Best family cruiser sailboat for EUR 65,000.

[sunxpert]

Hello there,
Probably a general question, but let's try it.

I'm looking to buy a used sailboat, sized 39-43ft. The production years are 2006-2010. What I like is Beneteau Cyclades 434, SO 42i or Bavaria 42 or something similar. It has to be liquid(easy to sell in case I decide to upgrade), has to fit my family of myself, wife, 1 kid and may be some guests. The region for sailing is Europe Med, Turkey and potentially crossing the Atlantic after few years for Carib islands. I have the RYA Coastal Skipper Cert, have been chartering boats multiple times in different locations, so just some sailing experience.

The budget at the moment is EUR 65,000-70,000. What would you go for if that's all you could spend?

PS: Financing/Leasing is not an option as I'm not a EU/US citizen...

[sunxpert]

Did I post it in a wrong thread? Or no ideas?

[Lizzy Belle]

I saw your post, but didn't reply as MY choice of boat could be very, very wrong for you.

But here we go, since you asked again
I'd go look for a Wauquiez Hood 38 MKII or something very similar.
A Centurion 36 (also Wauquiez) if the Hood is above budget.
I kinda dislike the boats you picked, sorry but shouldn't matter as we all have our personal tastes and likes.
Good thing too, or we'd all be after the same few boats haha!

With a budget like yours, I'd max the boat at about 50k, and keep the rest for upgrades etc.

[sunxpert]

Originally Posted by Lizzy Belle

I saw your post, but didn't reply as MY choice of boat could be very, very wrong for you.

But here we go, since you asked again
I'd go look for a Wauquiez Hood 38 MKII or something very similar.
A Centurion 36 (also Wauquiez) if the Hood is above budget.
I kinda dislike the boats you picked, sorry but shouldn't matter as we all have our personal tastes and likes.
Good thing too, or we'd all be after the same few boats haha!

With a budget like yours, I'd max the boat at about 50k, and keep the rest for upgrades etc.

Thanks for you opinion. I have 65K + some for maintenance.
I googled Wauquiez boats. Well, looks nice, but for the first boat I want to stick to more mainstream models.

[Lizzy Belle]

The Hood looks OK, the Centurion ... not so much, in my opinion.

The reason I'd pick them (warned you: other peoples choices won't always work for you, hence why there were few replies ):

- Esp the Hood offers more living space than most boats that size
- They are build like tanks, which I like for boats that may go cross oceans
- They aren't that hard to sell; they're not boats every sailor and their neighbor knows, but most people looking for blue water cruisers know them.

But the best boat for you and your family is the one you can afford (doh ), and that fits your personal needs, wants and tastes. And one that both of you can sail solo under all circumstances, obviously.

[Boonzajer]

I agree very much on the WQ Hood. Strangely underpriced, imho. Be sure to get a Mk II though - the MK I has a difficult climb over and under entry designed for a racing crew. The MK II is more normal. This said, of course modern mass production boats provide more room per foot. The price you pay is that they are built down to the limits, and will be a pain when the sea builds up. Reselling a Hood II should be no problem - they are well known ships.

All the best,

R

[sunxpert]

The newer boat offer bit more inner space. That's important for my family.
And I do not see many of those to choose from. And yes, I love Oceanis versions of Beneteau.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by Boonzajer

This said, of course modern mass production boats provide more room per foot.

Yes and no.

There's several 40'-ish boats here in my marina -- some older boats, others all shiny and new, and very few offer the room the Hood does. As far as living space goes, that is.

The Hood only has one head / shower (many owners took out the hidden head in the aft cabin) and some of the modern yachts I've seen offer more "sleep room" then living space. But you could always turn a head/shower into storage.

Downside: huge 'home', smaller cockpit. All that space has to come from somewhere

But build like a tank, which I personally like in a boat that may have to cross an ocean.

[raqsshaqi]

greeting from Larnaca Cyprus.my idea would be to look on line at say Boatshed Cyprus and also Europe and then fly out. Europe is a big sailing area with many thousand yachts for sale and it would be a holiday along with inspections. There are many for sale and at great low prices,look on line then decide.
If you are then interested the owners will soon find you accommodation on the boat so saving money ,time etc. peter .

[Don C L]

I'd echo that, shop in the Med. I'd also say if your budget is $65k don't spend it all on the boat, no matter what boat you are looking at. I'd look to spend $45K.

[latka]

I am going to tell you a secret I that I have not shared with anybody else so far! Look at mazatlanmarinecentre and look up this boat. You gotta be quick coz I am gunning for it too!
Sailboat Listings | Mazatlan Marine Center

[nortonscove]

I've the Beneteau 400. A little older but I love it. No need to be uncomfortable in port and ours gets along like a dream. Lots of storage and good tankage.
Shes already been to Australia and back proving she has that mythical but just as make believe 'blue water' cred.
Spent a month up above 50 N this summer and she was admirable. Great in 3 to 5 metre seas and 30 knots is lovely. My take on the Oceanis is biased but I do love mine.

A friend that has done the go around a couple times once told me that it seemed crazy to buy a boat for that highly unlikely storm and suffer in a cave the rest of the time.

[sunxpert]

Originally Posted by latka

I am going to tell you a secret I that I have not shared with anybody else so far! Look at mazatlanmarinecentre and look up this boat. You gotta be quick coz I am gunning for it too!
Sailboat Listings | Mazatlan Marine Center

What is it like buying a boat in Mexico? I was more like shopping Europe.

[latka]

I have beeb in contact with the broker and they have explained me the process in detail. They will handle all there is to do. You will have to register the vessel yourself in a country of your choice.
I suggest you get in touch with them to learn more.

[Greenhand]

If you can get a practically new boat for that price, maybe we should consider selling Sea Story and flying to Europe when the time comes.