40’ ketch, impossible to find?

[Tcozelos]

Is it possible to find a 38’ to 40’ ketch, and if so what would you recommend? I’m new to sailing and evidently insurance for a sailboat over 40’ is difficult to find, so options are limited at best I fear. The closest ones that I have been able to find listed for sale are 41’. Might be too general of a post, I apologize if that is the case.

[Jake Tanley]

Currently, there are about a dozen boats up on YachtWorld that meet your criteria. You don't mention where you are geographically.

[Bill O]

If you are new to sailing, may I suggest your first boat possibly be a little smaller until you gain more experience. A 30' is still fairly large for your first boat.
Also depending on how you will use the boat (day sails, weekend trips, etc.), a sloop rig maybe a good starter and more of these are available.
If you could, please tell us where you will be sailing (general location) and what you current plans are for trips.

[boatman61]

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/will...or-sale/636445

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/nich...or-sale/645425

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/jan-...or-sale/657009

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/fish...or-sale/579816

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/colv...or-sale/648424

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/aphr...or-sale/613586

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/naut...or-sale/659820

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/ferr...or-sale/509919

[Tcozelos]

I’m located in the U.S. Planing to sail the gulf, Caribbean, and eventually crossing the Atlantic. My husband has about 4 yrs experience 30yrs or so ago, so not sure if that counts at this late date. Would like to be able to live aboard part time while working/upgrading her as well. Living aboard is main reason looking for 38’ - 40’ range.

[skipmac]

Why does it have to be a ketch? If you have little sailing experience I'm guessing because a book or article recommends a ketch?

I've owned both and prefer a cutter rig. You might also prefer a sloop or cutter after more time on the water.

[Monte Cresto]

There is a lot of 40-42 older boats on the market that make great cruiser/live aboards
with loads of equipment for a good price. You'll learn to sail it just as well as learning
on a smaller boat. Think long term goals. Good Luck!

[wrwakefield]

Be sure to look at a Nauticat 40 during your search... it will be a good baseline for comparison shopping... (S&S hull, so excellent sailing...)

Cheers! Bill. (A somewhat biased Nauticat owner...)

[redhead]

I loved my Pearson 365 ketch. Only 36.5 feet so may does not meet your criteria, but a boat you may want to look at anyway. Big enough for a couple to live on. Built like the proverbial brick ::::house. Strong, capable boat.

[AiniA]

Insurance costs typically go up with the value of the boat rather than strictly the size. Something like a Whitby 42 would work and could be a bit cheaper/more expensive than a 40' I agree that there is nothing sacred about a ketch. Improved sail handling systems since the heyday of the ketch. We cruised with a 40,000 lb, 45 footer without difficulty.

[Ken Z]

Go to florida sailboats for sale by owner, there ate many 40’ to look at not all are ketches, you.ll have to sort through them.

[Symphony]

Ketch rig was popular before the days of efficient self tailing winches and power winches. Also the materials and technology for building masts are better now. These advances make possible the practice of a single tall mast easily handled by a solo sailor. While a ketch rig has many possibilities of sailing, it is more complicated for a beginner. In my 40 years of sailing, which started with a 25 foot ketch, I found the added mast, rigging and windage severely affects upwind performance as well as creating more maintenance expense.

YMMV
Good luck.
Richard
X sailor now Vicem 58
Branford, CT

[wrwakefield]

PS: I have never experienced any insurance bias regarding boat length, although that could be true of some insurers...

Try working with a marine ins broker instead of individual ins companies...

Cheers! Bill

[conchaway]

Contact
Captain John Virginio, (207) 671-0677 or email John@fcmyachts.com. I have hired him before. He is honest and fair. Tell him Leon recommended him.

[Tcozelos]

Originally Posted by wrwakefield

PS: I have never experienced any insurance bias regarding boat length, although that could be true of some insurers...

Try working with a marine ins broker instead of individual ins companies...

Cheers! Bill

I’ve tried several insurance brokers. Given our lack of experience, insurance has become a dismal search. Any referrals?