Want To Buy: In Search of My Future

[fucifino]

My email is bucketpennington@gmail.com

[Fullmoon]

Originally Posted by Jwhit

Hi folks,

I am about to take off on a two week road trip from Maine to Florida in search of my future boat and I'm looking for some recommendations. Recommendations of places to shop, of boat models that would work for me AND letting me know if you so happen to know of an appropriate boat.

To give an idea of what size and style I'm after here are some models I am interested in: Valiant Esprit 37, Valiant 40, Passport 40, Fast Passage 39, Pacific Seacraft 37, Freya 39, Southern Cross 39. My price cap is 70K and I'm not looking for a huge project, but I have plenty of sweat equity to invest as well, with some experience in fiberglassing, woodworking, vessel systems, and engine repair.

I'm already planning on stopping in Annapolis, Charleston, St. Augustine, and St. Petersburg among other places. What other spots would be likely to have such boats for sale?

This will be my first "big" boat and although it won't be my last, it would be great to find THE boat for years of cruising to come.

Any tips are truly appreciated!

- Jesse

Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, GA. Only about 15 easy minutes off I-95 at exit 36. Also a few at the Morningstar Marina at the end of the causeway going to to St. Simons Island, GA. Less than 20 easy minutes from exit 29 off I-95 and there is a great restaurant there. I live on St. Simons Island now, after living on my boat in the BVI for 18 months. Would be happy to meet you there for lunch and share my experiences. Happy Hunting

[td0tz]

Originally Posted by Americat30sail

Buy my 30' Americat sailing Catamaran �� 2 Queen births, easy single hand, $39k on Craigslist still Petersburg FL - in slip at Home | The Club at Treasure Island - Treasure Island, FL Helen 727-688-6826 oncallre@gmail.com

Please post a link - google takes me to St. Pete RU - russia?!!

[wa1bda]

Hi Jesse,

A few quick notes:

1. Get a notebook and take notes. After you've seen 5 or 6 boats you won't be able to remember details of any of them. (Trust me on this!)
2. Whether you take photos with your phone or a camera, always have the first picture in the series be the boat name (either on the transom or a life-ring, etc.
3. Get going SOON! Northern boatyards start to get cold very soon... boats are getting covered now which will make it more difficult to get a good look.
4. I have looked at boats in New England and Florida. In general, the ones up north are in better shape. Boats down south are often uncovered with the sails and running rigging still exposed to the weather. The UV/sunlight just destroys boats and everything on them.

I agree with the poster who suggested going to the boats, not the cities. Look on yachtworld and sailboatlistings, but don't forget Craigslist as well.

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes!!

wa1bda

[drcat]

You have listed the boats you like. Will you be the only one sailing or will their be crew or a significant other? I bring this up due to the number of cruising couple fails or changes.
In one instance a couple were getting their sailing experience and going for certificates- took a monohull out on Fl west coast on a windy day and spouse freaked out over the heeling of the boat. They ended up getting at catamaran. Another was a sailing/cruising family that after 1 year couldn't stand the rolling and heeling of a monohull and switched to a catamaran and are much happier.
A lot of people are not comfortable with the heeling of a monohull for a lot of reasons and studies show sailors begin to lose sharpness and capacity past 15 degrees heel for extended time and loss of sharpness and capacity becomes dangerous past 30 degrees for extended periods.
Check with your significant other if appropriate. Depending on answer, you might expand your search to include 34-39' cats.

[eltha12]

Newport, Rhode Island
Oriental, NC

[Jwhit]

Thanks for the ideas!

[Jwhit]

mbiv2000, thanks for your response! I’m sorry to hear your plans had to change, Prague sure is nice though. I am going back to work this Friday, then I’ll be back on the hunt as soon as I’m back on shore, the beginning of December.

[Jwhit]

Hey Fullmoon, thanks for your reply! I’m not sure why I wasn’t seeing newer responses until this morning. It’s always great to meet fellow sailors and have a yam. Next time!

[JanezTealz]

Oriental and New Bern NC.

[Jwhit]

Hey y’all,

The offer I made on a Pacific Seacraft 37 in Naples, FL was accepted. Survey and sea trial will happen once I get back from my next hitch, Seattle to Hawaii and back. I appreciate all of the input folks left on the thread. I look forward to cruising together!

Cheers!

[john61ct]

Wow, nice boat!

[Scout 30]

Excellent choice!

[BunnyM]

Originally Posted by Jwhit

Hi folks,

I am about to take off on a two week road trip from Maine to Florida in search of my future boat and I'm looking for some recommendations. Recommendations of places to shop, of boat models that would work for me AND letting me know if you so happen to know of an appropriate boat.

To give an idea of what size and style I'm after here are some models I am interested in: Valiant Esprit 37, Valiant 40, Passport 40, Fast Passage 39, Pacific Seacraft 37, Freya 39, Southern Cross 39. My price cap is 70K and I'm not looking for a huge project, but I have plenty of sweat equity to invest as well, with some experience in fiberglassing, woodworking, vessel systems, and engine repair.

I'm already planning on stopping in Annapolis, Charleston, St. Augustine, and St. Petersburg among other places. What other spots would be likely to have such boats for sale?

This will be my first "big" boat and although it won't be my last, it would be great to find THE boat for years of cruising to come.

Any tips are truly appreciated!

- Jesse

Hi. I have a Freya 42 in Corten steel listed in the Classifieds here, if you’re still looking for a serious Blue Water cruiser. It’s in Sydney Australia.

[phi3984]

Hi i have an Endurance 44 for sale

Needs some work in Fort Lauderdale


set up for cruising
SV DELPHINUS


Available with dock