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JMerc · 21-07-2009, 13:38

Ok guys I think I'm ready to take the plunge on my first boat. I just need a daysailer, maybe something that I can occasionally spend a night or two on but definitely not a liveaboard. However, I still want the biggest (read: most stable) boat that I can get for my money given that there are mostly rough waters around I'll be keeping it (New York Harbor).

Looking at a Catalinas and Hunters in the 27-32 foot range. Any other makes that jump out to you guys?

Budget is about $10k out the door, but again it doesn't need to be ready for cruising so I'm not looking for things like a galley or tankage. Does not need to be trailerable.

Arch Stanton · 21-07-2009, 16:08

I have seen a lot of really nice Newports in your size and price range. They are thick on the ground in the Puget Sound.

JMerc · 21-07-2009, 18:05

Please keep in mind that I'm not looking for an offshore or even a coastal cruiser. I fully recognize that I'm coming to a forum about serious passagemakers, but everyone has to start somewhere. I know that I'm looking at cheap, relatively simple boats. Is there a "Honda Civic" of the boat world, or will my search depend on the merits of the individual boat in front of me?

Rayallyn · 21-07-2009, 18:12

I'd say go with the Hunter if it's a Cherubini otherwise stay away from both unless you have it surveyed.

Christian Van H · 21-07-2009, 18:16

How 'bouts something REALLY cool! Asking 15K, I'm sure you can find one closer to your range. WHAT A BOAT! 1981 23' Stone Horse 23 Sail Boat for sale in Huntington, NY USA

sailcharleston · 21-07-2009, 18:36

I used to own a Catalina 250. It was a fun boat for exactly what you are looking for. An older Catalina 25 is a better sailer and probably more fun. If you don't need to trailer it then it is hands down gonna be better than the C250. They have a great owners group. Parts are really easy to get. You can get them for pretty cheap as well. If you want bigger, I have seen a lot of C27s and even a few C30s in your price range. I know I sound like a catalina salesman but I had a really good experience owning mine. Fun boats to knock around in.

captainpauly · 21-07-2009, 18:43

Have a sweet Hunter 28.5 deep fin keel I may consider selling, but it'sin Ky.

**Pblais** · 21-07-2009, 19:14

If you consider where you are sailing and look at boats in the area you'll see what people like for that area. It also is the boat you'll often find for sale as they move up. Some boats are better for some waters but for a boat in this price range it would help if it was local. People moving up are serious and may have taken better care of the boat too. It does not need to be perfect but why not get a better than normal one if the choice came up. Local shopping assures you have a good range to pick from and can consider one boat vs another that you really could buy and not some theoretical boat that is supposed to be for sale.

JMerc · 21-07-2009, 19:27

Paul,

I'm absolutely going to be looking local, because a boat in this price range won't be easily moveable and isn't worth flying all over the country to look for.

I just want to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible before I go see a broker or private seller that may be trying to work me over. Obviously I'll still be getting a survey, but I'd still like the opinions of the board and its collective knowledge.

So far I've heard nothing but good things about the Catalinas, and I think a Catalina 27 or 30 is going to be my #1 option.

nautical62 · 21-07-2009, 19:41

If you are just day sailing with the occasional weekend camping out on the boat, you can probably use just about anything. Looking at boats that have many of the same models on the market will give you a good idea of market value and what you get for your $. On a boat that size, be sure to consider some of the accessories such as outboard, sails and trailer, (if you consider a boat on a trailer)

I just did a search in your area on BoatTrader.com and found a few Hunters, a Bristol and a Cal, I'd certainly look at if I was looking.

All the best.

ctl411 · 23-07-2009, 06:25

Cherubini 30 can be had cheap under $10,000 with extra gear, check ebay craigs list. Nice one just went for $7500 on lake mich, but you will want to find a boat in your area moving a boat in that price range most often won,t make sense. Hunters get a LOT of crap on this site and others but I have owned five Cherubini models including two 30's. If they were SO BAD how can they still be around 30 plus year's latter? Buy at bottom of price range then when you go to sell (you will bigger,smaller whatever) you can get your money back. Cat 27's 30,s etc. would also be a good for day/weekend/week's cruising.