How much $$$ is reasonable to expect to pay for an offshore yacht?

[marccolahan]

Hi all, this forum seems to be one of the best sources of info around so I figured I might get most of my questions answered here

My Girlfriend and I are from Brisbane and are both interested in buying a cruising yacht in New Zealand and living the simple life (yes I have read the threads and maybe it isn't always simple)

We would like to buy and live cheaply on a yacht for some time - learning how to sail and what everything is called We have virtually no sailing experience except that we owned a Hobie cat (which we loved) we are fast learners and intelligent human beings so we both think that this is achievable through good contacts at a local sailing club and a lot of time and effort.

We are looking to get a 8.5 - 11 metre mono hulled yacht for under 40 000AUD.

The question that I can't seem to get answered any where is "is 40 000AUD (or less) enough to buy a yacht that is liverble on and when we are ready (maybe 7 months) can take us between New Zealand and Fiji (for example)?"

I have found many yachts on websites within this price range but am not sure if they are capable of offshore sailing. Some examples of what I have found just now (from NZ) are:

1976 Bruce Clark Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - au.yachtworld.com

http://au.yachtworld.com/boats/1965/H28--1815180/New-Zealand

http://au.yachtworld.com/boats/1968/Sparkman-%26-Stephens--1629594/New-Zealand

These are all yachts that when I look around the web seem to be everywhere. I know that there are vast differences in keels / living set ups / etc but at this stage before moving on I am interested if the above yachts are as described (ie no major flaws and had the minimum safety requirements) would it be reasonable that my girlfriend and I could live and learn to sail in a New Zealand harbour and ultimately sail to Fiji?

Cheers for any input, thoughts, rants etc... Marc

[James S]

All the links seem to go to the same boat the Bruce Clark.

Sounds like its a wooden hull with some lamenet on it not sure what the description means?

If that boat is structurally sound and all systems are working and in a good state of maintenance, it may be ok.
I have to say that the pictures look pretty good and the price (which you would reduce by %) leaves money in the kitty for the other stuff.

IMHO a fiberglass hull is far easier to deal with, but if you’re a wooden boat kind of guy this is a pretty one.

[marccolahan]

Originally Posted by James S

All the links seem to go to the same boat the Bruce Clark.

Hi James sorry bad copies - the other two boats are meant to be:

1965 H28 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - au.yachtworld.com

1968 Sparkman & Stephens Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -

Thanks for your reply - this gives me hope as it feels that you are suggesting that the top boat would be capable of what I want to do with it... and it is in my price range!

Cheers

[cdennyb]

The '76 B.C. is a beauty. Small for me but it is a nice looking vessel. If only 2 of you will be sharing, it might work for you, although remember the wood (aspretty as it looks) requires LOTS of maintenance over the course of the year.
The other 2 look like a lake or bay boat to me, I would certainly re-evaluate my goals if I were to be stuck with either of them. Remember too, after you get all your "crap" stowed, there won't be alot of room left so if you can be disiplined enough to not buy stuff everywhere you go, you'd be pretty well off. With minimal experience, I'd try a few test sails first with the owner and see if things are what you expect before I plunked down the cash.
Also... one more thing. Older boats aremuch more diffficult to get insurance on. Try looking into that first and talk with an insurance broker near you for their recommendation.
Good luck in your endeavor.

[RigelKent]

Hi Marc I'm in a simlar situation, looking in Australia, and have similar questions and find this is a good place for finding answers. Prices seem lower in New Zealand? One of my questions was could I get a sailboat comfortable liveaboard for two capaable of long distance cruising for AU$100,00. Most of the comments suggested it would take a lot more more. I'm learning things necessary for crusing like having a liferaft in survey, Epirb, sufficient water tanks, autopilot, rigging in good nick, spare sails, low-hours engine, navigation gear, etc are not always included in the inventory of used boats. Also I stand 6'1" and this is also a factor if I want to stand upright inside the cabin. I did find all this except for the liferaft for just a little over my price - for a 1989 fibreglass crusier, and am considering making an offer.

