Small Boat for the Bahamas and Caribbean Cruising

[Blasko]

I am in Florida now and looking for small boat (25-27 feet) to go to the Bahamas.

What model is the best for this? I can spend no more then 15000 USD.

Thanks

[snort]

Take her and look for a boat from this list:
Atom Voyages - Good Old Boats List

[Crazer]

You'll want a shallow draft, not that hard to come by in that size range. If you are inclined towards classic boats, look for a Pearson Ariel, Bristol 27, Dolphin 24, or a Cape Dory 25D or 26. It sounds like, with your budget, you might be looking for something more modern. I'm sure others will chime in with other suggestions.

[Blasko]

Thank you guys. Yes, I want something more modern. But they say that Hunter 28 or Catalina 27 not good for go to Bahamas. Other boats older and more rare to find them in Florida.

[snort]

Yachtworld has some good boats when you put in the parameters of "FL", "up to $15000" and in the size range up to 28 feet.
There's a nice Dufour there which would be a good sailer, but definitely a deep draft sailboat. Cape Dory would be the sturdy choice. The Pearsons would also work.

[Dulcesuenos]

Bombay clipper 31.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Blasko

Thank you guys. Yes, I want something more modern. But they say that Hunter 28 or Catalina 27 not good for go to Bahamas. Other boats older and more rare to find them in Florida.

'careful with that "they say" information. If you're cruising from Florida and through the Bahamas, you have no more than one day hops from one safe harbor to another. Today's weather forecasting allows you to do all of this in mild weather and to your favor if you are patient and attentive. You will likely be subject to a few 30 minute afternoon thunderstorms, but you can easily avoid large bad weather systems with plenty of safe spots to hold up in a small Hunter or Catalina. There is a tremendous bias, controversy and confusion as to what is a suitable vessel. Much of the debate is valid and much is based on questionable expense.

[DaveC]

You should buy my Cape Dory 28.

It would be great for the Bahamas. It's in good shape.

I'm asking $10,500.

Used 1978 Cape Dory Cape Dory 28, Melbourne, Fl - 32935 - BoatTrader.com

-Dave

[a64pilot]

If you have 15K to spend, don't spend nearly that on a boat, reason is you need some money left over for expenses like a survey or haulout, taxes and a refit. Even a good boat purchased at 10 to 12K will end up costing you 15 before you get things like you like them.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by DaveC

You should buy my Cape Dory 28.

It would be great for the Bahamas. It's in good shape.

I'm asking $10,500.

Used 1978 Cape Dory Cape Dory 28, Melbourne, Fl - 32935 - BoatTrader.com

-Dave

I vote for this!

[Hudson Force]

I'll stand by by comment not to discount the Hunter or Catalina for this type of coastal crusing characteristic of island hopping in th Bahamas from Florida, but I too, favor the Cape Dory!

[Orion Jim]

I vote for the Cape Dory 28 also, but I'm a little biased. If it has an engine which runs most of the time and no appreciable hull damage you can't go wrong.

[Snore]

Spend $7 k more and buy my Tartan 33...

Seriously, even if you don't buy my boat- I would not buy under 30 feet to live on. And that is from a guy who has lived out of kayaks for as long as 30 days non-stop.

[JK n Smitty]

I'm planning the same trip on a Catalina 310. I would not hesitate to do it in either the Hunter or Catalina 27 as long as the boat and equipment in good condition.

You will however have to be ready to ignore the naysayers who will tell you that you are making a bad choice or you are going to die. There are tons of armchair sailors who are just weighting to tell you that you need a 45 foot blue water cruiser to sail the Caribbean. But if you go down to the Caribbean you will see plenty of younger people in sub 35 foot production boats ha in the time of their life.

Now that being said, if I had a $15K budget I would be looking for a Catalina 30 to do that trip. The extra storage space from the 27 to the 30 would be worth it to me. If you are diligent you can find a MKII for about $10K. You will probably have to do a few things like the mast compression post and get new sails. But that can be done for around $3k. Add some rigging repairs, a new generation anchor and new rode and you are at the $15K and you have a boat ready to go for that trip.

I suggest you read some blogs of people that are out there doing it.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Cheechako]

No doubt the Bahamas can be done in most anything that floats. A lot of things can go bump on a spade rudder though... and given a choice. why not go sturdy? If you have the boat then go with what you have. Cruising friends of ours had a Pearson 38 fin/spade. They were old, forgetful and not that sea savvy. They had to buy two rudders for their boat over a couple years! Anchored too shallow once, bent the rudder stock, turned sharp to avoid a Coral head (or?) and hit with the rudder again. arghh!
I hit twice hard with my 6-5 draft Passport. Damage? scraped bottom paint on the forward edge of the keel.