28ft Bluewater Live aboard recommendations

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I recommend subscribing to these threads:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ee-197948.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ds-147098.html

I think that after following these 2 threads it's clear that you CAN find a blue water capable boat for under $10,000. What you will never find is one that is ready to go cruising offshore for that kind of money. I think a better plan would be to spend 20 to 30k on a boat that has been well maintained and then you'll still need another 10 to 20 grand to get it ready. For a serious offshore cruiser that would still be a lot of bang for the buck.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I think that after following these 2 threads it's clear that you CAN find a blue water capable boat for under $10,000. What you will never find is one that is ready to go cruising offshore for that kind of money. I think a better plan would be to spend 20 to 30k on a boat that has been well maintained and then you'll still need another 10 to 20 grand to get it ready. For a serious offshore cruiser that would still be a lot of bang for the buck.

Well, that's not quite right.

This guy paid $4,000 for his Bristol 27 and sailed it across the Atlantic then around Cape Horn. He did some fixin' up. His toe rail repair was simply a thin sheet of fiberglass epoxied over it. Then he used an outboard for a while.

The thing is you don't have to make all the repairs at once. You can do it over time while you sail and learn the boat

Bristol27.com » Hull #352 – Steppin Out

This guy paid $2,000 for his Bristol 27 and it can probably sail to Bermuda today but is mostly used within 15 miles of the coast. No repairs so far except an outboard to replace the old diesel. See attached pictures

Bristol27.com » Hull #335 – Winter Dream

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by thomm225

folks spend so much time on everything about the boat but forget totally about the environmental concerns

My environmental concerns lead me to be completely opposed to aircon in principle, genuinely believe it is evil.

Have lived near the equator for decades, including both concrete urban jungles and grass huts in the rice paddies, never had any aircon at home.

Just a matter of getting your body acclimated.

Certainly a silly idea on a small boat when you're free to just sail to live where the weather suits you.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by john61ct

My environmental concerns lead me to be completely opposed to aircon in principle, genuinely believe it is evil.

Have lived near the equator for decades, including both concrete urban jungles and grass huts in the rice paddies, never had any aircon at home.

Just a matter of getting your body acclimated.

Certainly a silly idea on a small boat when you're free to just sail to live where the weather suits you.

You'll have to tell that to the folks tied up at the marinas for the A/C.

I must say though in places like Pensacola Fl and all along the Gulf Coast it can be sweltering from late June til at September. It's like and oven.

[thomm225]

Looks like this guy started out with the 27/28' BlueWater RTW Boat idea also and stared out planning to use a Vega 27, but ended up with the Mistral 33 by Hallberg-Rassy (a nice, heavily built cruising boat with room)

Sail around the world 27 foot sailboat | American Vagrant

MISTRAL 33 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Well, that's not quite right.

This guy paid $4,000 for his Bristol 27 and sailed it across the Atlantic then around Cape Horn. He did some fixin' up. His toe rail repair was simply a thin sheet of fiberglass epoxied over it. Then he used an outboard for a while.

The thing is you don't have to make all the repairs at once. You can do it over time while you sail and learn the boat

Bristol27.com » Hull #352 – Steppin Out

This guy paid $2,000 for his Bristol 27 and it can probably sail to Bermuda today but is mostly used within 15 miles of the coast. No repairs so far except an outboard to replace the old diesel. See attached pictures

Bristol27.com » Hull #335 – Winter Dream

You're right, that can be done. If you're a single guy & willing to roll the dice you can do anything.

[Don C L]

Guess I'll chime in while I am waiting for the weather... to the OP, it is not clear if your primary goal is a liveaboard or a boat that sails well. A boat ready to go for 10k would indeed be a find... probably from someone you already know who wants to help you out... I'm also wondering why the length you picked is 28? Is that the available slip length? At any rate I immediately thought of a Westsail 28 or a Rawson 30 for size and "bluewater" reputation, and you can probably find one in decent shape for 10K (but not ready for RTW.) Not sure how a vane set-up works on one with that giant bathtub cockpit... But if you want a boat in that length that sails well I'd look to a Cal 28 or a Yankee 30, there's a lot of possibilities likely in the 10k range, or one like mine, Columbia 29, but there is NOT much room in my ol' CCA design for what most call living aboard. A Catalina 27 is not a bad choice for living aboard though, and it sails well, but it wouldn't be my first choice for extended cruising. But that's just me.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

You're right, that can be done. If you're a single guy & willing to roll the dice you can do anything.

