Sailboat Suggestions...

[justinskym51]

Hello all!
I’ve followed the forums as an observer for many months and have seen plenty of these types of posts; however, I cannot find one that is similar to my goals and preferences. Simply put, I would love to get some options and opinions on sailboats that would fit what I want to do, and I would be eternally grateful. Here’s a long list of myself and goals to help with this complex question:

SELF: 27 years old, married, writer and engineer living in Long Beach, Ca.
No children.
WIFE: 25 years old, writer, loves the ocean, wants to sail and liveaboard.
PETS: 5 year old. African Grey parrot.
SAILING EXP: 2 years of US coastal cruising on 30-40footers.
GOALS: Quit the rat race, continue writing, liveaboard and sail full time.
BREAKDOWN OF BOAT USE:
25% docked
50% moored/anchored/hove-to
25% underway
ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
1)Sustainability, 2)Safety, 3)Comfort, 4)Performance
(Sustainability meaning minimal refueling, maintenance, etc.)
(Performance in 4th doesn’t necessarily mean I want a bathtub with a shower curtain for a sail; but I understand concessions must be made)
PRIMARY WATERS:
South Pacific islands, Western American Coast.
BUDGET:
<= $50,000 purchase price.
$20-30k more for repairs/upgrades.
HANDY-MAN SKILL:
Overall: Moderate. Woodworking: limited. Electrical: High. Rigging: Moderate. Plumbing: Moderate. Engine: limited.
BOAT PREFERENCES:
Little to no teak on deck;
Queen berth or large enough room to convert to a queen berth
LENGTH: A comfortable liveaboard
TOTAL PERSONAL ITEM WEIGHT (estimated):
max 1000 lbs (does not include consumables)
RIG CONFIGURATION:
Ease of use for single/two-handed but not severely detrimental to performance.
HEADROOM:
The more the merrier (I’m 6’ even)

I have examined many-a-boat and found the mountain of choices to be too mind scrambling. And so I turn to you, the expert, hoping you can illuminate to me certain manufactures, boats, and designs that may help in my decision.

Thank you so much!
Justin

[boatman61]

I'd suggest something like this..
BVI Yacht Sales Ltd. (Nanny Cay, British Virgin Islands)&

[Mabel Gee]

Great job of writing a specification!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Mexdon]

It hasn't been said yet but take into account with sailing and boats everything is a compromise. If you wait for the perfect boat you will still be writing in NY when you are 80. The perfect boat doesn't exist.

[BZT54]

Originally Posted by justinskym51

Hello all!
I’ve followed the forums as an observer for many months and have seen plenty of these types of posts; however, I cannot find one that is similar to my goals and preferences. Simply put, I would love to get some options and opinions on sailboats that would fit what I want to do, and I would be eternally grateful. Here’s a long list of myself and goals to help with this complex question:

SELF: 27 years old, married, writer and engineer living in Long Beach, Ca.
No children.
WIFE: 25 years old, writer, loves the ocean, wants to sail and liveaboard.
PETS: 5 year old. African Grey parrot.
SAILING EXP: 2 years of US coastal cruising on 30-40footers.
GOALS: Quit the rat race, continue writing, liveaboard and sail full time.
BREAKDOWN OF BOAT USE:
25% docked
50% moored/anchored/hove-to
25% underway
ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
1)Sustainability, 2)Safety, 3)Comfort, 4)Performance
(Sustainability meaning minimal refueling, maintenance, etc.)
(Performance in 4th doesn’t necessarily mean I want a bathtub with a shower curtain for a sail; but I understand concessions must be made)
PRIMARY WATERS:
South Pacific islands, Western American Coast.
BUDGET:
<= $50,000 purchase price.
$20-30k more for repairs/upgrades.
HANDY-MAN SKILL:
Overall: Moderate. Woodworking: limited. Electrical: High. Rigging: Moderate. Plumbing: Moderate. Engine: limited.
BOAT PREFERENCES:
Little to no teak on deck;
Queen berth or large enough room to convert to a queen berth
LENGTH: A comfortable liveaboard
TOTAL PERSONAL ITEM WEIGHT (estimated):
max 1000 lbs (does not include consumables)
RIG CONFIGURATION:
Ease of use for single/two-handed but not severely detrimental to performance.
HEADROOM:
The more the merrier (I’m 6’ even)

I have examined many-a-boat and found the mountain of choices to be too mind scrambling. And so I turn to you, the expert, hoping you can illuminate to me certain manufactures, boats, and designs that may help in my decision.

Thank you so much!
Justin

Here's one for you. It was just reduced in price and sounds like the owner is in a bind to sell. The last one I saw that sold was over 119K. I am partial to double enders so I'm biased. But I'm not just blowing smoke. I own one.

Btw, not much info in this design by Stan Huntingford other than it is a modified Rafiki 37 which has a stellar reputation as a blue water boat. You should be able to find a Rafiki in California.

1989 Slocum Yachts 37 Cutter Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Rafiki sailboats for sale by owner.

if interested I can tell you what to look out for...

Regards,
BZT