Hello from Arizona

[carraig]

Hi, my name is Carraig and I have never sailed on a full sized boat before. But I want to...

I have a 20' custom made top top top of the line center console fishing boat and I was wanting to trade it for an older cruising sailboat but I honestly don't know where to start. I love the idea of a live aboard boat which would come in handy when my fiance and I move to St Croix in a couple years. I have read some of the pros and cons of mono vs cat and think I'd prefer cat but then again, I'm not familiar with the scene yet.

What's the best way to learn to sail? And what would you recommend for a live aboard boat in the 45-55k range? Is it even possible?

Thanks,
Carraig

[carraig]

BTW, I'm not the same guy as the other AZ dude ;-)

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Carraig,
Welcome aboard! You probably wouldn't have any idea how many times the question comes up "what would you recommend for a liveaboard/cruising boat?" Anyway, its a bunch and the answers always are, "it really depends on your taste." There just are too many answers. For example, I always recommend 32-36ft LOD, fiberglass, diesel engine, cutter rig, monohull with and aft cockpit and there will be just as many people on the forum that will give you other examples of their ideals.
Good luck and if you get some specific questions maybe we can help a little better.
If you are going to sell your powerboat we do have an classified section here in the forum and you might eve find someone to trade?
Kind regards,
JohnL

[carraig]

SkiprJohn, why do you like a mono better than a multi?