Whats a good boat to sail the Caribbean

[Muttondiver]

Hello all!

Im looking for a 34-39' boat trying to stay under $30,000 will refit to my own taste before sailing. Was looking at a local Catalina 34 boat looks amazing but after some research found out its not a good bluewater and i want a solid boat capable of sailing to the Caribbean and in a future who knows if I'm ready to go further. What are you guys thought on it and what boat can you recommend me.

[skipmac]

Nothing wrong with the Catalina 34. Probably hundreds of Catalinas sailing the Caribbean and beyond.

[Stu Jackson]

Catalina 34 International Association

[svlamorocha]

I would get a 32-footer coming out of Sunsail/Moorings for 40k or so. Fully equipped for cruisingv and no refit required; just some flex solar panels and a regulator, dinghy and outboards.

[Muttondiver]

Originally Posted by svlamorocha

I would get a 32-footer coming out of Sunsail/Moorings for 40k or so. Fully equipped for cruisingv and no refit required; just some flex solar panels and a regulator, dinghy and outboards.

Where have you seen those posted??


Also dont want you guys to focus on just the catalina mentioned. I've been also looking at Pearson, Ericson, CSY , C&C.

[Sailmonkey]

A good boat to sail the Caribbean is one that’s afloat.....

Even with your budget the options are endless!!

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by Muttondiver

Where have you seen those posted??


Also dont want you guys to focus on just the catalina mentioned. I've been also looking at Pearson, Ericson, CSY , C&C.

Google Moorings Brokerage or search in Yachtworld for monos under40ft between 5 and 10 years old. Also keep an eye on the BVI Yacht Sales page, which will show boats that have left Moorings a few years ago.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by svlamorocha

Google Moorings Brokerage or search in Yachtworld for monos under40ft between 5 and 10 years old. Also keep an eye on the BVI Yacht Sales page, which will show boats that have left Moorings a few years ago.

Due to hurricane damage in BVI it seems like some extra due diligence is warranted. A lot of BVI charter boats will be salvage sales and others will be extensively repaired. There were not many boats undamaged after this year's hurricane in the BVI.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Muttondiver.

[rmesfo]

Originally Posted by Muttondiver

Where have you seen those posted??


Also dont want you guys to focus on just the catalina mentioned. I've been also looking at Pearson, Ericson, CSY , C&C.

Ericson 35. Great boat.

[Kita]

I went through that,I ended up asking myself if & when I really wanted a Bluewater boat,& realized I will use a shallow draft so much more with so much less stress & the percentage of time spent off shore. ..the Bluewater boats have more draft. .....the stress of living with deep draft drove me to buying a Gemini catamaran, knowing it's more of a coastal boat but so much less stressful for where I live & want to go...if I decide to circumnavigate I would probably go to a mono but that's down the road some for me....

[Hoodsail]

Not certain there prevalence in Florida, but 1970's vintage Tartan 34's are stoutly built and draw but 4 ft...also 1970's-early 80's Sabre 34's with centerboard, draws 4ft and will sail anywhere, but when listed in the $20,000's - lo $30,000s will need re-fitting...good luck in your search. dave

[mjgill1]

If you really want to get into skinny water, get a Seaward 32RK. They're a really cool boat. You won't get into it at 30K though. If you can swing one they are really awesome.

[ALAIN97133]

Originally Posted by Muttondiver

Hello all! Im looking for a 34-39' boat trying to stay under $30,000 will refit to my own taste before sailing. Was looking at a local Catalina 34 boat looks amazing but after some research found out its not a good bluewater and i want a solid boat capable of sailing to the Caribbean and in a future who knows if I'm ready to go further. What are you guys thought on it and what boat can you recommend me.

Hi!
You should be looking for the smallest sailboat that can do what you want, not the largest you can afford !
I found in July 2014 a 6 tons Ericson 34 (1989) in excellent shape, fresh water sailboat from lake Michigan. I sailed it with my son to NY/NY via Erie canal & Hudson river & then alone to St-Martin -French West Indies. Very good sailboat with 3 cabin layout. Remember that when your crew is sleeping, you're alone to handle the sailboat during a passage
Only sad note: Although my boat was out of the water, in a corner of a shipyard, hurricane Irma brough my mast down with the help of the mast of the sailboat next to mine, folded in two pieces plus a deap cut halfway up the mast. No way to repair it... My trip to Vancouver is postponed for some time

[blue_buddha]

i'm looking at either an endeavour longbow or a westerly with shoal draft for cruising boats and built like a tank. maybe not the fastest but damn good boats