Best buy in a solid cruising boat (go anywhere, $30k or less)

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy Y'all!

I just realized I posted a notice about the Dufour boat, but copied the wrong link.

Here is the proper link to the Dufour 34 boat listed in Miami Florida area:

Dufour 34' Blue water sailboat 5.6 draft.

Here is one photo of the saloon, there are several shown via the link. It appears to be in good shape (but TLC will help any boat).

[Cheechako]

Dog friendly companionway too! :>)

[sanibel sailor]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Howdy Y'all!

I just realized I posted a notice about the Dufour boat, but copied the wrong link.

Here is the proper link to the Dufour 34 boat listed in Miami Florida area:

Dufour 34' Blue water sailboat 5.6 draft.

Here is one photo of the saloon, there are several shown via the link. It appears to be in good shape (but TLC will help any boat).

That radar arch makes her look a bit like a Plymouth Superbird.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Here is another boat in the "under $30K asking price" category and over 30 foot LOA.

Since many members of this forum visit from Europe (or elsewhere), and may not be familiar with this brand of boat (Irwin), I will post some of the information I found on this brand. Irwin produced about 6,000 boats from 1966-1992. Some were large (e.g. 65-68 feet). Many were designed for the Florida/Caribbean market (charter or cruising). Since the boats are no longer produced, potential buyers should look to online sources for information about the boats. I found a website with considerable information here:
Irwin Yachts - Irwin Sailboats Parts & Manuals

Sailboats built by Irwin Yachts by year on Sailboatdata.com

Irwin Citation 34 1983 $21K (Houston Texas)

1983 IRWIN YATCHS CITATION 34 IN GREAT CONDITION

CLIP: "Open floor plan galley, nav station and head with shower. 2 water tanks of 40 and 80 gallons, grey tank 40 gallons, and 30 gallon fuel tank."

_________
As before, I have no connection to this boat or seller. I am simply posting these photos and descriptions to further the discussion of what kinds of boats are available for under $30K and may fit the needs of the OP. I hope others will do the same, when I am looking to purchase a boat and ask for suggestions.

Notice this boat is located in Houston Texas Area (Clear Lake Texas area), near the Gulf of Mexico.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

That radar arch makes her look a bit like a Plymouth Superbird.

Exactly my thoughts when I saw it.

That style of arch seemed to be in vogue years ago (I have seen several boats for sale in Europe with similar style from 1980s), but just like anything else, styles tend to come back around. Noticed some recent designs of larger European built yachts are including somewhat similar arches now (mostly on larger yachts 60+LOA).

[slowshoes]

A bit more than you wanted to spend, but it looks like it's been looked after and it has a brand new Yanmar. I've had a sister ship for close to 3 decades and I've never felt the need for a larger boat.

1983 Union 32 New Yanmar sailboat for sale in Wisconsin

[sully75]

For the record I'm the op and I'm living in maryland

That union 32 looks amazing


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[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by sully75

For the record I'm the op and I'm living in maryland

That union 32 looks amazing


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I realized a little too late that I was mistaking the OP of this topic with another sailor who sailed from Europe to Bahamas (as I recall) and was looking for a larger than 26 foot boat in Florida or close to it. My mistake.

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by sully75

For the record I'm the op and I'm living in maryland

That union 32 looks amazing


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And that looks like a 3YM30 which is a great engine from my prior boat experience.


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[Pendragon35]

Originally Posted by sully75

Downeaster looks pretty damn good.

I have a really hard time with the looks of those clipper bow decorations but I guess I could love with it.

Anyone have any opinions about the alberg 35? Similar to my triton which I like a lot although lately I'm wondering about getting a boat with a longer waterline length. Overhangs are super pretty but maybe not as functional as I thought they were.


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I have an Alberg 35 (#175 I believe). She came with a Yanmar 3gm30 with 500 hours, roller furling 130% jib and a so so main. The PO bought. The main used. It's a little long at the foot fully battened two reefs.

She's a sweet sailor, directionally stable and can be balanced with the first reef in. Mine was $20k and in great condition. She needs new running rigging and I'm in a quandary about the old wire reel winch for the main.

No one can back these boats reliably I hear; I certainly can't although I'm getting better. She's initially tender but on 10 knots of wind she settles down at about 25 deg of heel and stays there. Handles 2-4 foot waves easily (haven't been out on more). I can single hand her but its a lot easier with another person aboard. Sure wish for sel-tailing winches.

Mine was retired by a pro so I'm lucky. A PO built a wonderful chart table so we have a small port settee. The starboard one I can stretch out in (5'9"). The head is adequate. Mine no longer has hot water and while there is a shower I don't know that I would use it. Fore cabin has a berth my wife and I can share (barely). Lots of drAwers.

Had this boat since July so not a lot of experience. But I have to say if I won the lottery ID buy some gear and new sails but that's it. Love it. Perfect for a couple doing coastal cruising.

[thomm225]

How about a Bristol 22:

Bristol 22 | Bristol sailboats

[Lojanica]

Originally Posted by sully75

For the record I'm the op and I'm living in maryland

That union 32 looks amazing


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Not much difference between a U32 and a W32.

[sailr69]

Originally Posted by Grumpyman

Everything I've read on the Downeaster 38 or 32 shows it to be strong and affordable. I talked with an ex-owner and he loved his. I'm debating whether to raise my own bar to get more 'finish' in a Corbin or Hans Christian or to get the basic DE unit and save a bundle.

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I have a great Corbin for sale, fresh water boat ready to go anywhere, if interested, contact me for pictures and specs

[sully75]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

Not much difference between a U32 and a W32.

Really? Looks more like a tayana or baba in design?


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[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

That radar arch makes her look a bit like a Plymouth Superbird.

Yeah... that thing would need to GO!