Purchasing Advice, Please

[Velma]

Hi all,

What would be a realistic price range to buy a new boat, we would like something that is bluewater worthy and between 37 - 40 ft. Have been considering a Catalina but prices are hard to come by on the net. Any suggestions appreciated.

Looking forward to being on the blue,
Velma

[Bluefuss]

Try these for a start;
yachtworld.com
sailboatlistings.com

Good luck

[Sailmonkey]

don't buy new, buy one a year old that someone has already put the extra equipment on. Like bluefuss says, look at yachtworld.

[zeehag]

yacht brokers ar egood for the upper ranges of the pricing index. if you are seeking something less pricey try walking docks and sailing with other folks who have boats intil you find one you are happy with and pursue those leads associated with that boat.

[Velma]

Thank you for the replies, I haven't been having a whole lot of luck getting responses but I think that is due to me being a new member or not...

Advice is appreciated!

[Bash]

Base price of a 2011 Catalina 387 is $207,160.

[jim_thomsen]

When looking for a cruising boat, I think one of the best deals is to talk with John Neal of Mahina Expeditions. He has been running crusing seminars for many years and also has a consulting business that for $400 will help you find a boat. He is very familiar with all the brands and models. Even if you don't use him as an consultant, reading his information on choosing a boat is worthwhile: Mahina Expedition - Offshore Cruising Instruction

[perchance]

Originally Posted by Velma

Hi all,

What would be a realistic price range to buy a new boat, we would like something that is bluewater worthy and between 37 - 40 ft. Have been considering a Catalina but prices are hard to come by on the net. Any suggestions appreciated.

Looking forward to being on the blue,
Velma

Are you new to sailing?. If you are not getting responses don't worry, just keep sticking your oar in like everyone else.

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by Velma

Thank you for the replies, I haven't been having a whole lot of luck getting responses but I think that is due to me being a new member or not...

Advice is appreciated!

Its because not everyone here reads every post ;-) so dont take it personally.

Even If I had all the money in the world, i wouldnt buy new. Second hand boats have all the extra gear that the first owner has to mess around getting. Its up to you.

If you must have a new boat, contact the manufacturers, of the boats youre interested in, for "sailaway packages" then add 20% to the price for the things they dont provide- First Aid, Raft, Flares, Plotter etc etc etc .

Cheers
Oz

[simonmd]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

Even If I had all the money in the world, i wouldnt buy new. Second hand boats have all the extra gear that the first owner has to mess around getting. Its up to you.

Cheers
Oz

Seconded. Unless you've got money to waste, DONT buy new. Just like a new car, a boats value will fall dramaticaly in the first couple of years. The money that you save could literaly fund another couple of years cruising with no income.

With the world ecconomy suffering at the moment, it's a perfect buyers market and if you've got the cash in hand, so to speak, there are some great deals to be done.

Good luck in your search!

[theonecalledtom]

Or buy new so ther rest of us can buy down the line (about thirty years in my case...) and use all the toys that YOU add to the boat

Welcome aboard Velma!

[zeehag]

this is a qustion that has been sked an answered many times-- a few being within the past 3-6 months-- folks figure y'all will research the archives then ask-- but is all goood--- i found my formosa 41 for 10kusd-- and there are better deals out there- many older boats have been kept up well--many have not-- get one in middle so you dont have to pay premium or hve to rebuild entire boat. sail opb, etc---resear4ch and go back thru the archi8ves--lotta good answers here.. smooth sailing.

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by simonmd

Seconded. Unless you've got money to waste, DONT buy new. Just like a new car, a boats value will fall dramaticaly in the first couple of years. The money that you save could literaly fund another couple of years cruising with no income.

Quality boats will hold their value better. Also if buying an older boat, you better be handy and enjoy fixing things, if not, buy new(er).
Tom

[Velma]

I am new to sailing but my husband is a skipper and I've already started learning about navagation. I will be taking the basic crusing course in the spring so I am able to get out sailing and be able to help my husband. I've been learning lots about sailboats through this website and from my husband so I'm getting pretty excited. Thanks to everyone I'm getting a better idea of what I am shopping for.

Velma