My husband and I have taken the first steps toward the cruising life–we just sold our home and are auctioning off our possessions one by one. It fills me with joy and relief each time our load is lightened! We have been reading your Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia (fabulous book–great for the utter novice) and would like your advice if you have time.
We are going to be in the same situation as your daughter and her friend were in when they bought Hio. The main difference is that we completely lack any sailing experience, although my husband has been an avid commercial fisherman for years. We were wondering if you could recommend several production models or a good boat surveyor in the San Diego area so we’re not totally at the mercy of our ignorance.
We have about 45,000 to spend on a boat and we’re hoping to get a 40-50 foot boat. Our priorities are ease of sailing, safety & stability in rough weather, and efficiency. We plan on spending at least a year or two in the Baja area learning to sail and fixing up the boat before taking it offshore. We will have about 5,000 to spend on equipment and repairs so we don’t mind getting a “cosmetically challenged” boat.
Any suggestions or advice would be great! Thank you for the inspiration :)–Erin
Hi Erin: There are so many choices it is hard to make a specific recommendation–other than the general principles we’ve put into Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia. As to a good surveyor, afraid I cannot help there–but there are lots of them around, and if your husband has been around commercial fish boats he will already have a feel of what to look for.
With 45K to spend, it is going to be hard to find something in the 40-50′ range that does not need a lot of work. However, if you keep your eyes open, and be patient, you will find a deal or two–the trick is to be patient, and avoid getting desperate–it is a difficult process looking for the right boat at the right price. Good Luck–Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
