here but there are good reasons. Have a look at the Pearson Vanguard, or if you can afford it, the Rhodes 41. I love my Columbia 29 (S&S design.) The Pearson Triton is worth a look. The Albergs, Bristols and Cape Dories, Albins are all worth a look too. TO ME now, the virtues of a narrow beam, long keel and a keel hung rudder outweigh the negatives. Take a look at bluewaterboats.org and atomvoyages.com.

2 words: Rhodes Reliant. Absolutely beautiful!

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

2 words: Rhodes Reliant. Absolutely beautiful!

Yes! If you can find one!

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Yes! If you can find one!

Here's one I'd love to have.

[Scout 30]

Might help if I include the link.

1965 Rhodes Reliant Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Don C L]

Wow, what a boat! (What a price too!) I like the layout in the Reliant a little better than the Rhodes 41 too.

[hamburking]

Here's a great 30 footer that would be perfect for you:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...da-150816.html

Its ready to head south right now! Winter in the Caribbean, what else could you ask for? Maybe a solar panel I guess.

Disclaimer: Its my boat for sale. Its $9,900 cdn...thats like $7,500 US if you pick the right day to change your dollars. There is no problem moving a boat from Canada to the US...thats where most of our boats end up anyway. Plus, it was built in the USA to start. Well built, I might add!

[FamilyVan]

Your goals sound quite reasonable to me. I don't have any boats to recommend, but I agree with many posters that a well cared for classic of the 60's and 70's would fit your budget nicely.

I made an offer on an early 80s Pearson 365 ketch a few years back for $12500 (repo auction), I didn't win the bid, but she sold for well below $20k, her condition was quite good.

Don't get scared away by a full keel if that's what you like. They are not hard to dock, they are just different to dock. Where people get into trouble with them is more often leaving dock and trying to steer them in reverse, which is something you just don't do with full keel boats unless its dead calm.

Approaching a dock with an offshore wind, I much prefer the handling of a full keel boat. Lots of lateral resistance, they track right up to the dock rather than blow away like a balloon on the water.

Sent from my XP7700 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Celestialsailor]

To me...This would be a great deal for starting out.

1964 Pearson Vanguard 32'6" Sailboat Illinois | eBay

[Scott N.]

One thing we can all agree on is, what ever you buy you better love it because it will most of you time and all of your money.
But at least you'll have a boat. Is that crazy?

Have fun.

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Scott N.

One thing we can all agree on is, what ever you buy you better love it because it will most of you time and all of your money.
But at least you'll have a boat. Is that crazy?

Have fun.

This is why you should always buy the smallest boat you can find that will do the job.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

To me...This would be a great deal for starting out.

1964 Pearson Vanguard 32'6" Sailboat Illinois | eBay

If that boat goes for 2000 there is a very lucky buyer out there. I'd almost drive back there from Cal to get it for 2000, or double that!

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Don C L

If that boat goes for 2000 there is a very lucky buyer out there. I'd almost drive back there from Cal to get it for 2000, or double that!

Helloooo????

My Pearson 30 is pretty much the exact same boat, but 10 years newer, with a volvo diesel, all new standing rigging, chart plotter, autohelm, new sails, etc, etc, all in great condition, super clean, and I can't give it away for $7000US.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...da-150816.html

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by hamburking

Helloooo????

My Pearson 30 is pretty much the exact same boat, but 10 years newer, with a volvo diesel, all new standing rigging, chart plotter, autohelm, new sails, etc, etc, all in great condition, super clean, and I can't give it away for $7000US.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...da-150816.html

Sheesh, that is a good deal! Hang in there, someone will show up.