Hello! . . . Sail vs Power ?

[SaltyMonkey]

True David, but try to steer the PNW cruiser away from that.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by CaptainWannaBe

Hello,

My wife and I are about 1 month away from purchasing our first boat. It is a 30' Pacemaker that we feel we are getting a good deal on and plan on living on board.
Eric and Elena

Since this is going to be a live aboard boat, you will get far more space on a 30 ft power boat compared to a 30 ft yacht and that could be a big difference. Light, airy with windows to look out, and if cruising smaller distances could make sence. No dropping the mast for canals etc.

However if you want to go futher afield the costs are going to go up. How about a catamaran?

Pete

[SaltyMonkey]

catamaran - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[CaptainWannaBe]

If I could find a Cat for what I am paying for the 30' Power Boat or Even the 40' Sailboat I would consider it.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

catamaran - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

A Lagoon 400, well yes, meanwhile back in the real world:

1973 Catalac 9m Catamaran Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -

Pete

[swagman]

Hi Eric and Elena,
I'm one of the sailors who is contempating a move to power - not really for livaboard use - but so to allow us to travel up rivers and canals etc and give us a few new challenges in life.
All the others give good advice but certainly over this side of the Atlantic, our research shows the cost per square foot of boats (same age) would currently put power as better value.
In terms of costs of maintenance / motive power, it is my view that provided you buy a displacement power boat (that chugs along around same speed as a sailboat does) and that the engine(s) are in good order, then the monthly cost would work out around the same. The $ spent on a new set of sails can fill a lot of fuel tanks.......
And finally you'll get a lot more useful space on a 40 foot power boat than a 40 foot sailing yacht.
Lots to consider - enjoy your own research and we all look forward to hearing what you buy.
Cheers
JOHN

[SaltyMonkey]

I was looking more into something like this:

1991 Owen & Clarke Offshore Racing Trimaran Sail Boat For Sale -



or this:

1982 Trevor Banks Trimaran Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[CaptainWannaBe]

I see everyone talking about the cost of replacing sails. But how does that balance out against the cost of maintaining an engine and the hours of operation before rebuild or overhaul? What if you have to replace an engine (Which is something I hear a lot from Power Boat owners)?
I have a friend who is down for the summer because his block cracked.

I agree in many ways a Power Boat has its advantages. Especially for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience. As well as space availability and uses.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

I was looking more into something like this

Actually not a bad price, but can you imagine trying to park that in a busy marina

[kb79]

Originally Posted by CaptainWannaBe

I see everyone talking about the cost of replacing sails. But how does that balance out against the cost of maintaining an engine and the hours of operation before rebuild or overhaul?

we just bought a new main for about $4K. 9.2oz dacron, three reefs - a legit offshore sail (coulda bought a bay sail for half that). i've been told to expect about 10 years out of it if we're sailing causally, and 3-4 if we're cruising. i think you'd be hard pressed to come up with a way to get $4k worth of gas to last that long.

[Highlander40]

At about 50 or 60 feet a sailboat starts costing more than a powerboat.

Something I have never understood is the unlimited range of a sailboat.
That only makes sense if you also have unlimited time to sail.

In the real world of commitments and jobs, a powerboat has about 10X the range of a sailboat.

[SaltyMonkey]

true KB. But lets also include the re-rigging though. New main of yours sounds a bit pricey too.

Engines - if you keep to a relatively low RPM cruising speed and keep to regular maintenance, your diesels should work a good long while. The diesel fuel $ is a killer. Lets say you want to travel up to PNW from SF. say roughly 700 miles @ 1 gal per mile * $3.00 per gal = $2,100 RT = $4,200...call it $5000 for current and weather. Probably would be difficult to get 1 gal per mile but you see how it adds up.

[SaltyMonkey]

Power boats, jobs etc. Yes, I knew a number of hard core sailers who bought smaller jet boats etc because they wanted to just get out on the weekend and get back. Go to St Michaels etc. Also know cruisers that trade in their big full keel cruisers for a hunter - much for same reasons.

[kb79]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

true KB. But lets also include the re-rigging though. New main of yours sounds a bit pricey too.

that includes tax and a new set of lazy jacks. so yeah, a bit less. which makes the point that much more relevant

you're right about the rigging though - there goes another $3k...

it'd be interesting to hear from people who've actually owned and maintained both for a more realistic cost comparison.

[SaltyMonkey]

I think yours is realistic. Just wondered about the sail. I expected more on the rigging though. I think you did good there if that is all you paid - hopefully all set with your storm jib rigging etc.

btw, thinking it over, dont think you need a storm tri. maybe i would have full battens. But I'm pondering it.