Sailboat for a few years in the Caribbean for two

[monteverde]

I am 52 years old and looking for a three year adventure in the Caribbean. After reading many books, threads and Blogs, I still want some help from the experienced sailors to pick the type of boat that will be suitable for me. I want a good deal. I am very handy and I think I can fix anything. I can fly anywhere in the Caribbean to buy the boat. I expect to buy in Florida and cruise down to Venezuela. Asking price about 80K. The lower the better. I don't need the bells and whistles. I can tell the difference between a Blue water boat and a costal cruiser. I just don't know what the conditions will be like in the Caribbean. I don't plan to be there in the hurricane season. I plan to wait for good weather window. I looked at a bunch of boats last week and among them were a Tayana 37 and a Hunter 37.5. I liked the Hunter. My priorities are: First: I want this boat to be "chick friendly". Women must like to be on the boat!!! Second, I don't want to die. I will try to look at boats that are in the 30 to 35 foot range. I think the smaller the better. I don't plan to cross any oceans-I will buy a different boat for that. Question: Are there any particular boats that I should not buy for my adventure?

[Kettlewell]

The two boats you say you have looked at are so different, it is hard to tell what you like. When you say "Caribbean" does that mean Bahamas, or does that mean the VI and south? Or both? The Bahamas are quite shallow and you want less than 6 feet of draft there, and if you have less than 3 feet of draft it probably doubles the number of places you can go. Shallow draft isn't really needed in much of the rest of the Caribbean, though it is useful in the San Blas Islands. There is a lot of wind in the Caribbean south of the Bahamas, especially in the winter. For interisland passages you want a boat that can handle big wind and big seas, compared to cruising in Florida and the Bahamas. High on my list would also be sun protection. You definitely want a Bimini top at the least. I like big water tanks, though the water is clean enough for water making most areas--water tends to be in short supply. You want a boat that can carry a lot of stuff so you can stock up when the stocking up is good and cheap. You will see pretty much every type and size of boat down there, and the area overall is pretty forgiving. It is more a matter of what you like than what is needed.

[MarkJ]

Have a look at the prices on the ex charter boats. At $80 k you would be looking at a 40 or 42 foot chic friendly boat. As they have been sailing in the Caribbean they are probably ok for it.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by monteverde

I am 52 years old and looking for a three year adventure in the Caribbean. After reading many books, threads and Blogs, I still want some help from the experienced sailors to pick the type of boat that will be suitable for me. I want a good deal. I am very handy and I think I can fix anything. I can fly anywhere in the Caribbean to buy the boat. I expect to buy in Florida and cruise down to Venezuela. Asking price about 80K. The lower the better. I don't need the bells and whistles. I can tell the difference between a Blue water boat and a costal cruiser. I just don't know what the conditions will be like in the Caribbean. I don't plan to be there in the hurricane season. I plan to wait for good weather window. I looked at a bunch of boats last week and among them were a Tayana 37 and a Hunter 37.5. I liked the Hunter. My priorities are: First: I want this boat to be "chick friendly". Women must like to be on the boat!!! Second, I don't want to die. I will try to look at boats that are in the 30 to 35 foot range. I think the smaller the better. I don't plan to cross any oceans-I will buy a different boat for that. Question: Are there any particular boats that I should not buy for my adventure?

Chick friendly....
http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/core/lis...g_id=77606&url=

http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/core/lis...ng_id=1783&url=

Extremely Chick Friendly....
http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/core/lis...ng_id=1831&url=

I think I'd go for the Flicka... comfort and good performance...

[monteverde]

ex charter boats? Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hunters and Catalina's?

[monteverde]

I Like the Tanzer 10.5 and the Flicka!

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by monteverde

I Like the Tanzer 10.5 and the Flicka!

I think the majority of women would not consider the above two boats as "chick friendly". But then, what do I know about women?

[SunDevil]

Surf Forecast, Surf Report, Buoy Report, Buoy Forecast | Stormsurf

I like looking at the sea height forecast.

[Cheechako]

In the eastern carribean you are dealing with mostly the same as near coastal cruising. Often more protected than some of that. Any well found boat will do it. Most of it is daysailing between anchorages. You can count the overnighters on one hand. You dont need a full keel "sail around Cape Horn" design. Get something comfortable and in good shape. Personally I'd go with a nice fin keel boat, newer than an old full-ish keel one. Newer designs have nice liveable cockpits..... you'll be out there alot.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Vasco

I think the majority of women would not consider the above two boats as "chick friendly". But then, what do I know about women?

LOL... its about as Chick Friendly as your gonna get 35ft and less...
I just reached into my femine side...

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by monteverde

I Like the Tanzer 10.5 and the Flicka!

Go for it!

Tell your wife Im single.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Have a look at the prices on the ex charter boats. At $80 k you would be looking at a 40 or 42 foot chic friendly boat. As they have been sailing in the Caribbean they are probably ok for it.

I second Mark.

And I fully agree about chick friendy as a requirement for any non old creepy man type of single hander!

Be sure the boat is more for want you plan to do more of, whether it is sailing in bad conditions or ........... spending time at anchor/living on!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Go for it!

Tell your wife Im single.

Was gonna chuck in a 'Bendi' or 2... then figured...
he may not want to look like...
'Just another Charter...'

[boatman61]

[QUOTE=Don Lucas;1116160]I second Mark.

And I fully agree about chick friendy as a requirement for any non old creepy man type of single hander!
QUOTE]

Oiiii..!!
Less of the Old....

[monteverde]

Thank you. So a large cockpit, open nice sailboat in ok for the Eastern Caribbean. So what boats do you think are Chick Magnets? Beneteau 393?