What is the best small sailboat to live on and cruise?

[floridajoe]

Hi all,

Love this site. This is all new to me but I don't care. I'm single and have just been transferred to Tampa. I currently live in Miami and hate it. I need a good small boat to liveaboard. I know I am asking for the impossible, but I'm embracing the journey. Anyone out there have some good information about small sailboats to live on and cruise, let me know. I'm looking for any practical advice preferably with a positive outlook.

Thanks to all, Florida Joe

[AiniA]

I think a lot depends on your definition of 'cruise' and how you see the trade off between liveaboard comfort and cruising capability.

[boatman61]

Also depends on your definition of small live aboard... some here think 40ft is small... others think 25 is good...

[floridajoe]

Originally Posted by AiniA

I think a lot depends on your definition of 'cruise' and how you see the trade off between liveaboard comfort and cruising capability.

I'll just do some normal weekend cruising on the Western Florida coast. Live on the sailboat during the week while working. If I get some substantial vacation time off from my job then cruise down to the Florida Keys, Eastern Florida, the Caribbean.

[WebWench]

What is your idea of small and what is your budget for a boat? Are you willing to consider boats that need work or do you want it ready to go? Where. Do you plan to cruise to? All thin will influence what boats will work for you.t

[floridajoe]

Originally Posted by WebWench

What is your idea of small and what is your budget for a boat?

My idea of a small sailboat would be 26 to 29 feet. The budget is roughly $10K.

[scoobert]

Catalina. they are nice... and cheap. not sure if they go as low as 10K thou. i am sure you could find an insurance boat.

here you go!
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/35813

[floridajoe]

Originally Posted by WebWench

Are you willing to consider boats that need work or do you want it ready to go?

I would like to buy a boat in good to excellent condition.

[Bregts]

If you plan on making blue water passages you might like the semi-long keel Albin Vega 27.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by floridajoe

I would like to buy a boat in good to excellent condition.

Originally Posted by floridajoe

The budget is roughly $10K.

no. not going to happen. for 10K i can sell you my powerboat in good condition.

[floridajoe]

Originally Posted by scoobert

no. not going to happen. for 10K i can sell you my powerboat in good condition.

I'll consider older used 1970's, 1980's type sailboats.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by floridajoe

I'll consider older used 1970's, 1980's type sailboats.

not going to be in the condition you want for the price you want.
your looking at 30-40,000 for what your asking for condition wise.

[SkiprJohn]

I believe you can get any one of those boats for under 10K in Florida. Remember that condition, condition, condition is what it's all about. The Marieholm Folkboat is a great sailer and sea boat but very cramped inside. A Newport 30 has much more room than all those that you mentioned. I voted for the Columbia 29 because it is a better sea boat but if you are not going to sea with it then a Catalina 27 or Columbia 28 would be good. Ericson also is a great boat but probably more costly. Just for fun compare the Columbia 26 Mk II to the Catalina 27 and Columbia 28 for liveaboard space. I think you'll be surprised at the interior space of the 26 even though its not as good at sea. If you have available a Catalina 25 to compare to the 27 you might also check out the liveaboard space. Surprising that the 25 has a longer water line length.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by floridajoe

I'll consider older used 1970's, 1980's type sailboats.

In your size range, two boats I have seen pretty much consistently hold up over time here in Florida are Columbias and Morgans. there are lots of others, but they are production boats and you reaily might be able to get a "seaworthy" one for $10k.

But it will need some fixing up.

I would be cautious about Irwins. I loved my little Irwin, but they're not known for holding up well over time. The one I bought was from 1973, and by 2010 (I had it two years) it was on life support.

[scoobert]

the cat 27 is kinda nice.