Boats with Shallow Draft for Florida, Bahamas, Chesapeake

[beiland]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Perfection Presto Ketch 40 (1982)

PRESTO design Ketch, shoal draft with centerboard. She was built by Perfection Industries, Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1982 from a design by William Munroe along the lines of his grandfather's famous Presto sailboats. These boats were designed as fast cargo and pleasure boats for the shallow waters of the Keys and Bahamas.

Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:

Specs
Designer: Bill Monroe

Dimensions
Includes Bowsprit
LOA: 40 ft 0 in
Beam: 11 ft 0 in
LWL: 30 ft 0 in
Length on Deck: 36 ft 0 in
Maximum Draft: 2 ft 10 in. (Probably should say MINIMUM draft)
Displacement: 17000 lbs
Ballast: 5000 lbs
Headroom: 6 ft 4 in

You fellows are really coming up with a wide variety of skinny water monos

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by beiland

You fellows are really coming up with a wide variety of skinny water monos

That's my hope!

And while I have some lists I have assembled from which I will be adding boats as I have time to do so, I encourage others to add boats (hopefully with data, specs, draft, photos, and opinions or links) too, because we all see things differently.

It is nice to learn about another boat design when someone brings it into the discussion.

I have been researching boats for different purposes, and think sharing info on them in one "evergreen" or ongoing thread like this is the best way, in a forum like this.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Seapearl 28

Here is some more interesting info about the Seapearl 28, including a review by Naval Architect Bob Perry.

Bob Perry wrote:
"One of the best things about the Ron Johnson-designed SeaPearl 28 is that it makes no attempt at being "something for everyone." In fact, it is aimed at a very select group with a distinct style of cruising. The SeaPearl 28 combines portability with 19 inch draft, an unstayed cat-ketch rig, water ballast and outboard power to make a unique product. In fact, the boat was designed around a charter service already using the Sea Pearl 21 as their base boat.

The cat-ketch rig works well on this craft. The short masts are tabernacle-stepped for ease in raising and lowering the rig and they offer hands-off tacking. The SA/D ratio is a surprising 19.2 and I assume that is without the water ballast. With full battens and lazy-jacks, you can get underway quickly and drop the sails with some degree of dignity by just releasing the halyard.

With the board down, this vessel draws 5 feet, 6 inches. The double-ended hull form will do little for performance, but some boats need to be double-enders. The interior of the 28 can sleep four. There is no privacy and no staterooms. The galley slides out over the starboard berth. The head is under the V-berth. Headroom is 5 feet, 1 inch. This is an interior for a close family.

The SeaPearl 28 carries 50 gallons of water. You can use up to a 15-horsepower motor. The hull is balsa cored and hand laid up. In an area where you can spend most of the time outdoors this would be an attractive small cruising boat. It if seems that this approach fits your style, why not charter one and give it a try?"

[Scout 30]

I think we'd be remiss if we didn't include some Nimbles.

1994 Nimble 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
2000 Nimble Wanderer Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
NIMBLE 25 ARCTIC sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
NIMBLE KODIAK 24 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/59200

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I think we'd be remiss if we didn't include some Nimbles.

1994 Nimble 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
2000 Nimble Wanderer Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
NIMBLE 25 ARCTIC sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
NIMBLE KODIAK 24 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/59200

We think alike!
The Nimbles are on my list to post and I will add some photos and specs in the near future. I like what I see in them. And they do resemble the Seapearl.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Nimble 30

1994 model asking price (Oct 2016) $14,900

Specs
Designer: Ted Brewer
Keel: Centerboard
Hull Shape: Monohull

Dimensions
LOA: 30 ft 0 in
Beam: 9 ft 4 in
LWL: 25 ft 8 in
Minimum Draft: 2 ft 6 in
Maximum Draft: 5 ft 6 in
Displacement: 7000 lbs
Ballast: 2450 lbs
Headroom: 6 ft 1 in

Engines
Total Power: 18 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Yanmar
Year Built: 1994
Engine Model: 2GM20F
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Propeller: 2 blade propeller
Engine Power: 18 HP


Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: Plastic (52 Gallons)
Fuel Tanks: Plastic (18 Gallons)
Holding Tanks: Plastic (12 Gallons)

[CareKnot]

Hi Steady Hand,

When it comes to a cruising liveaboard, my wife and I are older. There is a special emphasis on budget. So Asking Price is a major concern, but it is not THE major concern. Reoccurring expenditures are much more likely to catch our attention.

