Mediterranean Liveaboard

[Raydar]

We will be (finally) in a financial position to (potentially) start liveaboard cruising this Summer. We have both effectively retired and will have £50000 to buy the boat, £30000 to "do her up" leaving a £2000 monthly cruising budget Does this seem a reasonable plan? What boats should we be looking at? We plan to base ourselves in the Mediterranean, but would need to make the passage accross the Biscay to UK as our skills/experience/knowledge develop. Who knows where we might be in a few years. The boats that we like are quite diverse and include the LM 32, Barbican 33 and Sadler 34. Any thoughts about the suitability of these boats or would any be good? Or indeed anyone have opinions on what would be a better choice would be most helpful in compiling a short list. We have personal experience of crewing a Halberg Rassy 38 (lovely, but too expensive) and a Jeanneau 36 (good liveaboard and sails well, but not sure about build quality).
Thanks for any thoughts.

[Pete7]

Before deciding how about chartering a yacht in say Greece for a fortnight out of season to see what everyone else is using, the modifications they have made for solar/wind and sun shades etc. Would also give you the chance to chat to folk about there experiences.

Since the Greek economy is now in dire straights, you might think about buying a yacht already out there, could be some bargins about.

Pete

[Eleven]

Sound advice, as I know that second hand boats are never quite right. There's a good bit of marina time to do, and proof sailing, to be sure everything will actually work well when it needs to.
Try the multihullworld site for a guide to prices in Europe.
And as budget holiday prices are reasonable at the moment it might be a good way to go see, both boats and harbours/marinas that look right. And it'll save you that Biscay run.

[Raydar]

1997 Etap 35i Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - uk.yachtworld.com

We are flexible enough to live out in Greece for the season. Where? Suggestions? Perhaps join a club, do some crewing whilst we look for a boat like the one above. Thanks for the input.