how much

[thnkfree]

I know the mechanics of sailing pretty well, and have a good bit of experience sailing on lakes. I don't know much about the ocean however. I'm doing the midlife crisis thing, and plan on buying a bluewater boat to live on and cruise the world once I have become competent. What I don't know, is if I will be able to buy one for 30 to 40k with another 10 to 15k of potential repairs/upgrades. I am a very competent carpenter and "builder/fixer" so I can do any work myself. Thoughts? I would prefer to buy something that needs very little work below the waterline.

[Dogscout]

55k all in is not alot. Sure many have done it for less. Watch Sam Holms and Wind Hippie Holly who are out there and doing it. If you are mid-life crisis then I expect that you are over 40 so I will not say you can do it just like them.

Go for it. Go and get at least a few miles offshore before you commit to a permanent lifestyle sailing around the world. Your budget would be limiting for me, heck you can easily spend 10k on just new electronics. 10k on a couple of sails. and 10k dicking around making it a live aboard. The sad thing is that alot of expensive repairs hide below the waterline. blisters, keels, keeping the water out.

So go for it. You dont want to regret it. Just realize that living aboard means that you deal with boat everyday. repairs, improvements, everything. its everyday and its not an inexpensive undertaking.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by thnkfree

I know the mechanics of sailing pretty well, and have a good bit of experience sailing on lakes. I don't know much about the ocean however. I'm doing the midlife crisis thing, and plan on buying a bluewater boat to live on and cruise the world once I have become competent. What I don't know, is if I will be able to buy one for 30 to 40k with another 10 to 15k of potential repairs/upgrades. I am a very competent carpenter and "builder/fixer" so I can do any work myself. Thoughts? I would prefer to buy something that needs very little work below the waterline.

Set your size first, then ongoing costs. Think small to go now.

[shmorrell]

Read “Get Real Get Gone” by Rick Page for some great perspective on this topic.

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum. You otta check out this thread...

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ds-147098.html
I just bought a Pearson 365 for an incredible deal. Rarely sailed and used for entertaining it's last 20 years or so. Sail are really fresh, engine with only 2000 hours on it. I'm going to be upgrading all her systems this next year or so. Even then I will be under $30K.

This isn't my first rodeo. I have restored 6 fiberglass boats and built 2 steel boats from the ground up. What you want to do is quite possible, if you're patient and ask a lot of questions.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, thnkfree.

30 to 40k, what?
Renminbi/Yuan, Yen, Sheckle, Euro, USD?

[OldManMirage]

I am one of those who is planning to do it on less. My wife and I just bought a 32 Endeavour, which is a capable boat. There are many ways to do what you want without breaking the piggy bank. So many people are out there doing it on less.

Our plans include the Bahamas in a couple of years, and I hope to make an "Atlantic Circle" on my own at some point. After that, who knows ?

We have less than 20K in the boat so far and she's in the water now. We plan to spend another 20K before we go. I am filming and making a series of videos along the way.

I have seen some absolutely splendid boats in your price range. You can definitely do this in a nice style in your budget. If you're doing it solo, just stay in a reasonable size range, it makes everything easier - and less expensive.

You got this !

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard thnkfree! There are many threads here that may help. This one may help:
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ds-147098.html

Good luck! Ask lots of questions here!

[DeValency]

I think it is doable for a 32-36'. You want to target the well known built boats - ask here at a lower cost and spare more for the refitting. Yet, you may find great refitted boats that need very little, from owners that had to change plans - need a lot of searching and questioning to find the right one.

Best of luck!