Advice on a 28 to 30 FT Sailboat for 2 hour Tours

[Captain Graham]

I am looking to purchase a 28 to 30 foot Sailboat for doing 2 hour sunset cruises.

I am looking at 3 older sailboats
1. 1977 Pearson 28-1
2. 1972 Ericson 29
3. 1975 C&C 30

All are about the same price and in similar condition.

The features I want are
1. Room for 4-6 passengers in 0-15 mph winds
2. Roomy foredeck for seating.
3. Stiff in 0-15 MPH winds
4. Easy to single hand
5. Main sheet traveler out of the way.
6. Easy to walk forward (wide deck and no rigging in the way.)
7. Good balance so I can leave the helm and help the passengers.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Calif.Ted]

Stern perch seats help, but with all respect I think 6 passengers and crew may require a bigger boat.

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

Stern perch seats help, but with all respect I think 6 passengers and crew may require a bigger boat.

I agree 6 might be too many for a 28 to 30 ft boat considering they will be passengers/customers who might do stupid things.

The plan is to start with 4 and only move up to 6 if I think it can be done safely.

Do you have any experience with the boats I am looking at?

[Spindrift NH]

I have a friend that does 2 hour harbor cruises in Charleston on his 1989 Catalina 30 with the T cockpit. I think it’s the perfect boat for what he’s doing. He takes 6 passengers and often will have one additional crew though not necessary to have crew as it’s a pretty easy boat to single hand.

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by Spindrift NH

I have a friend that does 2 hour harbor cruises in Charleston on his 1989 Catalina 30 with the T cockpit. I think it’s the perfect boat for what he’s doing. He takes 6 passengers and often will have one additional crew though not necessary to have crew as it’s a pretty easy boat to single hand.

Thanks for the info.

[Calif.Ted]

Do you have any experience with the boats I am looking at?

Only the Ericson decades ago with 5 people of which 2 were "crew", the others just ballast. I've had 7 on my boat, doable, but you banish one to a stern perch and shift others around anytime you need to maneuver, raise or drop sail. Non-sailors don't have a clue what you want to do, when or why and get in the way alot.

[Dave Lochner]

The C&C was built in Canada. As such it can not be used for commerce in the US because of the Jones Act.

[Rhwins]

And you will have to have captain's papers to take passengers out for $

[Captain Graham]

Thanks for pointing out the some of the legal requirements.
1. The C&C I am looking at has been officially inspected by the USCG and is now an Inspected Vessel.
The owner has already gotten the wavier to the Jones Act.
I do need to check that the wavier is transferable to my business.
2. I already have my Captain's License (MMC) 25 Ton near coastal.

My Part Time Marine Business is doing well earning what I expected while I am still fully employed.
1. USCG Training Classes
2. Boat Deliveries.

As I am getting closer to my retirement I want to add Sunset Cruises to the list of income streams.

[Calif.Ted]

You can use a foreign built boat if you get a "Small Vessel Waiver" we had to do it for a friend's French built Jeanneau for some charters. Another hurdle thro, along with the commercial insurance, permit for commercial use of the marina, etc., etc. etc. etc.
https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/d...waiver-program

[Rhwins]

Sounds like a dream retirement for you. I had a 30' C&C and loved it enough that only another C&C could replace it when I bought my next boat. You should consider the effect of having a tiller vs wheel for steering has on cockpit space.

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by Rhwins

Sounds like a dream retirement for you. I had a 30' C&C and loved it enough that only another C&C could replace it when I bought my next boat. You should consider the effect of having a tiller vs wheel for steering has on cockpit space.

Yes, cockpit space is very important.
The seating capacity difference between tiller and wheel depends of many things.
1. Location of the rudder shaft.
2. Location of the Main sheet traveler.
I decided to just visit the boats and see for myself.

Since you had a C&C 30 what do you think about using it for Sunset Cruises for 4-6 passengers?

The C&C I am looking at has wheel steering.

[rmhutch59]

The SS Minnow was good for 3 hr. tours.

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

You can use a foreign built boat if you get a "Small Vessel Waiver" we had to do it for a friend's French built Jeanneau for some charters. Another hurdle thro, along with the commercial insurance, permit for commercial use of the marina, etc., etc. etc. etc.
https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/d...waiver-program

Thank you for points out some of the other issues with opening up a Charter Business.
As part of your etc, etc list are the local town licenses for operating a tourist business.

Many Marinas and most Yacht Clubs do not allow Charter Businesses.
So if you are thinking of doing the same thing please ask before you buy a boat.

PS
One of the boats I am looking at is from a guy who bought it and wanted to liveaboard on it.
He bought the boat then tried to join a Yacht Club.
The Club told him no liveaboards are allowed.

[onestepcsy37]

And if you are thinking of a three hour tour stay away from the ss minnow