What is the best small sailboat to live on and cruise?

[sailorchic34]

Water usage depends on where you are. At a dock I'll do all my dishes, drinking water, etc from the tank. So about 3-4 gallons per day. At anchor the fresh water usage drops to less then 2 gallons per day per person as I'll use my bucket to haul up salt water or fresh if that's what my boats sitting in and use that for dishes, washing hair, etc.

Unlike many here, I do drink from my tank, un filtered too. I do check it once and a while, but in 6+ years full time, I'm still living. It is important to turn the tank over and not let the water sit too long. Of course I know what city water mains look like after a while and if people think tanks are bad...

I don't use a filter as the filter media itself is great for cell culture growth if the water is not used for a few days...

[floridajoe]

Originally Posted by annsni

But there is more nitty gritty info that is helpful. Tankage ability, refrigeration or ice box, electrical needs - that sort of thing.

It would nice to have some good water tankage, ice box would be cool, and just the usual electical gear that's on a small sailboat.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by floridajoe

It would nice to have some good water tankage, ice box would be cool, and just the usual electical gear that's on a small sailboat.

The Centaurs got that...

[MarkSF]

The Catalinas tend to be very roomy inside, in the 27 and the 30, thanks to lots of beam, and the liner construction which, though ugly, maximises the space (and makes it feel airy because most of it is white)

I'd have thought you could get a 30 for $10K, especially if you don't mind the Atomic 4, and they are pretty big inside.

[JK n Smitty]

It's hard to knock the Catalinas if they fit your cruising plans. You get a lot more space for the money.

And you can get a C30 for $10K. I have a friend that upgraded to one this year for $10K. Its an 1988 MKII with a diesel. He had to do the mast compression post (he paid $2,700 to have it done but only would have cost him about $200 in materials to do himself). He will also need new sails in the near future and new running rigging. Other than that it is just typical maintenance items.

On the hull liner construction, it also provides some nice insulation. We live on ours (2001 C310) and for the most part body heat along is good until November. Still had a couple hatches open last night in 40 degree weather.

[Sand Castle]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

For whats its worth, a 34' boat gets real small after the third day of rain.

On the hook, tankage is sort of important.

Do you have a special antenna for extended Internet connection or is it like a phone service?

[sailorchic34]

I have a alfa wifi thingy, which i use sometimes. I also have a wifi hotspot cellular doodad that works most places I'm at. I use that most of the time and its my one luxury at $35 a month for 3.5 gigs.

[Synesthesia]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Unlike many here, I do drink from my tank, un filtered too. I do check it once and a while, but in 6+ years full time, I'm still living. It is important to turn the tank over and not let the water sit too long. Of course I know what city water mains look like after a while and if people think tanks are bad...

I don't use a filter as the filter media itself is great for cell culture growth if the water is not used for a few days...

exactly, regular tap water is hardly sparkling and pure. I don't mind drinking it though, I like to think it's boosting my immune system.

The filter being an issue after only a few days never would have occurred to me. Does that extend to, say, certain filtered water pitchers? Is my Brita an outbreak waiting to happen?

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Unlike many here, I do drink from my tank, un filtered too. I do check it once and a while, but in 6+ years full time, I'm still living.

i ran out of bottled water on my way home from long island. i drank it.

when i opened the tank all i found was algae, floating blobs of brownish algae.
so i may run a bit of bleach thru it.

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by scoobert

i ran out of bottled water on my way home from long island. i drank it.

when i opened the tank all i found was algae, floating blobs of brownish algae.
so i may run a bit of bleach thru it.

After bleach, clean the insides of the tank and get it really clean. Plus run some bleach thru the lines too as the piping may be slightly funky too. Then flush a time or two, then fill. The key is to use the water up about every two weeks max and/or adding a bit of bleach to the water every week. The chlorine tends to vent out of the water over time so it needs to be added every few weeks if you have a big tank.

My dinky 35 gallon tank is about perfect for 14 days. I keep an extra 5 gallon jug on hand in case my tank goes dry.

[Samantha ann]

+1 to what CS34 said. I drink from my tanks as well. The key is to keep using it not let it sit. I do admit the I drink ice tea like it's going out of style. Made by running water thru the coffee maker. I like it strong! About twice a year I flush with bleach.

[feelsgood]

[QUOTE=floridajoe;1346685]Hi all,

Love this site. This is all new to me but I don't care. I'm single and have just been transferred to Tampa. I currently live in Miami and hate it. I need a good small boat to liveaboard. I know I am asking for the impossible, but I'm embracing the journey. Anyone out there have some good information about small sailboats to live on and cruise, let me know. I'm looking for any practical advice preferably with a positive outlook.

Thanks to all, Florida Joe[/QUOTE
I did a pieceon the Sadler 29 a while agoif you google Sadler 29 you may find it if not drop me an e-mail at psg1640@gmail.com and I will send it to you.
Cheers Pete

[Cheechako]

Very doable on $10k. A Catalina 27 fits the bill. Try to get one with the inboard diesel if you can. I turned one down 2 years ago for $3500 with an upgraded diesel. You might get a Cat 30 for $10k if you dont mind doing some work. For Florida an old Tartan 27 would be good also. Alot of 26-28 ft boats out there. Get one with shallow draft. Good luck.

[walkmart]

put on top of list watkins 27, 10 ft beam like a 32 footer ,most have wheel steering and a great diesel . the wider beam will give you more liveable space.

[jkindredpdx]

I'd say Catalina is durable and roomy enough for one person in the size and price you're thinking. . .Catalina 27 for sale - Yakaz For sale I googled this by typing in "Catalina 27 for sale craigslist". You might want to consider a Catalina 30, there are millions out there and they are more roomy.