Advice for Bluewater 40-50' Family boat

[KJB]

Hi. I'm new to the forum and have little experience (yet) in sailing. My wife and I are looking for a bluewater boat in the 40-50' range to put ourselves and two boys on and cruise, maybe next year.

We have looked at some Bruce Roberts 44's, Spindrift 43's, CSY 44, and Morgan 461,462's primarily. Budget for boat, under 100K (total).

I have four major criteria: 1) Safety 2) Condition 3) Comfort 4) Price

We plan on doing some recreational sailing for the first couple years, followed by perhaps some much longer trips. Mostly, West Coast, and then perhaps the Atlantic.

Any advice, concerns or helpful comments and suggestions?

Thank you!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, KJB.

You're our 50,000 Th member!

[KJB]

Thanks GordMay! I guess that makes me 1 in 50,000. I told my wife that and she's still unimpressed. Oh well!

[capnorv]

We just crossed that threshold last fall. We went with a Hardin 45 we picked up for $73000, not the fastest boat, but one we think will do the job admirably. The forepeak cabin is for our 2 boys and the aft for me and my mate. 180 gallons water and fuel. There are many mid 40's boats out there, that will do the job, take your time, you'll find her.

[Mark1977]

Welcome aboard KJB 50 000 member

[KJB]

Thank you Mark 1977!

[KJB]

Hi capnorv. Thanks for the reply and the encouragement. I just looked up two of them on YW; one for 89K, the other for 69K (w/ a 30K reduction). They are certainly nice looking boats! I like the amount of fuel storage and the interiors. One had a 6' draft, the other had 5'6". We are looking for s/t with at least 6'. It appears you got a good price on yours as well, as they appear mostly in the 100-120K range. I plan on looking at these further. Thanks.

[Coolruns]

KJB

Welcome aboard.

My wife, our two boys and I are also looking to buy a 40-50 ft monohull or multihull cruising boat. We are several years away.

We really like the 47 ft Beneteau Oceanis 473.

They are selling in the $160-$230k range.

Best of luck.

[Dulcesuenos]

Theres a 44 CSY in fl for 55k, needs some TLC, mainly elbow grease paint, and sweat, , but has newer engine, hull and decks seemed very sound to my untrained eyes >

[LuvToSail]

Originally Posted by KJB

Hi. I'm new to the forum and have little experience (yet) in sailing. My wife and I are looking for a bluewater boat in the 40-50' range to put ourselves and two boys on and cruise, maybe next year.

We have looked at some Bruce Roberts 44's, Spindrift 43's, CSY 44, and Morgan 461,462's primarily. Budget for boat, under 100K (total).

I have four major criteria: 1) Safety 2) Condition 3) Comfort 4) Price

We plan on doing some recreational sailing for the first couple years, followed by perhaps some much longer trips. Mostly, West Coast, and then perhaps the Atlantic.

Any advice, concerns or helpful comments and suggestions?

Thank you!

Hi and welcome

Our family went through a similar process 3 years ago. We had similar criteria. I would say look for a boat that

a) is a known to be a great boat for BLuewater, there is a list here:
http://www.mahina.com/cruise.html#boatselection


b) stowage and layout

c) condition condition condition

We bought a 74 Cal 2-46 because we wanted a cc and got one that had amazing previous owners and was in great shape, and have not been disappointed! ...mind you expect to spend some more even if the boat is in great shape.

It is nice to have a boat can cross oceans and be comfortable to live on.

[KJB]

Hi Coolruns. Although a little out of my range at this time, that looks like a very nice choice. It's interesting to hear form other families who have also done - or are doing this. Thanks for replying.

[KJB]

Thanks. I've come across that article before, but lost it. It helped to read it again. Have fun cruising!