Want To Buy: Looking for a cat

[teaden]

Hi all,
We are looking to buy a used catamaran.
Considering our low budget of around $140 000, we are hoping beyond hope that we can find a 38-42' catamaran, 2000-2010. We would ideally love a Leopard, Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot or Island Spirit.
We know that this is a tall order but working with a South African exchange rate we have little room to play.
We'd be prepared to buy anywhere in the world and have already sold up everything we own so have cash in hand and ready to buy.
We've looked at many many brokerage sites but decided to check in here on the off chance that someone is looking to do a private deal.
Tall order - but hey, we have got this far into our dream life change after 6 years of planning - why give up hope now
TIA

[Kenomac]

You might be able to find a well-beat up ex charter boat in your price range or keep on saving up and dream a little longer. Or better yet, use your $140k to put a good size down payment on a boat that costs a little more and carry a small mortgage on a newer boat.

There's nothing wrong with having a small loan on the boat in order to buy the one that's right for you.

[boatman61]

Keno.. kinda hard to get a loan when all your assets have been sold.. no security and a boat halfway round the worlds not viewed as good security when ones left the country.

To the OP.. This is worth consideration.. just about in your budget.. quick search results.

https://m.apolloduck.com/boat/broadblue-38/585801

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Keno.. kinda hard to get a loan when all your assets have been sold.. no security and a boat halfway round the worlds not viewed as good security when ones left the country.

To the OP.. This is worth consideration.. just about in your budget.. quick search results.

https://m.apolloduck.com/boat/broadblue-38/585801

True.... then sometimes one might need to scale back those “dreams” or be willing to purchase something more within one’s financial means like the cat Phil just found.

But meanwhile, there’s nothin’ wrong with dreaming; “dreams do come true.... it could happen to you.”

[hamburking]

Here is a Lagoon 42 in Toronto Canada:https://www.kijiji.ca/v-sailboat/osh...ationFlag=true

The asking price (which is obviously negotiable) is $195,000 cdn. Thats around $140 USD, your stated target price.

This Gemini 34 is located in Kingston, Canada (Lake Ontario, east end) is a little smaller than you want, but is only asking $110,000 cdn, which is about $80,000 USD: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-sailboat/kin...ationFlag=true

Both boats are older than you specified. But there is no charge to click and look at the pics.

And if you are wondering, yes, easy access to the Atlantic ocean at New York City via the Oswego and Erie canals... an easy and enjoyable trip that takes maybe 2 weeks.

[Cpt Mark]

Theres more cost to buying a boat than just the purchase price. New electronics, sails, tender, whatever needs repair. It's hard to say how much you need as a cushion to get the boat in the condition you want it in. to do what you want to do.

[ShellBack89]

Take out the share offers and damaged boats and there are still a few in for you to look at.


https://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...dedSelected=-1

[Cpt Mark]

And don't just look at Yacht World. Google search, craigslist search, eBay search etc.. for the boat you are looking at or even a general description. I found Cats all over the world at good prices (without a survey anyway). I found my cat this way and it was listed with a broker who did not put it on Yacht World. Got it at a very fair price after negotiations (seller said highly unreasonable but I know I'm putting 30K into it to get it ready) .

[Augi]

Not sure if this 2006 Lagoon 380 Owners Version(Atlantis) is still for sale. If it is, it has been for sale a long time. The owner's name is Mark. He was and maybe still is looking for only a private sale(with no broker). I recall he said he would consider excepting a smaller mono plus cash in a trade.

https://dorinza.com/vehicles/boats-s...on-2006_i12308

He put up a videos on youtube for awhile about living on board Atlantis (see link below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H92iVWQbohw

Other than that to go most anywhere other than north towards Belize and the Yucatan you have to work your way east against the prevailing wind, Rio Dulce would be a good place to start your adventure. Rio Dulce is protected from hurricanes, has a good cruiser community, a number of boat yards that do work at reasonable prices and some allow you to work on your own boat, West Marine has an outlet there, marina prices are reasonable and it is possible to anchor out for free. Guatemala City has excellent medical and dental care available for low prices.

[teaden]

Thanks so much - yup, we are scouring every source and website we can find - hours spent daily for the past 6 months. I have also been going into the different brokerage site leading off of Yacht World, Sailboatlistings, Boats 24 etc. Just trying to cover all our bases.

[mikedefieslife]

For around that price give or take 10k a world of European based Nautitechs, Lagoon 380s, FP Lavezzis, Athenas, Mahes (36), Privileges etc.. is available to you. Take your pick.

[teaden]

Originally Posted by Augi

Not sure if this 2006 Lagoon 380 Owners Version(Atlantis) is still for sale. If it is, it has been for sale a long time. The owner's name is Mark. He was and maybe still is looking for only a private sale(with no broker). I recall he said he would consider excepting a smaller mono plus cash in a trade.

https://dorinza.com/vehicles/boats-s...on-2006_i12308

He put up a videos on youtube for awhile about living on board Atlantis (see link below).

Other than that to go most anywhere other than north towards Belize and the Yucatan you have to work your way east against the prevailing wind, Rio Dulce would be a good place to start your adventure. Rio Dulce is protected from hurricanes, has a good cruiser community, a number of boat yards that do work at reasonable prices and some allow you to work on your own boat, West Marine has an outlet there, marina prices are reasonable and it is possible to anchor out for free. Guatemala City has excellent medical and dental care available for low prices.

Thanks so much - I have taken a look and messaged the owner directly - will wait to hear back from him.
I cant tell from the listing if still available or not - your time to reply is most appreciated

[smj]

Try expanding your search beyond the brands you’ve mentioned. Sometimes a custom built can be found for a significantly less price than the top 3 charter brands. And sometimes those custom cats may be a better design and build quality.

[teaden]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

For around that price give or take 10k a world of European based Nautitechs, Lagoon 380s, FP Lavezzis, Athenas, Mahes (36), Privileges etc.. is available to you. Take your pick.

Thanks so much - I recently discovered the European market and there does seem to be more reasonably priced boats there.

[MickB]

The AUD has taken a hammering on the FX market of late and with the elections coming up in March with a likely Socialist win the exchange rate is unlikely to improve. There are a few Cats around in your range and with USD on offer you could have extra bargining power. Another option is Thailand or Malaysia.