Sailorbean1

[Sailorbean1]

Hi everyone...
New to this...
Looking for my forever home...
Have looked at sailboats...
But not sure which is considered good for sailing up/down FL coast, ICW, Great Loop, islands / Caribbean/Gulf / PR, etc...
I looked at Morgan’s, Irwin’s, Catalina’s...
I would feel comfortable in 34-38’ /40’ range...
With all lines to the cockpit and steering as if I had to handle alone I would be fine...
Again I’m new to these boats but I feel boats made between 1979 and 1986 are the heaviest as far as weight and thickness of hills...
Does anyone think the three above are good sailboats and if so which do you think is best...
Thanks
Sailorbean1

[Skipper Kenny]

Lots of great boats out there, but what makes it the best is the one that suits YOU the best.

Welcome aboard!

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard Sailorbean1! Your choice of boats will depend on your own preferences and the type of cruising you'll do and your budget. Since you are new to it I'd suggest getting more sea time in with other folks, crewing or chartering if you can. Chartering different boats can really help you get a god idea of your own preferences. Generally many folks prefer a shallower draft boat, or one with a swing keel, for the cruising grounds you mention. Different builders had different standards for construction at different times. Many boats were built very strongly in the 60s, only to see things get somewhat less sturdy in the 70s with newer fiberglass techniques. It depends on the builder, As an example, my own boat built by Columbia in '62 is quite strong, no "oil-canning" (flexing) of the hull. But into the 70s and under new ownership, I am not a big fan of the Columbias from that era. The early Morgans had a good reputation and the one you were looking at probably is shoal draft with a swing keel. Old boats, if they have been maintained and upgraded, can be a real bargain, as long as you like the way they sail and handle and don't mind a little less interior volume. This site, bluewaterboats.org, might also help inform you, though its list of boats is not the end of the story. If you look also at the list of "boats to vote for" you'll see some more good ones.
Sailboat Reviews of Offshore Cruising Yachts : Bluewaterboats.org

[newhaul]

Welcome aboard
I agree with don you need to get some experience on several different boats to get a good idea what you actually want/ need to do the cruising you are intending to in the area you mentioned.

Personally I think the islander Freeport 41 would be a great choice. At less than 5 ft draft it will go lots of places that the newer designs in that size range can't due to draft constraints.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/islander-freeport-41

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sailorbean.

[Sailorbean1]

Awwww thank you for the welcome and advice... will be looking in that website.
Thanks...