Thanks for having me aboard

[Achernome]

My wife and I have sailed on the East coast and the Great Lakes for over 30 years. Our present boat is an Island Packet 35 "Serenity" that we really like. We live in the Cleveland area. I am retired, she still has a few more to go. We have both completed our requirements for USCG masters level certificates...it was a lot of work but really fun to do it together. Although we do not plan to sell "Serenity" we are looking forward to getting information from the network about designs since we are looking for a nice 38-42 footer to live on for several months out of the year during the winter in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia. We will probably take her as far as the windwards after my wife retires and then ...(I have dreams of seeing Brasil again) who knows. Our only problem right now that, although the boat prices are going down, finances are very tight so we need a "bargain" (not that any boat is a bargain once acquired and the maintanence begins). Thank you again and happy spring launching!!

[GordMay]

It's good to have you aboard, Achernome.

[Reality Check]

Welcome aboard.

Have you considered having your 2nd boat in the Virgin Islands rather than Florida? You would find it not only find it far more enjoyable in the Winter than Florida ( I live in Florida) but you may be surprised to find it will probably be cheaper and the sailing is far superior. You could sail the Virgins for years or hop over to the Leewards and then down the chain with the wind to your back.

You will find lots of other semi retired cruisers with boats stationed in the Virgins and you can visit some of the worlds most desirable sailing locations in half day trips.

You can also find good buys on all types of boats.

[James S]

Welcome to the forum.

[Hud3]

A warm welcome to a fellow IP owner. Your IP 35 is plenty of boat for cruising throughout the eastern Caribbean. Check Island Yachts, the IP charter outfit in Red Hook, St. Thomas. They have used IPs for sale from time to time.

[David M]

Welcome Aboard! ...looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard! Unless you really want to be a two boat family, I'd agree with Hud and just "love the one you're with." It is a beauty.
However, if you care to have another boat then I'd suggest getting aboard as many as you can to pick a style that suits you but I truly would not go longer than 36 unless you really really need the room.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[Achernome]

Thanks to all for your replies.
We looked at a Pearson 424 and a Corbin but as we headed back to Ohio, we pretty much decided the same thing. We'll do the trip in out IP35 and spend the money to fix her up when we return.