[marccolahan]

Hi Cdennyb, will certainly look into what type of hull cabin space we want (for low maintenance) when we are seriously looking at buying. My partner and I are sure we will be capable of living in a small area (neither of us need much crap and lead happy simple lives - much to Krudds disappointment) I am most interested if a yacht like the above three are capable of offshore sailing. the 1968 Sparkman & Stephens does actually say they took it offshore NZ - Fiji.

RigelKent, I have found that boats seem to be cheaper in NZ especially due to the exchange rate at the moment, I am also aware that per-capita NZ have a lot of boats so it is a convenient place to be looking. I was also told by a few that NZ boats are made better and more suitable for offshore cruising (this may be just a rumour as most of these people have been Kiwi's )

Good luck with the 1989 fibreglass cruiser, please keep us updated on how it goes and what decision / outcome you end up taking.

Marc

[MarkJ]

Wooden hull very old (70's) and ancient (60's) in the worlds toughest country for sailing and then wanting to voyage on one of the most difficult cruiser passages as your first trip.

Wooden boats take specialist attention and lotsa time and money.

That trip to Fiji leaves NZ in the middle of winter and heads north where you can hit an East Coast (or Aus) Low. It wiped a whole fleet of bigger, better, cruising boats out a few years ago.

I think you could look at the fiberglass boats for sale on the Gold Coast and further north... nothing is selling in Cairns. And offer 50% of the asking price. Then learn to sail in the tropics where its nice.

Mark

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard.
I hope you get the answers. I like H28s but don't know about the one at which you are looking.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[roger.waite]

Commenting only on the H28 ...

The H28 is a very well respected, well behaved seaboat, that typically cost $25-30ish K. There are lot of them in NZ, all around a narrow price range. So search for one in very good condition that has most of the kit you would need ...

They are a solid boat that has gone across the oceans.

Any 30-ish footer could be a bit of a squeeze for a live-aboard couple, but only you guys can judge how much room you need. If you decide on an H28, my preference would be for a newer, sloop rigged GRP version, e.g. from Compass Yachts.

FYI - could look at The Herreshoff H-28 which gives all the builders, specs, history, etc. Googling "H28 yacht sail" will bring up lots for sale in NZ/AS. Here are accounts of H28 crises: Articles on Coastal and Blue Water Sailing

[roger.waite]

Originally Posted by roger.waite

Here are accounts of H28 crises: Articles on Coastal and Blue Water Sailing

I will try saying that again - typing very slowly:

Here are accounts of H28 cruises: Articles on Coastal and Blue Water Sailing.

But extensive cruising always leads to crisis!

[OceanBound]

If you wanted to down size a bit you could buy a Tophat 25 in Aus for 14k and that would get you a good one,They are also a proven passage maker.

[marccolahan]

I have heard that the H28 is the yacht that has sailed around the world the most. Pretty impressive reason to look at it. I am interested in the Trophat 25 as I looked quickely and found:

Top Hat 25: Sailing Boats for Sale - Fibreglass - Tasmania (Tas) - Flinders Island Tas

This looks like a great yacht but would it handle way offshore sailing ie to NZ? This seems like a great boat to learn in? what should I look at with a fibreglass hull? Wood is starting to sound a little daunting now.

[bangkaboat]

Marc,
You are living in an area where a tough cruising boat is a necessity. I'd highly recommend going for a boat with either a thick FRP or a steel hull. It may be a challenge to find an offshore worthy boat, already equipped for cruising, for the money you want to spend, although, with the economy the way it is...

If I may suggest, take courses in using a sextant & tables & celestial nav., chartwork, etc. . If you can take an experienced sailor along on your boat search, so much the better. You'll need a boat with good sails & rigging and a plethora of other qualities. I'd hate to see you lose your money on something that won't do the job, safely. If you don't know someone who is experienced, place an ad on this site. I'm sure that there are members from Aus who'd be more than willing to help you. Before considering buying in NZ, make sure that your government will let you bring it home, without slapping a heavy duty on the boat.
Best of luck!
Mike

[RigelKent]

Very recently made used GRP Young 88 in New Zealand
Young 88: Sailing Boats for Sale - Grp - - Auckland North Island