Looking to Buy My First Real 'Cruiser'

[kcmarcet]

Hi all,

A couple of years ago I bought a little day-sailer that I learned a lot about sailing on. I sold it about 6 months ago now I am looking at buying my first real cruiser. I'm not in any great hurry for one, just going to take my time and find the right one close to home, I've been checking on boattrader.com and it seems that there are lots of older boats in the 30 to 35 ft range for sale in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. So I guess here are the questions I have:

(1) Is a 30 to 35 ft boat a good size for cruises of a couple of days to maybe a week?

(2) Is that price range reasonable for a boat in the range of 15 to 30 years old? Or should I look "behind the curtains" so to speak on a boat in this price range?

Thanks.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by kcmarcet

(1) Is a 30 to 35 ft boat a good size for cruises of a couple of days to maybe a week?

For most people yes. In fact plenty of cruisers consider that a good size for long term live aboard and world cruising. However, at the end of the day, comfort in a certain size space all comes down to your personal preferences

Originally Posted by kcmarcet

(2) Is that price range reasonable for a boat in the range of 15 to 30 years old?

In general, yes. You can find deals at a lot less and gold platers for more.

Originally Posted by kcmarcet

should I look "behind the curtains" so to speak on a boat in this price range?

You shoud look behind the curtains even if you're buying a brand new boat at tripe that price.

[four winds]

At 32 feet I find my old boat very comfortable. I'm not a couple however.

It was an enjoyable search lasting more than a year, mostly online, leading to a particular model that I then started searching for.

Of course I had a price ceiling, but a list of priorities provided guidance. Like standing headroom, diesel with power enough to go up river against the current, etc.

The result was finding a 33 year old boat of choice owned and maintained by an older gentleman who was retiring from sailing and flying because of age at 83. I paid less than 20k. I've been on the boat for a couple of months full time now, and having an adventure.

I think I got lucky in my search, but key to it all was taking my time. You state that you will also and that is the way to go. The right boat will present itself.

Best of luck in your search.