Hi Steve, I have been researching the used boat market for monhulls in Florida and am looking for a 40-45 foot monohull. I have a budget of 70,000 for a used boat and then know that it may take another 30000-40000 to complete the process to have all that I would want to be safe and comfortable to take off for 5 years.
I wanted to get your advice on some hulls that I have found. First is the cost effective Morgan 41-415 and 416 years 1976 and 1978. A lot of boat for the money. But I know it is slow and the quality may not be desirable. Second is a 1977 Halberg Rassey 41. A blue water boat, a center cockpit. I feel it is solid and quality built. Has all the room we need. Third is a 1974 Soverel 48. A long water line fast boat with a hull and keel design similar to your yachts.
All the boats I look at that are aft cockpit in this size have small master cabins. The center cockpits have big master cabins. A big cabin is important to us. I know you don't like center cockpits. If I could get some advise on the above boats or if you could recommend some yachts I should be hunting for with aft cockpits that you would buy if you had my budget and size requirement. This would be most helpful to start my process right. I am trying to follow all your advise but must start with an older used yacht. Thank you so much. Good luck. Corey
Hi Corey: I think the Halberg Rassey or Soveral would be good choices design-wise. The Morgans are OK for coastal work. I'd be a little concerned offshore in a blow. Another good boat would be the Cal-48, or Cal 2-46. As to the tradeoffs between center and aft cockpits, and the master cabin size associated therewith, our own feeling is that a small master cabin and large saloon are a better use of space. This is based on the assumption that the saloon/galley area is used when we're awake, and the sleeping cabin primarily for sleeping and/or at night, when the space is not as important. With your budget, there are lots of choices. So take your time, look at tons of boats, and eventually you will find just the right situation. The main thing is not to allow the brokers to rush you… Good Luck–Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
