Boat Suggestions for Circumnavigation

[Robes]

Hi All-

Looking ahead, I plan a solo circumnavigation in 2016-17 via Cape Horn. I am not familiar with all the possible boats that would be suited for this. It will be "used" and looking at "$50K", todays price. I assume I would never find anything for that price which wouldn't need significant refurbishing. I'll be looking to buy the year before, to outfit & make a few runs with it along the East coast USA/Caribbean.

I guess the dream come true would be to find a boat that recently completed what I plan to do when I'm ready to buy. Guess I could Google for circumnavigation & try to contact those recent sailors to inquire if their boats are for sale?

So, basically looking for used, small O.K, strong, but known performers. If I could get a number of suggestions I can then research them more myself & not waste time looking at the wrong boats. Thanks for your boat suggestions-

[zeta]

May I suggest crewing on at least one open sea voyage. It may or may not be as expected. Also being on a boat for an extended trip will give you some idea of what you want, need, and what you can live with or without. Open ocean is much different from lake sailing.

[sabray]

You did not give total budget. Reading Hal Roths account ( 2 against the horn) could give some perspective. maybe nicks boat otherwise something like a wetsnail might suit you.

[justwaiting]

Originally Posted by Robes

Hi All-

I guess the dream come true would be to find a boat that recently completed what I plan to do when I'm ready to buy. -

You may find that any boat that has just RTW via the capes may need a bit of TLC and would not be ready to go.

[Robes]

Thanks for your replies,

I do plan on a couple Atlantic crossings as crew, which most likely won't help in finding my price range of boat. I'm dedicated to crewing & sailing classes & all the experience possible till I get a boat a few years from now. I'm 55, retired, and sailing full time. Yes, the ocean isn't at all similar to White Bear Lake MN. I live a Spartan life & would do so in the cruise except for safety/nav features.

My total expense (without refitting) is $50K as stated, to get into a boat that can take the punishment. Does Hal Roths book supply a of list boats that are great choices for the task at hand? Sorry, but what is a nicks boat?

I realize a recent RTW boat may need some refitting, yet, it may be far stronger then one which would need much much more in dollar amount.

[xymotic]

If I hadn't lucked into a custom steel boat, I'd still be looking at Cal 39 or 40's

[zeta]

I believe there are plenty of boats in the 15-25K range that would leave 25-35k for refit. Mariah, Vega, Alberg 30's come to mind. If small is okay a fellow in Salt lake city has a Flicka with trailer for 25K.
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=75533&url=
YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale
YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale

[msponer]

Have you seen Roger Taylor? He is a kind of God, the mortal child of Neptune and a Mermaid, and if I had a man-crush on anyone in the sailing community, it is he:
Mingming & the Art of Minimal Ocean Sailing
Youtube
Website

And... I completely agree with his idea. That for high lattitude single handing you want a small boat that covers the safety and seamanship basics an order of magnitude better than any usual boat. So I am not sure that a boat fresh from a typical circumnavigation will add that much, as a starting point.

You asked for a list. I would really look for something 32' or less. When I was out there I had a few friends in Westsails, which I like and would be completely capable, but ... are also kind of big for a 32' boat. I'd actually go with something a little smaller. I've always loved the Bristol Channel Cutters, they are just so cute, and though the production ones are way over priced, the factory did sell hulls that owners then completed the interiors, and if you are lucky, one might be available in your price range. I've been on a few of those boats and think they are fine, I totally dig the rough hewn look some of them have. And.. A friend of mine is about 3/4 of the way through his second circumnavigation on a Norsea 27. It is a cool little boat. I buddy boated with him for a bit in the South Pacific, and have no clue what it's like at sea, but ... maybe give it a look, even if it is trailerable. Some of the Pacific Seacrafts are also quite cool.

[Robes]

xymotic, zeta, msponer :

Thank you all for the valuable information & links, your answering my question-

[RocketScience]

First things first: About John Neal

Next: John Neal's "Selecting a Boat for Offshore Cruising" and list of boats

[TomM]

A couple of months ago I found a guy's blog who sailed a Contessa 26 a good portion of the oceans.

[zeta]

For me I'd look hard at this Nor'Sea 27 with trailer.

1979 Nor'Sea Aft Cabin sailboat for sale in Outside United States

[Robes]

Originally Posted by RocketScience

First things first: About John Neal

Next: John Neal's "Selecting a Boat for Offshore Cruising" and list of boats

Now that's a list! Lots of info there- Thanks

[msponer]

Originally Posted by zeta

For me I'd look hard at this Nor'Sea 27 with trailer.

My friend with the Norsea had to do major engine work while he was passing through Australia. So he found a trailer and moved the whole boat inside a diesel shop, to do the work there.

I just think that's so awesome. Don't wait for them to show up, just park it in their shop.

[Doodles]

Going around Cape Horn I'd think of something a bit bigger than a Albin Vega or Nor'sea. I'd be looking at something like these...

1982 CORBIN - 39 Pilothouse Cutter Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1980 Ryder Southern Cross Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1980 Valiant Esprit 37 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Hal Roth' last boat was a Wauquiez Pretorien 35 and you can probably find one for $50K or less. It would do the job.