Just starting out

[thehorsey]

Hi,

I'm after some general advice. I'm in the market for a 38+ ft mono-hull, which I plan on sailing up and down Central America and Mexico, mostly surfing, for up to 6 months at a time. I'm looking at boats aged 25 + years due to financial constraints.

I would love some advice on who will insure me.
Things to look for when buying a boat of that age.
I'm Australian, but looking to buy in the US or Europe, so where to register the boat.
Day skipper is my only qualification.
Anything else I may have not considered.

Thanks in advance.

[brianlara 3]

Consider tis when looking.
European/British/Strayan boats will fitted with 220 vac electrical. A US boat will be 110.
I think that if you want to use the boat in the Americas it should be bought there. Not saying that ALL boats will have plenty of A/C gear on board but plenty have. Honda gennys, battery chargers, microwaves, so many things. And I think plenty of A/c is great.
Not sure about Canada, maybe 110v.
Worth keeping in mind.
Longish keel TENDS to steer straighter than fin, integral keels by and large are more robust (containers, whales).
Cutter rig, Solent or ketch has to be easier to handle in a blow, just furl one sail, the main or the genoa.
So many other things you'll be told about when America gets out of bed about 11pm Oz time.
Very best wishes Guys

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, horsey.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Since you surf, you may enjoy these sites, if you don't know of them already. Liz Clark headed south from California on her Cal 40 years ago, to sail & surf her way around the world. She's been "stuck" in FR Polynesia for a few years now, but spent a good bit of time in the areas you mention.
https://www.facebook.com/captainlizclark/?fref=nf
www.SwellVoyage.com

There are currently a couple of good threads running concerning boats for new cruisers with big ambitions, & modest wallets. I've posted in both, or you can find them via one of the search functions most likely. One is titled "what can I do with $40k" (or something like that). And another one (two actually) are on boats under $30k, plus one other.

Then if you want the full combined Undergrad, & Graduate studies level info text, go to the below linked post, & read it's attachments a bit at a time. There's more than enough to get you started in boat shopping with a more discerning eye... after you've answered a few questions on your goals, & such. Ditto on there being lots of self-education resources in said post & it's links.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2206710

Also, once you can better define what it is that you're after, & budget, etc. Folks here are happy to steer you towards candidate boats.

[boatman61]

If your plans are just for the America's buy in Mexico or somewhere along those coasts.. just remember the world uses 240v.. only the States use's 110.
However if you'd like to surf some of the great spots in Europe like Nazare' etc.. buy a Westerly in the UK..
Re your quals.. know many with the papers who are dangerous to themselves and others.. and some with no papers who are awesome seamen..
All an exam proves is you were good for 1 day.. a bit like an MOT test on a car.. only good for the next 24hrs..

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by boatman61

If your plans are just for the America's buy in Mexico or somewhere along those coasts.. just remember the world uses 240v.. only the States use's 110.
However if you'd like to surf some of the great spots in Europe like Nazare' etc.. buy a Westerly in the UK..
Re your quals.. know many with the papers who are dangerous to themselves and others.. and some with no papers who are awesome seamen..
All an exam proves is you were good for 1 day.. a bit like an MOT test on a car.. only good for the next 24hrs..

110V is the norm in Central America.

[belizesailor]

Re surfing. Not much surfing on the Atlantic side of Central America. Bocas del Toro, Panama is one of the few popular surf destinations.

The Pacific side has lots of popular surf venues.

[boatpoker]

Marine Survey 101 will give you some ideas on how to inspect a boat.

[boatpoker]

Registering the boat in a country of which you are not a citizen is/can be extremely difficult and in some cases impossible. Much easier to register it in your country of citizenship.