Which Boat to Cross the Pacific In????

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by slomotion

I have never crossed an ocean and have no interest in doing so. However, we cruised the Bahamas/Caribbean for 2 ½ years on an ‘83 Hunter 34 and obviously, it was acceptable for us. They are moderate weight, fast, and roomy for their length and vintage. Despite their relatively short model run, they were very popular boats and there are still many available at attractive prices. IMO in good condition and reasonably well equipped, they are a real bargain and an excellent platform for liveaboard cruising. However, Bahamas/Caribbean cruising is glorified daysailing. You have the luxury of carefully picking weather windows for the one day sail to the next island; and everyone does this regardless of how bombproof they think their boat is.

From Baha to the Marquesas is about a month long sail and you want the kind of boat that can best handle whatever nasty surprises the gods care to serve up. ‘83 Hunters 34s have crossed the Atlantic as recently as last year. Probably, someone has sailed the Pacific in one, but no one considers them to be bluewater boats. Much as I like and defend them, they are not really designed for your intended use.

Thanks for your input. the Hunter looks great too....What ever boat I get it's going to be used for coastal cruising anyway but it's just got to make it across the tiny little stretch of water called the Pacific Ocean,,hehe

Thanks

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Ranger 33
Ranger Sailboat Owners’ Association rangeryachts.org
Latitude 38 Latitude 38 Boat of the Month: Ranger 33

Ericson 35
Review by Jack Horner N.A.: BoatUS.com: Boat Reviews by Jack Hornor, N.A. - Ericson 35
Info’: http://cruisingresources.com/Ericson_35_(1969_-_1982)

Thanks I appreciate that GordMay . I'll read them tonight.

Cheers

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Wojo,
Condition is much more important than age in a sailboat. Rigging age should be a prime consideration.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[slomotion]

Wojo,

This has nothing to do with seaworthiness. But, if you wind up with a Hunter 34, everyone who cruises these boats cancels the monster dinette table and converts the starboard salon seats to a U with a smaller table or none at all - this was a standard original conversion. There is also the Home Theater option:

Home Theater seating

If there are going to be 4 people on this boat, maybe you want the monster dinette table. Dunno - 4 people and their stuff on a boat this size for extended periods of time will be cramped, and you need to be good friends.

[theonecalledtom]

Does that Islander 36 have the same huge companionway door recessed down to the floor of the cockpit that the later model I looked at did? That was a big no no for me.

[Wojo]

Absolutely...rigging hull and engine......ain't going nowhere until they are all checked out.

Thanks guys

[Celestialsailor]

I took a look at Boating Yellowpages.com. For the size and price, a Pearson 365 would be a better bet. Gobs of room, well built and reasonably priced. Remember price heavily depends on your ability to negotiate.

[Joli]

If you decide on the Islander 36 take a very good look at the bulkheads. They have a reputation of coming through the deck as the spar goes over the side.

Good time to buy a boat in the US. There is a beautiful Swan 51 sitting here begging for a buyer at $200k.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

Don't see anything on your list I would consider crossing any ocean on.

Chuck, can you explain why?

What makes a boat acceptable for crossing any ocean? Are they not all sea worthy? Rough water on Lake Superior or on an ocean...what is the difference? Can some boats not take the endless punishment?

Curiousity has me wondering.

[imagine2frolic]

WOJO,

How's the search going? While looking at Latitude38 look at their CLASSY CLASSIFIED section too

[Charlie]

I don't know much about the other boats but like the Islander 36. You can get them for under $50k with good equipment and repowered with a diesel. If I were you I'd check out the website www.islander36.org there is a very good section in there on what to look for on used boats and the projects that need to be done. One of them is the tabbing on the bulkheads. They didn't use very wide tape to tab the bulkheads so they need to be reinforced at this date. Good luck with the purchase.

[rexposeidon]

I agree with the majority that it's the Captain, more than the boat, that makes the cruise possible. I also agree that there are alot more boats out there for the money than you have found. Don't count out one of designs, home built boats, and the like. What are the answers to the eterna questions, speed vs. endurance? Will this be a one time trip or will you spend the rest of your life on this boat? Answer these questions and you'll get alot more information than you asked for. I had a Hunter, loved it. BUT, it lacked storage. Which made a long cruise difficult. 1000 questions, 1000 sailors, 1,000,000 answers. Good luck

[MarkJ]

The boat only has to get to Hawaii.... because ddin't they cross the pacific on grass boats? So it must be pretty easy... a hull and some dope...






Mark

[jim lee]

The answer is : Whatever boat YOU feel the most comfortable with. Ask yourself; Which boat lets you feel relaxed and sleep soundly at sea?

That will be the one you should choose.

Most boats can do it. Heck I did it in a J/35 and listened to everyone tell me I was nuts. BUT, it was the one boat that made me feel relaxed at sea, so that was the one for me.

-jim lee

[mudnut]

Hey Wojo,what is your price range/limit in AUD.Also,what have you found out concerning import duty and the like?I've been to the customs site and thier termanology is wider than the ocean ya want to cross.

The reason I ask is because a friend of a friend,transports boats to OZ from the US for 10 grand.It all got me thinking about what 20 grand could by in the states,ya probably pay 35 and up for the same equivelent over here.Have ya looked into transport cost as apposed to the cost of the trip back.I would love to see the price they would put on a I 36 in OZ,BTW,thats the boat I would pick.Just because I like it.Mudnut.