New Boat Purchase Advice

[Dalesa1]

Hi,
I'm looking at purchasing a live aboard/cruiser - currently looking at two boats, 1987 Bayfield 32c (37.5') and a 1990 Hunter 40 sloop. Looking to sail single handed but also would like to do west coast to Panama Canal and eventually trans atlantic to Med.
Both seem excellent boats - anyone out there have any experience with either of them?
Also, looking for marine insurance company for same - Canadian resident - any suggestions?
Andy

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Andy.

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...32c-12323.html

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...0-a-48570.html

[Dalesa1]

Thanks Gord,
Looks like a great website!
Don't have an appropriate quote yet - will work on it.

Andy

[Amapola]

No matter which one, be sure to get a surveyor report, have her hauled out to see the bottom condition, and take her for a test cruise.

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by Dalesa1

. . . Also, looking for marine insurance company for same - Canadian resident - any suggestions?
Andy

For insurance try I.M.I.S. International Marine Insurance Services

[Bill10]

Dalesa 1
There is so much advice but such so little space and time.

Thats my quote.

Anyway given your ambitions I think my first advice is that you might want to go with a heavier displacement boat than the ones you list, especially the Hunter. I think single handing and size are not necessarily related...its the equipment and type of rigging that are important.

Our ambitions were the same as yours although for personal reasons plans have changed since then. So we purchased a reasonably priced blue water boat which you can view here:

1984 Brewer 12.8 Cutter CB Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com.

This is not sales pitch just wanted to give an example after much research and contemplation of the type of boat we thought was necessary to do the cruising that we contemplated and you are contemplating.

Having owned her for four years I am pretty confident we were right.

Good luck

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dalesa1

Hi,
I'm looking at purchasing a live aboard/cruiser - currently looking at two boats, 1987 Bayfield 32c (37.5') and a 1990 Hunter 40 sloop. Looking to sail single handed but also would like to do west coast to Panama Canal and eventually trans atlantic to Med.
Both seem excellent boats - anyone out there have any experience with either of them?
Also, looking for marine insurance company for same - Canadian resident - any suggestions?
Andy

Are you certain that Hunter is a suitable for a newer sailor in blue water? As a rule, Hunters tend to be tender.

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

Are you certain that Hunter is a suitable for a newer sailor in blue water? As a rule, Hunters tend to be tender.

Which is like asking would you rather drive (learn to drive) a VW or sports car (light, maneuverable) versus a Buick or old Cadillac (heavy, likes straight ahead)?
- - Almost all versions of boats have been successfully circumnavigated, but some require more "attention" than others to steering and wind/wave conditions.