Cheapest live aboard sailboat to buy, own and maintain?

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Thanks I'd be happy with a nice 30-40' sailboat with autopilot, GPS in good condition that can be short hand sailed easily by just me.

Looking for recommendations on best used sailboat monohull construction. I can afford new but rather save on a used one in top condition that won't fall apart in first year.

My boat is 35, plenty big for me, but I'm only 5'8" and nimble. When there are 2 of us aboard for a long time it gets pretty tight. I'll repeat what I've told others, an extra/aft cabin is a nice refuge... i suggest, search the threads for opinions on make/model, there are several people asking the same question.

Good luck

[cruisernewbie]

I'm single so would just be me and few friends. Long term ocean cruising passage making would be goal for the boat.

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Pirate999

Boats are like fairly individual. I would recommend that you look at a bunch of them, figure out what you want and need for a liveaboard then narrow the selection farther.

Remember, a boat is a bunch of compromises. Shower or more locker space, centerline berth or offset with a desk, and the list goes on.

So true... It also depends on how and where you plan to live/cruise. My boat was built in Sweden, making it good for the PNW... Don't think my wood stove would be important in Mexico. Other hobbies matter, lest I pay for storage somewhere, I need room (ie. deck/cabin/lockers) for a bike, skis, fishing gear, guitar, books, tools, and golf clubs.

For me, I knew she was the right boat. I had to kiss a few frogs to get there. You can trust your heart to some degree.

[SV Cavale]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Thanks I'd be happy with a nice 30-40' sailboat with autopilot, GPS in good condition that can be short hand sailed easily by just me.

Looking for recommendations on best used sailboat monohull construction. I can afford new but rather save on a used one in top condition that won't fall apart in first year.

See if you can find a Bristol 29.9. I have lived aboard for 11 years on several boats. The Bristol has been my fav. Very roomy, great sailing boat that will take you anywhere within reason.

[xymotic]

It also depends on how handy you are, and your personal taste. I like stuff to be perfect, so I bought a 'nice' boat and then swapped out working lights for LED's because I'm just an LED kind of guy.

But when all said and done, I realized I'd paid a premium for that, twice. I spent more in the first place and then went first class on the project. And then had a lot of 'ok' stuff with zero actual resale value.

I lost a little bit of money on that bot, but my next one was a good hull that needs EVERYTHING because I'm just the kind of guy that's gonna replace everything anyway.

For your budget you could get a very nice cal 40, or a really crappy one and DIY.

[cruisernewbie]

Ideally I'd prefer to not sink 100k into a used boat and find one in top condition. Most of my cruising would be from SF up to Vancouver, BC and down south to Mexico. Finding one that is also capable of open water cruising to South America would be awesome as well.

[jkindredpdx]

My ceiling was 100k, actually paid 45k and put less than 2k into her in 2yrs...

[SV THIRD DAY]

Rent a Live Aboard Mooring in Morro Bay for $250-$350/Mo and live like a King Amigo....works for us.

[cruisernewbie]

Thanks I will check out Morro bay live aboard slips.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Thanks I will check out Morro bay live aboard slips.

Ah...NO SLIPS for Live Aboard in Morro Bay Amigo...Moorings with no long shore power cord...so you will be 100% off the grid...but with the price to Match.

[cruisernewbie]

Well anyways Morro Bay is waay too far out from where I work anyhow. Near Redwood City is best bet.