I am considering the purchase of a 63′ vessel which is located in Rhode Island (I happen to live in Portland, Oregon). I am including a link to the broker’s listing for her and, if you have a moment, would appreciate your thoughts. The owner says he has been aboard BEOWULF, so you may have seen his boat, also.
Any thoughts or comments will be appreciated. What I’m looking for is a boat two people can sail. This one would take some work to get there, but it seems like it could be possible…
I have become somewhat obsessed with her, but am not sure it would be in my best interest to get involved. She seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…Built to a high standard, to withstand sailing in the Southern Ocean. Fast, lots of interior room to setup for live-aboard. The structural advantages of aluminum.
I’m looking for honest, direct thoughts.
Hi Stephen: This is a tough question. Although I am not familiar with the boat in question, ex-Whitbread racers are very powerful, deep keeled vessels with massive rigs. Speed yes–but can you and your proposed crew handle her at anything apporoaching an efficient level?
If you and your crew are experienced, and you are careful with your sail selection, and you feel you can live with the draft, and the price is right–then go for it. But, be aware that it takes a lot of $$$ to convert one of these boats to a cruiser–unless you do a lot of the work yourself and/or leave her very simple inside (which is not that bad an idea for cruising anyway).
Keep us up to date on how it works out, and good luck…Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
