I'm looking into monohulls, and know there a bazillion options. Even though I've read a bunch, and been aboard many, there's no way to be able to compare everything out there, especially since models change over the years.
Here's a list of the things I know I definitely want, and a list of desirable options (of course many, if not most of the "desirables" can be aftermarket upgrades).
For sure:
-A
monohull that can comfortable
cruise with 3 adults and two
children. Potentially sleep two other adults for shorter trips as well.
-A
seaworthy, blue-water vessel
-Preferably 37-42', but 44-46' can be considered if it's "the right boat"
-Fiberglass
hull
-I do not want a full length
keel like an
Island Packet,
Morgan, or
Cape Dory
-6'-ish maximum
draft (no centerboards or retractable/movable keels)
-I'd prefer a skegged
rudder (or maybe a partially skeg-protected rudder)
-I prefer aft
cockpit, but may consider a
center cockpit if it's roomy enough
-I'm not opposed to Ketch's or Yawls, but prefer sloops
-Cutter rigged would be nice (to fly a genoa/gennaker/ asymmetrical spinnaker)
-Room on the stern to attach dignhy
davits (so, probably no folding swim platforms unless some sort of arch can be attached)
-Minimal to no
wood on
deck (for ease of maintenance)
-Yanmar
engine (at least 40hp)
-L-shaped
galley, or another layout that is usable when heeled over
-Master v-berth that reaches both sides of the
hull, so can be used as a sea berth when heeled
-full-standing
shower that is separated form the
head by a glass door of some sort. Not just a curtain, and I hate the heads that are also the
shower, getting everything wet.
-Electric, fresh-water capable heads.
-Preferably two heads
-Good
windlass
-Forward facing nav. station (if possible)
-NO in-mast
furling mainsail (In-Boom-furling is ok)
-Good amount of
storage:
Water,
fuel, stowage,
galley supplies, refrigeration/deep
freezer
-Ample energy banks, or ability to easily add more
Desirables / upgrades :
-Updated
electronics, Auto-pilot,
radar,
AIS,
radio, etc
-Hard
dodger, high enough to see through when standing at
helm. Most cut my view right at my eye-level. (I'm 5'9")
-Solar
panels on the
dodger
-Bimini
-Dinghy
davits
-Water maker
-Possible in-boom
furling main and
electric winch, but this one would be a real luxury, not a necessity
-Life raft
-Dinghy &
outboard
-Double
helm would be cool
-At least 4 winches
And all the usual stuff: No blistering problems, solid standing
rigging, well maintained, good
history, common
parts easily attainable for
repair, no
corrosion, yadda, yadda...
As for
price range, I'm looking for proven, well maintained
boats, so probably not new. I'm ok with a 15-20 year old
boat if it meets the criteria. So, that may help gauge price-range, depending on how many of the "desirables" it already comes with. I've seen potential candidates anywhere from $60-200K USD. Obviously, a good deal is always welcome. ;-)
Thanks in advance all & smooth sailing!