In may places, slip fees take a dramatic turn north when you pass 35' LOA. Of course, I try to avoid marinas when I can. We place them under the dubious heading of a necessary evil, much like hospitals. It's good that they are there, but a stay get's expensive quickly.

We currently looking at the 30' - 35' range when a buddy suggested a Cutter rigged Bayfield 29 that just went through a major refit. BAYFIELD 29 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com.


What are your thoughts?

[Steadman Uhlich]

Bayfield 29

Asking Price = $11K - $29K
Most boats are found in Canada, where they were built.

Like other Gozzard boat, it has a distinctive traditional design elements like the clipper bow. This boat has a more unusual layout with the head in the forepeak. Most boats have two quarter berths and two long settees in the main cabin.

Specs
Builder: Bayfield Yachts
Designer: Gozzard
Built in: Canada
Keel: Full
Hull Shape: Displacement

Dimensions
Includes Bowsprit
LOA: 32 ft 0 in
Beam: 10 ft 2 in
LWL: 21 ft 8 in
Length on Deck: 29 ft 0 in
Maximum Draft: 3 ft 6 in
Displacement: 7100 lbs
Ballast: 3000 lbs
Headroom: 6 ft 2 in

Engines
Total Power: 13 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Yanmar
Year Built: 1983
Engine Model: 2GM
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 13 HP

Cruising Speed: 5 knots
Maximum Speed: 7 knots

Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: 1 Plastic (35 Gallons) NOTE! Some have only 20 gallon tanks.
Fuel Tanks: 1 Aluminum (20 Gallons)
Holding Tanks: 1 Plastic (20 Gallons)

Accommodations
Number of single berths: 1
Number of double berths: 2
Number of cabins: 2
Number of heads: 1
Seating Capacity: 6

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by CareKnot

Hi Steady Hand,

When it comes to a cruising liveaboard, my wife and I are older. There is a special emphasis on budget. So Asking Price is a major concern, but it is not THE major concern. Reoccurring expenditures are much more likely to catch our attention.

In may places, slip fees take a dramatic turn north when you pass 35' LOA. Of course, I try to avoid marinas when I can. We place them under the dubious heading of a necessary evil, much like hospitals. It's good that they are there, but a stay get's expensive quickly.

We currently looking at the 30' - 35' range when a buddy suggested a Cutter rigged Bayfield 29 that just went through a major refit. BAYFIELD 29 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com.


What are your thoughts?

Howdy Carenot.
I am not an expert on Gozzard boats, and I am not yet a liveaboard, but since you asked for my opinion, I will respond.

I like the Gozzard styling, because I like "traditional" styled boats (even those built in the 1980s and 1990s or more recently). The Gozzard boats have that distinctive "clipper" bow shape. So, they can look "sweet" if in good shape and the photo you posted looks like that to me. Nice looking boat. I think having a boat that appeals to you visually is important for long term satisfaction, at least it is for me.

I took a look at several Gozzard 29 boats currently for sale on Yachtworld, selected some photos to show the hull shape and interiors, and posted them with some specifications up above.

What about that boat size or design for a couple for liveaboard?
I would consider that boat, especially if on a limited budget or if I was concerned about ongoing costs (marina fees, maintenance, etc.). It is nice design and has a nice layout for a smaller boat (under 30 feet LOA). It does have the head in the forepeak area, but from the photos, the head looks like a nice size space. I looked and all the boats I saw had two small quarter berths and settees too. Given the LOA, it looks like a nice use of space. I like what I see. I could live on a boat like that, as a single. As an older (retired) couple, it may seem a little small inside, but most under 30 foot boats will probably seem even smaller. I would definitely spend money on a full Bimini, a boom tent, a forward hatch "wind scoop" and some Dorades, if living on the hook. That plus some very nice cockpit cushions or a couple of bean bag chairs would make the cockpit a nice space.

As a liveaboard on a mooring or "on the hook?"
Please note that most of the boats I saw had only 20 gallon water tanks. That may seem small, IF you are not hooked up to water in a marina. It would likely mean you have to carry 5 gallon water jugs in your dinghy to your boat or fill up frequently at a pump out station. Is that something you want to do or your wife wants to do? Those 5 gallon jerry cans can be heavy (think 40 pounds). One of the boats had a 35 gallon plastic tank. IF that boat you are thinking of buying has a 20 gallon tank, I would look into upsizing that tank or adding additional tankage to reduce the need to visit a water source. Also, consider the shower usage if you are living on the hook.

