New boat counsel? 40'ish 20k budget

[Moore Watertime]

Hello all,

I am hoping to get some counsel from some old salts! We are in the search for the closest to perfect boat (40-50) I can afford(30k) for part time liveabourd in Miami/Lauderdale for 1, with the ability to sleep 6 comfortabley for trips to the Bahamas, Dominican, Mexico. More concerned with structural integrity than year built and interior living space/layout than speed but hoping for 7+knots.

Any guidance is appreciated.
Aloha,
Kevin

[roverhi]

Cut your length required by a 1/4 to a 1/3rd and you may have some success in finding a boat that is not a POS. Why do you need to sleep 6 people?? Any more than a couple is a real challenge for anything longer than a week and 6 unrelated people on a boat is asking for some plank time.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Kevin.

[Moore Watertime]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. Only looking to have max 6 people for cruises with part time liveaboard for 2. I hear ya on POS and budget BUT... hoping to find a gem in the rough. Sound hull and comfortable stateroom are the priorities.
Aloha
kevin

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy, and Welcome Aboard CF!

I suggest reading my answer to a similar question or topic here:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2333175

[a64pilot]

Good luck, but I have a strong belief any 40 to 50 footer you find for 30K will take another 30K to make safe and liveable.
Plus I think you need to determine frankly if you can afford the upkeep of a 50" boat.
Not trying to rain too hard on the parade, but what had you planned your yearly expenses to be?

[Tortuga's Lie]

You might be able to find a Pearson that fits your budget/length without sacrificing performance too terribly. Pearsons are moderately well built for a production boat but there finish cabinetry etc is somewhat less refined and probably getting a bit tired if the boat has not been maintained. Prices vary wildly as determined by the condition/upgrades
Here's an example of one that is very inexpensive, but would need some upgrades:
1970 Pearson P39 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Cheers,
Tom

[skipmac]

Before you dive into a big boat on a very, very small budget I strongly suggest you investigate the costs for a liveaboard dock in south Florida.

Also, agree with all the above. Unless you get really, really, really lucky, like win the lottery kind of lucky, for $30K you're going to end up with a POS or major project boat. You might find something in the 40' range that isn't horrible but 50'? Forget it.

Look for an older Morgan OutIsland 41 (search also as an OI41) in terrible cosmetic shape, ancient or no electronics with an engine that runs and maybe you'll get lucky.

[Moore Watertime]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Good luck, but I have a strong belief any 40 to 50 footer you find for 30K will take another 30K to make safe and liveable.
Plus I think you need to determine frankly if you can afford the upkeep of a 50" boat.
Not trying to rain too hard on the parade, but what had you planned your yearly expenses to be?

Hello,

Certainly valid observations, I was thinking $500 a month for maintenance and repairs with a 10k reserve fund for emergency repairs. It is true I have never owned a boat bigger than 25' myself and never as a livaboard (other than having grown up on a 45' Columbia). I started with the intent of a 36-42' ish boat but I am hell bent on having a real comfortable stateroom hence the forward helm.
I am wide open for reality so bring it on. Thanks again for anyones insight.
Aloha
Kevin

[Moore Watertime]

I have looked at dockage and moorings, I am Ok with paying a 1k a month in slip fee's if need be so there are viable options.

[skipmac]

Check slip rentals. You might find a liveaboard slip for $500-$600/month but could easily be $1000.

[Island Time O25]

I know its smaller than 40-50' but check O'Day 37 CC. It has a reasonably decent sized aft stateroom with its own separate head and hatch access. And the boat will definitely sleep 6 comfortably. It is of average quality but with draft of 5' and if well maintained by you and/or POs will take you to the destinations you listed. Average asking prices are in the $20Ks meaning you can get one for $20K or less. If I had to look for a 35-40' coastal cruiser on a tight budget this would definitely be my top choice today.

O'DAY 37 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[skipmac]

Oops. See you beat to it with comments about slip rental.

[Moore Watertime]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Before you dive into a big boat on a very, very small budget I strongly suggest you investigate the costs for a liveaboard dock in south Florida.

Also, agree with all the above. Unless you get really, really, really lucky, like win the lottery kind of lucky, for $30K you're going to end up with a POS or major project boat. You might find something in the 40' range that isn't horrible but 50'? Forget it.

Look for an older Morgan OutIsland 41 (search also as an OI41) in terrible cosmetic shape, ancient or no electronics with an engine that runs and maybe you'll get lucky.

Thanks for the suggestion, I had come accross them in my travels. Will keep looking. If you feel inclined, thoughts on the boat below?

1975 Morgan 41 Out Island Center Cockpit ketch
https://www.popyachts.com/ketch-sail...ouisiana-98459

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Good luck, but I have a strong belief any 40 to 50 footer you find for 30K will take another 30K to make safe and liveable.
Plus I think you need to determine frankly if you can afford the upkeep of a 50" boat.
Not trying to rain too hard on the parade, but what had you planned your yearly expenses to be?

You are way too generous! Better make that another 60k!