Hi there

[randomguy1981]

Hi there everybody - thankyou for the great forum and the information you all supply on a regular basis - for new people like me its great to find so much info

Just a little about myself

I'm from the UK now living in the US (90 day waiver). I'm ex army and am now currently in Iraq under contract (no boos pls).

I'm 27 and have been dreaming of living aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean ever since I went racing with the army around Denmark 6 years ago.

So I now find myself here to get myself back on track and buy a sailboat. I've set myself a budget of $75000 and am wondering if that is going to be sufficient?

To enable me to have this much it will take me a good few months of work and savings

I also plan on taking my Day Skippers qualification with the RYA and clock up some miles whenever I come back on leave.

To that end I am going to do my best to squeeze as much advice out of everybody here so I can head out with the best possible information to start me off!

I was aiming at a Hunter but have since seen a Pearson that I also like. It wouldn't just be me on the boat so space is a must and I was aiming at 38ft minimum. I also love the water so space for dive kit etc is another reason for size. If anyone has some ideas on boats that would be suitable please shout out.

I'm a qualified medic, can handle a saucepan, I have a basic knowledge of mechanics/electrics and not afraid to get dirty and oily so I'm hoping I will not be a complete disaster!

I really want to get some good courses underway to improve my knowledge of sailing, sailboats, electrics etc. If anyone can recommend some please don't hesitate.

I think I've waffled on enough!

Happy Sailing!

[Ex-Calif]

Hi Randomguy - Welcome aboard Cruisers Forum. No boos for anyone serving in the military from me.

Good luck with your plans to liveaboard.

[Hud3]

Welcome, Randomguy.

Lots of info here. Try this search engine to peruse our archives Cruisers & Sailing Forum

[imagine2frolic]

rg81,

I think you will be able to buy what you want with your budget. Mind you it will be a wee bit older, and can still give decades of good service. Look at yachtworld.com for comparison shopping. There are other sites also. I am just familiar with this one.

Look in the Caribbean. There are good deals there, and it is where you want to be. Florida will also be a good place to look.....BEST WISHES in finding a good boat....NO BOOS for the people in uniform. I applaud your courage....i2f

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Random,
Good luck on your choice of craft. Your budget would include many different types of boats and makes so shop around. Pearsons are great boats.
Kind regards,
JohnL