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Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 11:25

Hi all,

My wife and I are getting into the serious boat search mode for our Dec 2015 departure. We have narrowed down our search list and would love to have you opinions. If you have any experience with boats on the list we would appreciate you input.

Our plan - Were headed down the ICW to FL and then jumping over to the Bahamas spending 4 months or so then back up to the NC area. Our desires in a boat are a solidly built boat with a draft around 4' (to enable us to explore lesser visited areas), diesel engine, sloop rig, 32' - 34'ish with a boat budget of around 20k asking price. Here's our list:

-Islander 32 SD
-Watkins 32/33
-Tartan 34c (probably out of our price range with diesel)
-Irwin 32 CB
-Endeavour 32
-Irwin Citation 34 SD
-Pearson 323

***Do you think there are any I should mark off the list, move to the top of our list, or add to the list and why?***

Thanks in advance for your help. The knowledge of the people on this site is amazing and it helps us newbies out a ton!

Jeff

**sailorchic34** · 03-02-2015, 12:01

With the classic plastic boats, its not so much the model that is the issue, but the condition of actual boat your looking at. Soft decks, old rigging and engine condition are to me the biggies. If it's got newer sails even nicer.

I think any of those boats will work for the ICW and bahama's. I would go with the ones with good hull, deck, engine and the bigest tankage, water, fuel and holding, plus storage space.

Good luck and good hunting.

letsgetsailing3 · 03-02-2015, 12:04

Get the one in the best shape, as long as you like it.

Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 12:26

Thanks for your input. Definitely will go for one in the best condition I can find. Being a long distance buyer I'm going to set up appointments to view a bunch of potential boats over a few day period and take a flight out to the coast. That way I can rule out the major project boats and determine which one(s) get the survey. It's impossible to get an idea of the condition from photos!!!

Kalinka1 · 03-02-2015, 12:39

and remember it's a buyers market Don't be afraid to look at larger boats and low ball offers you can always come up but hard to go down. Lots of boats go for a lot less than the asking!

Tayana42 · 03-02-2015, 14:20

Kalinka1, should we tell people to make lowball offers? We may want to sell our boats one day😜.

S/V B'Shert

Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 14:23

Great point! Is was thinking we may be able to get a boat for 15 - 20% below asking. Of course this could vary greatly from boat to boat. Maybe the are opportunities to get them for even less in the right situation. I'll keep that in mind.

sailorboy1 · 03-02-2015, 14:37

get one with good living space, the trip you are talking doesn't need a boat selected in fear of krackens

Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 15:18

My wife will be happy to hear the Bahamas are krackenless...funny!!! Definitely don't need a Baba or Westsail for the trip but want something with a fairly sturdy keel that is more likely to make it through a few groundings we're sure to have.

Snore · 03-02-2015, 15:21

Tartan... But I am biased. They are sound boats with a helpful and active user group.

As SailorChic said, a lot comes down to how a specific boat was taken care of, keeping in mind that a boat's key systems can be in good shape, and the boat looks terrible.

Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 16:27

I'm partial to the Tartan as well, but I think I would be getting a really rough one in our price range (with a diesel). Thanks for the tips.

NoShoes · 03-02-2015, 16:39

8 to 10 foot of beam is like looking down a narrow hallway, and does not feel as roomy as say 11 foot beam. Yeah I know, only a foot, but a foot on a sailboat is a big difference. Make sure you have a sturdy keel to rub against them reefs, and if you go centerboard, make sure its UP when in the shallows.

Theunknown · 03-02-2015, 16:52

I do love the room in the Irwin Citation 34 due to it's over 11 foot beam. I accidentally left of the Morgan 32 on the list...it's beamy as well!!!

NoShoes · 03-02-2015, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theunknown

I do love the room in the Irwin Citation 34 due to it's over 11 foot beam. I accidentally left of the Morgan 32 on the list...it's beamy as well!!!

See now there ya go. That morgan 32 with an almost 12 foot beam will feel real spacious. I have a mate with a 32x11 boat, another mate wth a 34x10 boat, the 32x11 feels so much bigger.