Totally aware of the rotten
deck problem common on these boats, also rotten masts, rotten bulkheads and stringers below deck, etc. etc. IMHO, that is the first thing to check out before considering getting one of these boats, and is it ALWAYS caused by poor
maintenance. These are WOODEN boats with
fiberglass hulls, they are NOT fiberglass boats. Wooden boats ALWAYS need consistent
maintenance. As I said; if you are not a craftsman, don't consider one of these, or ANY wooden boat for that matter. IF you ARE a craftsman, you will know how to crawl all over the boat with an awl and small hammer to check out what you are getting into before
buying one. I got lucky and found one without rotten decks and minimal rot in places that won't require major tear out.
As a craftsman/sailor preparing for voyaging, I have no problem inspecting and repairing every wire, pipe, wood,
rigging, and
canvas before setting off into the ocean, including pulling down the masts and replacing or re-bedding all through-hulls. I want to totally know every inch of my boat to be competent to deal with anything that comes up. I should add, if you are a "checkbook sailor" don't consider one of these boats unless you want to give a good craftsman a job.
As for ventilation, I suspect that is partially a matter of how you set things up. I see no reason one could not get adequate cross ventilation with fans or
cooling with a small AC unit, easily powered with
solar panels in tropical sun... at least equal to most any other boat. Will deal with that when it comes up.
As for not being fast, COOL! I have had it with our anxiety ridden, fast paced, rush-to-your-death lifestyle. If you want a fast boat, get a bullet shaped jet boat, or a fancy stripped down
race boat, but DO NOT get a CT-Formosa-Island Trader, etc. These boats were designed for comfortable long-term
live aboard while sailing the oceans, NOT
racing from the marina on weekends.
If I had an extra $100-200K to spend on a boat, I would probably get something a lot fancier, but would also probably have spent the past 40 years working my ass off instead of traveling the world living off my art. By the time I am ready to
cruise, I will have come in under $50K for a totally outfitted,
seaworthy boat capable of getting anywhere the $200K boat does, but a few days later without the trophy.
@Alcheringa, Nyuntu palya, tjilpi. Makalari!
(An Australian Aboriginal phrase for " Good on ya, mate!")