Hello, I Need an Answer or Two

[truckerbob]

yeah I know what you mean im a owner op im in the beginning stages im boat shopping then the classes to learn to sail im looking to be out on the water maybe 2 years from now maybe sooner ive worked myself into the ground

[BobnCamie]

I know how you feel. It does get better, and this way, you have a goal. Please let me know if I can be of help. We are outfitting our boat this past fall and this winter. Lots of upgrades, but needed, I feel. The dream of the feet in the sand.

[rjdives]

Welcome aboard truckerbob you have come to the right place. I retired after 33 yrs driving truck and loved it till the end. Our first boat was a 32' Irwin Citation with aft cockpit. We had also looked at a 32' Irwin center cockpit but was priced way to high for the condition she was in. We realized after a short time that we hated all the bunks onboard . To small and uncomfortable and we had wished we would of spent the extra money on the center cockpit. The same size center cockpit boat has a nice size aft cabin with plenty of room instead of the 1/4 berth. Also there are plenty of freshwater boats for sale up on the Great Lakes at reasonable prices that are in good shape because of their short seasons. Best of luck chasing your dreams.

[svseachange]

I like both the Catalina 36 and the Pearson 365. Met an older couple from Michigan on the Erie canal on Pearson 365 who had spent years getting their boat to cruise. They got to NYC and turned around because they decided they were freshwater types. It looked to me like the husband might have chosen his marriage over his cruising dream. Maybe that boat is for sale this year. Would be a great buy.

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[SaltyMonkey]

22-34, with 32 being a good mark. need room for your bananas

[shorebird]

There is currently a Catalina 36 for sale here in the Vancouver area for $22,000 US, with a newer diesel engine, and excellent sails. The engine alone is worth almost the asking price. I have no personal experience with this boat, but there are a lot of them for sail, the price is reasonable, we have short-listed them for our next planned boat purchase, in a year or two. Good luck, and I hope you take Bob and Connie's offer seriously. I don't know him, but from being on this forum a few years, you will not find a more helpful, knowlegable and experienced couple. Both called "Trucker Bob?"
Mere coincidence?
Hmmmm
Good luck.

[BobnCamie]

Truckerbob, drop a line anytime. If in mid-west to northern Mn., let me know, will keep an eye peeled for good boats. There isawide variety here, very reasonable in price,too. Let me know, glad to help. 10-4 roger-beep. Right?

[SkiprJohn]

My recommendation is sailing lessons first then boat shopping. Go aboard as many boats as you possibly can to see what you like. Look for quality and condition. You've got a lot of boats to choose from in that size range. Don't settle on one particular size or brand until you've been aboard a few and have talked with many owners. Sellers will try to convince you their boat is best. Brokers will try to convince you that their listed boats are best and they will try to sell you the one that's been with them the longest.

[shorebird]

Oops, looking again at the "nick" for post 22, I see BobnCamie, not BobConnie. My mistake.

[truckerbob]

ok thanx but this is something iv been thinking about im completely debt free saving money iv been looking at a lot of boats on yachtworld I live in my truck so if you know how much space there is in a truck then a 30 footer will be like a big house to me I was thinking buy first then take lessons so I can ask about my boat and there advice on it I like all the response iv gotten I will keep in touch bob wright now im stuck in that storm that hit Oregon... iv added another make to my list its now pearson catalina and a Irwin center cockpit see im 33 so im looking at work a year sail a year or so the work again that's my plan for now but out of those 3 makes witch would be best make a trip to Ireland in.....

[Mark1977]

Originally Posted by truckerbob

ok thanx but this is something iv been thinking about im completely debt free saving money iv been looking at a lot of boats on yachtworld I live in my truck so if you know how much space there is in a truck then a 30 footer will be like a big house to me I was thinking buy first then take lessons so I can ask about my boat and there advice on it I like all the response iv gotten I will keep in touch bob wright now im stuck in that storm that hit Oregon... iv added another make to my list its now pearson catalina and a Irwin center cockpit see im 33 so im looking at work a year sail a year or so the work again that's my plan for now but out of those 3 makes witch would be best make a trip to Ireland in.....

Ireland??? Please read....
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...bermuda:thumb:

[fishin4bogey]

Yeah, this whole long haul thing sheds time off your life. I've been at it going on 11 years now. I still dream of casting off the bow lines, and just taking off.

[BobnCamie]

Ireland! Pearson makes a good boat and I believe the Irwin is a damn fine boat, but I have no experience with either. We looked at a lot of Catalina's and although they make fine lake and some coastal boats, from what I saw the Catalina's are very flexible. I looked at 3 that come to mind on their cradle and all were indented where pads were holding them. Am sure this would come out if put back in water,maybe. Would have hated to re-float and see dents in hull. The problem with most mid 80's and newer is cored hull. Yes,lighter,but water intrusion would be a MAJOR concern. If the boat flex's that much, it more than likely would leak. I know where there is a damn good C and C 30' boat that has not been in the water in 11 years now. Covered,but needs TLC. We just missed out on a 85 S-2(jaded opinion here) that was sold in Va. For $17,000. Was very well kept w/2 solar panels and new engine. They are around, no hurry. I am a firm believer in find the boat that talks to you when you see her,get to know her, then learn to work her. Kind of pornographic sounding,but oh so true. Just my opinion. I saw Portland is getting hammered. Troutdale,by chance? I empathize with you. Be safe.

[truckerbob]

thanx I looked at that post but I know this wont be easy hell nothings easy you gotta roll your sleeves up and get to it and learn your boat that's what im planning to do as for asking wich is better at bluewater sailing that's on down the line when I cross the ocean to Ireland and to all naysayers its been saild for 100reds of years why cant I

[truckerbob]

im in Eugene at the ta