Best type of boat for coastal cruiser liveaboard (power, sail, small, big?)

[Capt Phil]

With all this wingeing about fuel costs, if you're in the US or Canada, other maintenance is more of an issue from my experience having lived and cruised aboard both... just my opinion. Besides, fuel costs appear to be dropping in the short and near term. Phil

[jm21]

If you know the area very well and are willing to adapt your schedule and destination to the currents and weather, it can be OK. If you've got any sort of schedule or a specific destination in mind it can be less than ideal sailing here....and during the warmer months it's much worse.

But it is one of the best cruising grounds in the world....lots of parks, can get unlimited stays at buoys for a bit over $100/year...I like it.

Not many efficient powerboats here for whatever reason. There were 2 Monterey Clippers for sale recently that fit the bill but they're priced pretty high for what they are. One of them is right down the street and in pretty lousy shape, asking $30k.

[rw58ph]

We been a live a board for 17 years. In the PAW you need to max covered dry livable space and natural light. power boats offer more livable covered dry space and tend to have bigger windows. For a live a board basic comfort. heat, water, sanitation AC /DC. power boats refrigeration space is far more important than miles per gallon. Most boats under 30 and even 40 ft do not have the basics required for a live a board in the cold damp. PWN.

[Stu Jackson]

Some other thoughts to a classic issue:

1. Anchoring - a sailboat is much more stable than a powerboat in that size range because of the deep keel. I've been on powerboats (34 ft. Sea Ray) at anchor and they bob and twist. My 34 ft. sailboat simply doesn't. If you can handle that, fine.

2. Tradeoff is space.

3. MPG is a nonsense term for measuring fuel consumption, to me. GPH is much more realistic. A powerboat goes faster, so the GPH could be the same or better depending on the engine compared to distance and fuel used. My 21 hp diesel engine uses better than 0.5 gph, but it only goes 6 knots. You have to "Do the math" in any comparisons.

4. My F-I-L lives on Vancouver Island, so I know the area. You'll want/need a good heating system. Consider what is available for gas powered boats before you decide, although I'm sure they are there, I just am more familiar with diesel systems. Those can also use kerosene which would work on a gas engine boat. A sturdy electrical system for exptended anchoring is also required, many times not available on older powerboats. You'd have to design and install a good hefty electrical system if you bought an older powerboat, 'cuz the electrical systems were designed to marina hop, not anchor out for extended periods.

5. Lots of it depends on what you like and can live with. Having had experiences with both, you are the only person able to make that decision. All of our input is just icing on the cake.

6. Limited sailing that area due to the realityies of the weather.

Good luck on your choices.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

Other than the romance (which wears off!) of living aboard a sailboat,...................

We've been living aboard our sailboat since the spring of 1972 and not had this wear off. I think you must be referring to cases with poor application or an inferior priming coat!

Still, I'm all for the power boats for those that they suit!

[Capt Phil]

Actually, Capt, the reason we moved from sail to power was our 49 foot ketch just became too much for my wife and I to handle alone in a blow so we moved to a similar sized power boat and never regretted the move. As long as we were on the water, we were happiest! Phil

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

Actually, Capt, the reason we moved from sail to power was our 49 foot ketch just became too much for my wife and I to handle alone in a blow so we moved to a similar sized power boat and never regretted the move. As long as we were on the water, we were happiest! Phil

Aha! So the "romance" doesn't wear off, it just moves to another boat! ...good choice!

[Pirate999]

In your area, look for a Gulf 32. Might fit what you're looking for. Might be out of the price range though. Consider a Catalina 30 too. Older model is diesel, inexpensive, roomy and good sailors.