Leaving it all behind

[sgball]

Like many of you out there we have decided to sell up and take to the seas. For many years we have had motors boats, but now need to change to a motor sailer/yacht. What would be the best type of motor sailer/yacht to go for? we're looking for easy handling and comfort rather than speed. We have not sailed before.

Our plans are to sell our property buy a boat stay in England until we are cofident with the handling than travel to the Med.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

[kgi]

I dont really know what you want in a boat but have a look at the fisher 30,or larger if its what you like, strong, safe, trawler wheelhouse etc..........keith

[Chris_Robb]

You mention - easy to handle - that might rule you out of the older heavier weight types of boat. Don't get put off - they may not turn on a sixpence, you might have to think a bit harder about where the wind etc on leaving a marina, but definitley do not exclude them from your list as a little practice will sort all that.

There are some great motor sailors around, some are really substantially built and are very good value. A covered cockpit is great for English weather, however it is also great for geatting out of the relentless sun in the Med.

35 to 40 foot might be the best size - try the Old Trintella IV or Victory 40, extemly good value.

[ccscott49]

LIving aboard, I'd go for the fisher 37, more romm for liveaboard type things, you'll need the room, belileve me!!

[summerwind]

Second the sentiments about room! I just didn't realise how much stuff I had accumulated until I moved aboard.

I am still trying to decide which books I can live without!

[peterk]

hi

DON'T sell everything now.

Buy a smaller(cheaper) boat first and try sailing and living aboard.
Only if you are SURE you like that
and still want a bigger
boat
to go to the Med or whereever...

...peter, www.juprowa.com/kittel

[ToMo]

Thats only cos you don't like Cats! <G>
My advice would be to look very seriously at Catamarans especially as (like me) you're coming from stink pots.
TôMö

[nocturne]

Good for you, go for it!
A word of caution though........
We had the same idea some months ago and after much discussion realised we both had slightly different ideas about it. So we compromised...bought a house in Spain, and I am sailing our boat around to Benicarlo, Costa del Azahar in August and my wife is meeting me with the car from Bilbao (I hate flying). We will then live aboard till the house is built with our dog. Seems a good way to find out if we really can live aboard either way. Also now seems to be the ideal time to sell your house in UK anyway.
Good luck to you and enjoy!

Nicholson Jolina class 35' same age as me but looks better

[sgball]

Thank you for all your advice on what type of yacht to get. We will now start searching the classifieds. Will let you know when we find the right one.