Visit our Popular Forums

rkjbnz · 01-06-2015, 13:26

Hello all

Currently looking to purchase my first sail boat, mainly for cruising around our local gulf but want to be able to take a trip to the pacific islands in the future.

Spent many years aboard my parents Farr 9.2 and now looking to take up the helm of my own boat with my wife and 3 year old, which I guess makes me the deck hand.

Have many questions, which this forum has already answered quite a few of, so thank you.

Richard

**JPA Cate** · 01-06-2015, 13:43

Hi, welcome aboard, Richard.

We, too, have many memories of happy hours on Hauraki Gulf.

Have you decided what kind of a boat you're going to buy?

Cheers,

Ann

matauwhi · 01-06-2015, 13:50

G'day, Richard. Welcome aboard. Good group of mates here to get all kind of info as you have found out. What's your budget? I have a well kept Mason 53 that you and your wife can very comfortably live on, cruise the waters of the Gulf while you get your experience and then head off to the islands on day. There are pics in my album on my profile page if you want to have a look. All the best with the search. Cheers

rkjbnz · 01-06-2015, 14:19

Thanks Ann, matauwhi

Haven't decided on a boat yet unfortunately, we have a very short shortlist. Still not sure whether to go older and bigger or smaller and newer.

Currently looking at a 1999 Beneteau 50 (big boat lots of space) or a Dufour 410 smaller, very modern but not sure how practical it will be going to the islands - not that we'll be going there anytime soon. There are a few others between 40-50ft aged between 2000 and 2014 and every broker in Auckland trying to sell us a brand new boat.

Wife very much likes the modern boats, don't think she would have done too well on the 25ft trailer sailer I started on.

Richard

Steadman Uhlich · 01-06-2015, 15:36

Howdy and Welcome Aboard the Forum Richard!

I have not sailed anywhere in New Zealand, but I know it is renowned as a challenging place and with many excellent sailors coming from there. I hope to see it some day in the future.

Good luck on your boat search.

_____________________

A Few of my Favorite Tips for New Members to this Forum:

Since you are new to this forum, let me mention a few things you might miss but that could help you more enjoy your time here:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ics-19760.html

There are also some "social groups" that are more focused on special interests, and as I saw, they can be fun for their members. I am not a member of those groups, but you should be able to find them if you do some exploring of the forum website, look for "groups."

Cruisers & Sailing Forums - All Groups

Here are a few examples you and your wife may find interesting:

Mermaids Group
It is for women sailors and boat owners. It has 206 members. Cruisers & Sailing Forums - ~~Mermaids Group~~

Cruising with Kids Group (58 members)
Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Cruising with Kids

There are also some groups focused on specific cruising areas (e.g. New Zealand, Pacific Islands) such as this one:
Cruising Australia Waters Group (88 members)
Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Cruising Australia Waters

_______________

Looking for Quick Answers?

This is the best and fastest method I have found to the answers I seek here.
Since you are relatively new to the forum, here is my favorite friendly forum search tip: Look at the green menu bar on the forum pages for the drop down "Search" menu. Click on that to drop down a list of search functions. From that drop down menu select the GOOGLE CUSTOM search feature (the second box down) and then enter several different descriptive terms for your topic of interest. That will do a Custom google search of ONLY this site and it is likely to find answers to your questions or results for you. Note: this is different from using the regular forum search box or field.
_____________________

matauwhi · 01-06-2015, 23:10

Evening, Richard. With a 3 year old and your desire to head offshore one day, I would advise to not only look at newer/older or smaller/bigger, but consider the relative seaworthiness of the various hulls that are in your budget. There are many threads here in the forum with such discussions, so they should provide some good insightful reading over the winter.

If you want to have a look sometime at my Mason 53. Cheers

Kiwikat · 10-06-2015, 21:53

Greetings and welcome from another Kiwi.

Having spent the best part of 35 years racing and cruising the Hauraki Gulf and beyond, I can say it certainly is a wonderful playground indeed!!

It is often said on here that you should buy the boat that suits your present needs, as your wants and needs can change many times as your boating life evolves.

I could be cheeky here and mention that I have a very family friendly, offshore proven Farr 1104 Sport for sale (No it is not currently being advertised).......... but I won't

Wishing you all the best in whatever you choose.

Cheers
Lisa