Quote:
Originally Posted by crankysailor
I am based out of Germany but ideally would like to buy something in Spain or Mediterranean. I see a lot of interesting boats in the U.K. but crossing the English Channel right off the bat after purchasing the boat doesn't appeal to me given my inexperience.. I also would prefer dealing directly with owners.
We have even thought about the quintessential project boat.. though I keep hearing repeatedly.. "just don't". It might be a good idea to *really* learn the ins and outs of the boat. That is appealing to me. To know how everything is wired and what to do when it breaks.
Anyhow.. thanks to all for the useful input.. this whole boat buying process is quite daunting
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For the right boat I wouldn't worry about crossing the
English Channel or the North Sea but I would
charter a professional
skipper. There are lots and a few on here. Boatman61 is reasonably local.
Nor would I be put off
buying an ex
charter boat, especially one that has been re-engined. Friends have just bought a
Beneteau Oceanis. She has a few marks in the
saloon woodwork, but at the
price they paid it easily made up for that and they are now sailing a 39ft yacht for only a bit above your
budget. With two
kids this yacht will see them with a comfortable yacht to sail across channel for years to come. Put it this way, if you spent £100k on a new yacht and crunched the jetty you would be really upset. Do that in a £20k yacht that has a few battle scars and yes you would be annoyed but then get the
gelcoat filler out fix it and move on.
So don't limit yourself to old 1970s designs, choose something that you both like and will be your home for the next few years every day 24/7. If you want a really posh dark
wood interior then yes a HR. If you want something larger with room to stretch out and avoid
cabin fever during the
winter then how about a more common European yacht? Its a buyers market and there are thousands to choose from, indeed your problem is probably too much choice
good luck.
This former charter boat will cost you £45,000 in the UK, yours for £14,300 in
Greece, tempted?
http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/19...e#.Vt8bVpyLQdU
Something comfortable for a couple:
http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/19...m#.Vt8cdpyLQdU
Both the Contessa and the Rival LB listed above should also be considered. The contessa looks really nice (in fact superb) but slightly more cramped compared to the Rival or Moody 33.