Newbie Sailor Seeks Advice.

[TopoJoe]

61 yo, retired, wanting to buy a live aboard, single hander for sailing the Caribbean. I have sailed a 25 footer on fresh water and ran 24' and 58' power boats in the Fl Keys. I'd like something from 32' to 38'. My budget is $20 to $50K for initial purchase. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

[s/v Beth]

Thats just what I am blogging about now Joe. Give me a day or so to get it up.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by TopoJoe

61 yo, retired, wanting to buy a live aboard, single hander for sailing the Caribbean. I have sailed a 25 footer on fresh water and ran 24' and 58' power boats in the Fl Keys. I'd like something from 32' to 38'. My budget is $20 to $50K for initial purchase. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

Hi TJ!

A lot of your powerboat skills will directly translate to operating a sailboat under power. Most of the electrical and boat systems are the same as well. You've already sailed a bit in 25 footers.

Not sure what advice you are needing. My advice is buy a sailboat and get going!

- Don't buy a project
- Buy what you can afford
- Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis (tons of boats will do what you want)

I like boats.com for boat searches although there are other sites - This search should list over 200 boats in the southeast that could be candidates for you...

Plenty of folks here with specific experience on different boats once you narrow it down a bit.

Boats For Sale

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Joe.

[boatman61]

I'd take a look at the Cherubini Hunters 34-37 from the early 80's.. should be some nice examples around for less than 30K..
Know the Hunter names got bad press..
but the Cherubini's are sweet sailing..
Just look at the boat.. not the 'Toy's'...
Oppp's... Sorry..!!
Welcome to CF...

[tuffr2]

If it is just you a 32' boat would work fine. If 2 people then 38' would be better.

Maybe look to see if you can find an Island Packet in your price range. That was the boat recommended by a person that sailed an Endeavor 42' all over the Caribbean for 10 years.

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