Similarly, the size of the holding tank on these boats can be small, requiring you to frequently visit a pump out station (since you are planning on living on a mooring or anchorage). In that case, I would consider changing the marine head to a composting head. You can read MUCH about those composting heads here on CF (search using the Google Custom Search). IF I were electing to live aboard in Florida ON THE HOOK or on a mooring, I would change my head to a Composting head to reduce the need to go to a pumpout station (because of a small holding tank).

I hope these opinions help you.

Good luck on your boat search!

[Steadman Uhlich]

Endeavour 32

I am posting this boat to represent a type or model of boat that is often seen at asking prices below $30K.

Notes from SAILBOATDATA.com
The ENDEAVOUR 32 was the first boat from Endeavour and was actually the same basic hull as the earlier IRWIN 32 with modifications by Dennis Robbins, in-house designer for Endeavour at this time. Other changes to the design (by Bob Johnson?) were made in 1980.
Earlier ENDEAVOUR 32's could be purchased with a fin keel or keel-centerboard (like the IRWIN).
By 1979, both the deep fin keel and keel-centerboard versions had been dropped in favor of a shallower draft, fixed keel model. Shown here is the later version.
See ENDEAVOUR 32 CB for more details.

Keel/CB version:
Draft BD: 7.83' Draft BU: 3.5'
Shoal draft fixed keel: 3.16'

1977 model
Asking Price (Oct 2016) $22,500
Location: Miami FL

This particular boat is currently on Craigs List Miami.
https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bod/5813531688.html

I am posting it here because after viewing the sale listing photos, I think this is the "cleanest" looking boat of this type I have seen online. Also note the newer engine.

Some notable features for the Endeavour boats are the shallow draft and the numerous opening portlights for ventilation.

For this particular boat:
2002 Yanmar 3 cyl 27 HP diesel 1130 hours, New ports hatches and cushions, Refrigeration 12 volt, Force 10 LPG stove and oven, New AC and DC panels, Autohelm autopilot, Furuno depth and speed, Mainsail, 125%, 100%, Stor

[Scout 30]

I believe the shoal draft fixed keel version of the Endeavour 32 is actually 4'2". For me this really exceeds the upper limit of an acceptable draft for a boat purchased expressly to cruise Florida & the Bahamas. Doesn't mean you can't do it with this draft, or more, but I'd rather do it with less. Reuel Parker has designed & built boats for decades for this purpose including a 60' schooner with a 4' draft.

parker2
leopardpage

[CareKnot]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Howdy Carenot.
I am not an expert on Gozzard boats, and I am not yet a liveaboard, but since you asked for my opinion, I will respond.

Thank you Steady Hand. I was hoping some members would respond more about construction and reputation of the vessel and maker. But I welcome your perspectives as I see they are always well considered. Indeed, I will gladly accept any advice that you offer! It's icing on the cake.

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

I like the Gozzard styling, because I like "traditional" styled boats (even those built in the 1980s and 1990s or more recently). The Gozzard boats have that distinctive "clipper" bow shape. So, they can look "sweet" if in good shape and the photo you posted looks like that to me. Nice looking boat. I think having a boat that appeals to you visually is important for long term satisfaction, at least it is for me.

I took a look at several Gozzard 29 boats currently for sale on Yachtworld, selected some photos to show the hull shape and interiors, and posted them with some specifications up above.

I concur. I love the lines of this design. I am also partial to cutter rigs in general and in our case, with roller furling foresails for short-handed sailing. It's a very flexible sail plan, though I would probably consider a Solent too, being an essentially lazy sailor that likes to plan ahead and rig sails well in advance of the projected conditions. While I love wind, when my wife is aboard, I'll douse cloth faster than Smokey the Bear.

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

What about that boat size or design for a couple for liveaboard? I would consider that boat, especially if on a limited budget or if I was concerned about ongoing costs (marina fees, maintenance, etc.). It is nice design and has a nice layout for a smaller boat (under 30 feet LOA). It does have the head in the forepeak area, but from the photos, the head looks like a nice size space. I looked and all the boats I saw had two small quarter berths and settees too. Given the LOA, it looks like a nice use of space. I like what I see. I could live on a boat like that, as a single. As an older (retired) couple, it may seem a little small inside, but most under 30 foot boats will probably seem even smaller. I would definitely spend money on a full Bimini, a boom tent, a forward hatch "wind scoop" and some Dorades, if living on the hook. That plus some very nice cockpit cushions or a couple of bean bag chairs would make the cockpit a nice space.

