What can of boat is good for me?

Question

I'm planning on buying a boat with my husband, budged is around $22,000 max., or less if possible. We live in Florida, and the main purpose of the boat is just sail the intracostal or the beach with some friends (we don't like fishing), so maximum seating capacity is optimum, what is the best model to look for (on price, size and capacity)?

Answer 1

Your ? leaves alot of boats open, If you are looking for a used or new boat. If you plan on living on the boat , And what parts of the  I.c.w. Also what size? The best thing for you to do is go down to a local marina and talk to a couple of sailors, They are always willing to give you information on sailboats. You will find that most sailors will agree that there are alot of boats that should be left but most boats can be picked up for about half of what you are willing to spend, We own a tartan 37 and live aboard, we have never been happier

Answer 2

I think you should look into walk arounds if you're interested in power boat.

Century and Pro-Line boats are pretty good ones.

Answer 3

It's a good idea to make a list of must haves and nice to haves and then start looking on the internet for price and availability. If you are new to sailing, I can suggest the following items as must haves.

1. Inboard Diesel Engine (Outboards are of limited use and diesel is safer and more dependable than gas)

2. All lines led aft (Keeps you safely in the cockpit, instead of on the doghouse)

3. Shoal Draft (Depending on where you sail)

4. Bimini (Keeps you out of the sun).

Find the boat with your must haves within your price range and condition (all boats require work it's just a matter of how much) and don't get too hung up on a particular make or model.

Answer 4

In addition to the good advice from the other responders,  you will probably be looking at boats in the 20 year old range. There are Internet listing and Florida has a large market. I suggest you view every boat as an individual. Builders made changes year to year on particular models and possibly during a model year. Add to this owner's maintenance may have been great or never done. Owners also modify there boats and you may find a load of equipment which will save you money, if the equipment is still in good shape. Then, look at cost to keep it, mooring/dock versus trailering. Above all, have the boat surveyed or otherwise looked at by a person who knows sailboats.

Answer 5

I'd go for something like a 1980s O'day 31. Easy to sail, rugged and comfortable. I've been on sailboats 4x the price that I didn't like as much as the O'day 31.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/c...

There's a link if you want to check out some prices.

If you don't have any sailing experience though, you might have trouble on a boat that size. Take lessons for a few months, then buy a cheap boat in the 20-24 foot range. Docking a 31 foot boat is no easy task.

Answer 6

You'll find lots of sailboats in the 28 to 35 foot range that will suit your needs very well.  The previous poster mentioned O'Deas, which are good practical sailboats.  Don't get stuck on any one type - look around marinas and boatyards and find something you like.  Then research it a little to learn more about it.  Your price range will get you something decent.