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sailbull · 20-06-2010, 20:42

Hello, Im looking to buy a sloop (25-35ft). Wondering if there is a particular model and size that would be a good starter boat but also able to do trans-ocean trips once I gain enough expierence.

Some points that are a must to me are:
-Inboard diesel
-Able to be sailed solo
-Able to have auto-helm installed

If there is any particular model that stands out in your mind or any other info please let me know. Thanks in advance.

Peace

Weyalan · 20-06-2010, 20:47

S&S34

Bash · 20-06-2010, 20:51

Cal 34

**skipmac** · 20-06-2010, 21:44

Welcome to the forum.

First your question is a bit broad. Most boats in the 30' plus range will be inboard and most of those diesel. 25'-30' you might find more outboards.

Properly rigged I think any boat in that size range can be handled solo and don't know of any that could not take an automatic pilot of some variety.

That being said, there are dozens if not hundreds of boats that would work, especially if budget is not an issue, but then isn't it always?

So, got a price range in mind? That will help narrow it down.

Starbuck · 20-06-2010, 21:55

You might be better off with a two-boat strategy.

Sabbatical II · 21-06-2010, 01:00

Hi Sailbull

My Compass 29 is for sale. Only 30 years old. Has all the required features in your list. Boats name is Lulu. I was going to re-name it Osmosis but thought it might predjudice a quick sale. Let's say it would suit a handyman. Where do you live? Vancouver. Sorry no can do, I need to find someone that lives further away.

MarkJ · 21-06-2010, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailbull

Boat to Last a Lifetime ?

How long you intending on living?

Mark
PS Welcome to CF

VirtualVagabond · 21-06-2010, 04:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleebana

Hi Sailbull
Where do you live? Vancouver. Sorry no can do, I need to find someone that lives further away.

Now that was a seriously funny post!!

**Jim Cate** · 21-06-2010, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleebana

Hi Sailbull

My Compass 29 is for sale. Only 30 years old. Has all the required features in your list. Boats name is Lulu. I was going to re-name it Osmosis but thought it might predjudice a quick sale. Let's say it would suit a handyman. Where do you live? Vancouver. Sorry no can do, I need to find someone that lives further away.

Hey! I saw Lulu actually floating a few weeks ago... lead down, aluminium up... what could possibly go wrong?? Vancouver just might be OK, Greg!

Cheers,

Jim

Curmudgeon · 21-06-2010, 18:45

Morris 34
Morris Leigh (30)
Morris Annie (28)
Pacific Seacraft 34
Bristol Channel Cutter 28
Hinckley Pilot (35)

An S&S 34 (already mentioned) or a Tartan 34 (also an S&S design) if you can't afford any of the boats I've listed above.

sailbull · 21-06-2010, 20:30

Wow, thanks for the replies. My budget is around 25000, 30000 at the most, for the time being.

amrogin · 21-06-2010, 20:56

Pacific Seacraft 31 or 34. Without a doubt!

Curmudgeon · 22-06-2010, 07:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailbull

Wow, thanks for the replies. My budget is around 25000, 30000 at the most, for the time being.

Well you can forget about any of the boats I mentioned, with the possible exception of the Tartan 34. Plus, almost any boat that you can buy for 30K will require another 30K of repairs and updates before it is suitable for crossing oceans in safety.

dixonwj · 22-06-2010, 07:08

I agree with Curmudgeon. You are not going to get anything blue water ready for $30k.

Any of the boats above and also 70's Pearson's C&Cs Tartans and Morgans can be re rigged to be blue water capable. Fiberglass lasts forever and boats built before they knew how strong it was are HEAVILY built.

Might be good for you to do the rigging, autopilot, electrical and other work yourself, unless you are planning on taking repair people across with you.