The head is spacious and a comfortable layout. There is a lot about it I like. The overall layout is unique, even narrow, but it gives a feeling of spaciousness that some 32s and 33s don't achieve. I've seen one Bayfield 29 that hinged padded seat backs to serve as extra suspended berths, rigged with lee cloths. With so many grand-kids, that's not a bad thought.

This boat would be a decent candidate for a hard dodger and Bimini. We aren't so much into laying in the sun anymore as we are making the cockpit a comfortable place to relax and entertain when not under sail. So it's A/C and enclosed at anchor (when it's really hot), but open and functional the rest of the time and underway. Wind scoops are a must! Bean bag chairs are a great idea! So is a collapsible binnacle table and a serving porthole from the galley.

I love the pilot berth, dedicated Nav station and it's forward facing layout. Makes me want to add an emergency tiller and all manner of toys.

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

As a liveaboard on a mooring or "on the hook?"
Please note that most of the boats I saw had only 20 gallon water tanks. That may seem small, IF you are not hooked up to water in a marina. It would likely mean you have to carry 5 gallon water jugs in your dinghy to your boat or fill up frequently at a pump out station. Is that something you want to do or your wife wants to do? Those 5 gallon jerry cans can be heavy (think 40 pounds). One of the boats had a 35 gallon plastic tank. IF that boat you are thinking of buying has a 20 gallon tank, I would look into upsizing that tank or adding additional tankage to reduce the need to visit a water source. Also, consider the shower usage if you are living on the hook.

More tankage would definitely be on the todo list. That's a must. Need a water maker too, though through the season in Florida, we simply rig the rain catcher for the 4pm thunder-boomers. Nor would it be the first cockpit I had rigged with a solar shower and shower curtains around the Bimini. I'm not opposed to saltwater for the wash and fresh for the rinse either. That's how I normally do it.

Diesel capacity is a big concern; I would add a larger tank to supplement the existing 20 gal. That way, I could run a polisher in the existing and an extra filter bank on the backup. Nice to be able to evaluate the new diesel before it is ported into the main fuels supply too.

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Similarly, the size of the holding tank on these boats can be small, requiring you to frequently visit a pump out station (since you are planning on living on a mooring or anchorage). In that case, I would consider changing the marine head to a composting head. You can read MUCH about those composting heads here on CF (search using the Google Custom Search). IF I were electing to live aboard in Florida ON THE HOOK or on a mooring, I would change my head to a Composting head to reduce the need to go to a pumpout station (because of a small holding tank).

I hope these opinions help you.

Good luck on your boat search!

You have been very helpful. Lot's of good ideas and valuable considerations. Thanks for the well wishes too. It means a lot.

You know, we don't really want to live in Florida, per se. Florida and indeed the entire Gulf and Atlantic coast is just another destination to be visited in it's season. With a boat like this, it shouldn't keep us from the Bahamas to Belize or anywhere in between. I would love to do the cruise from Vancouver to Alaska too, but my baby likes island life.

Btw, the holding tank capacity for the head is not that great of a concern to me. Given the chance, I take a boat out almost every day and I have nothing against feeding the fishies a mile or two out. I like to do maintenance underway anyway, just to keep in practice. Lord knows, this stuff never breaks at the dock or on the hook.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Phillip,
Your nice comments in your reply are appreciated. I am glad to help when I can, and happy that my comments on the boat were useful to you. I don't have the experience that many CF members have of owning and maintaining boats, so I will always defer to them that do when it comes to the technical issues.

From what you wrote, it sounds like you have the right attitude to make living on a 30 foot boat at anchor a good experience.

Let us all know when you get one (if not the Gozzard) too. I am sure it will be a happy day for you and your admiral.

[Scout 30]

Here's another Bayfield 29 you might want to consider.

https://ocala.craigslist.org/boa/5789397042.html

[CareKnot]

OH PLUEEEZE TAKE IT DOWN. That's the one I'm
bidding on!

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Here's another Bayfield 29 you might want to consider.