Actually the guy that sailed across the Atlantic and round Cape Horn on his $4,000 Bristol 27 is married. The details are in the link above. I emailed him to get the toe rail repair info.

I don't believe he was rolling the dice since he prepped his boat before and while he sailed. He also has lots of boating/sailing experience and worked as a Charter Boat Captain for a couple years to make some cash for more cruising and more boat prep. (he reinstalled a diesel at some point)

The guy with the other boat has family to support also with a big dog.

[Don C L]

BTW have you seen this one?
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ny-202675.html
That is DEFINITELY one I'd check out if I were you, if you are in the area.
Cape Dory is a very well-regarded boat, well-built, very good blend of seaworthines and performance.

[john61ct]

Yes I agree, but very rare to find one ready to go, at any price.

$10K including a safe blue water fit out?

Would be like winning the lottery.

[Scout 30]

I think recommendations should only include 28' blue water capable boats because 27' just can't carry enough stuff & 29' is too expensive to maintain.

Bristol Channel Cutter
Westsail 28
Cape Dory 28
Morris Linda
Freedom 28
Bristol 28
Shannon 28
Pearson Triton

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I think recommendations should only include 28' blue water capable boats because 27' just can't carry enough stuff & 29' is too expensive to maintain.

Don't tell that to folks that have circumnavigated on the Contessa 26 or those folks that have sailed all over the globe on Bristol 27's and Vega 27's

The Atom Voyages website has a list of small Blue Water Boats many 27' and less.....down to 20'

http://www.atomvoyages.com/planning/...oats-list.html

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes I agree, but very rare to find one ready to go, at any price.

$10K including a safe blue water fit out?

Would be like winning the lottery.

Not quite.

There are tons of blue water capable boats for sale at around $4000-$5,000, you just have to buy the one that's in the best shape and is loaded with equipment

Then you have to decide whether you are willing to start your voyage with not every possible thing you need but will later obtain and complete repairs as many other have done on your trip. The guy with the Bristol above installed a diesel but not when he first started

That young sailor, Zac Sunderland, that circumnavigated on an Islander 36 had his Dad following him around the globe so he could repair the boat at every stop

[OldManMirage]

Originally Posted by Don C L

BTW have you seen this one?
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ny-202675.html
That is DEFINITELY one I'd check out if I were you, if you are in the area.
Cape Dory is a very well-regarded boat, well-built, very good blend of seaworthines and performance.

Let me put in my plug for the Cape Dory 28 also - especially since I own one !


I love my boat. Absolutely the best sailing boat I have owned, very strong construction, circumnavigations to its name, etc. Cabin layout gives a good sea-berth on either tack, 60 gallons fresh water storage, plenty of room for a single-hander.


My reasons for choosing this particular model, the 28. The mast height clears a bridge I have to get under, and the keel depth allows me into a "free" slip. Its the biggest and heaviest sailboat with ocean crossing credentials that I could find to meet these criteria.


If you want to talk about it, just message me.

[scallowayuk]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I think recommendations should only include 28' blue water capable boats because 27' just can't carry enough stuff & 29' is too expensive to maintain.

Bristol Channel Cutter
Westsail 28
Cape Dory 28
Morris Linda
Freedom 28
Bristol 28
Shannon 28
Pearson Triton

sorry i disagree, ive crossed the atlantic in 3 boats bruce roberts 34, 27ft venus ,22ft oyster dredger , now have a offshore 8 meter in the canaries which i paid £3,000 for and spent £1,500 prepairing including an atoms windvane and new standing rigging one size bigger ,crossing next winter. all cheap to run if you do your own work. and dont need repairs in bermuda. never spent more than £5,000 per year including maintenance, but i avoid marinas and restaurants