David_Jersey
regular
Reged: 22/12/2004
Posts: 1680
Loc: Jersey
|
|
With £10/15K budget and your wish list their will be certain compromises to make........the first one will be on the word "Perfect" 
As no "perfect" boat I will only suggest the one........Westerly Renown / Longbow. (same boat - 1 with small aft cabin / 1 without).
A touch over 30 foot and sail a lot better than they look. A trade off between liveable space (IMO plenty of Light and a seperate sleeping area are important as well as a decent galley area) and still being able to sail.
This one will IMO give you an idea of what you are looking at with your budget for the size of any boat....the minimum is that TLC will be required, on that budget should be perfectly useable for at least day sailing.....but expect / need to spend time and money on her.....just as a wild guesstimate, yer could spend another £10/15k on making her A1 for going anywhere, but she still would not be worth more than early £20's.....but if yer living on her and spending the Rent money on her over time and YOU intend to get the use out of her from the money put in then this may work out as a good idea.
Westrely Renown - £15k
This one is another £5k and yer can see some difference on the TLC required front at least - but may well be that the fundamentals are pretty similar in needing money spent.
Westerly Renown - £19,950
IMO the biggie on both the above (and any other - especially on an older boat) is trying your best to ensure the Engine is not going to need replacement or major work anytime soon (or at all!).....but never any guarantees on that one.
As always, the more money you have the more options - in your shoes I would prefer a budget of £20/25k as will open up a lot more boats in good all round condition - of course not to say that every boat for sale at these prices are in "good all round condition" , as always, it takes time to find a good 'un at the right price.
As I said, nothing "Perfect"....I am sure folk will suggest plenty of other boats that may work - and perhaps best not to get overly hung up on the model but to buy the best available given your budget, even if this involves some different compromises than you had intended (boats are all about compromises!).
-------------------- I support Baan Gerda
Edited by David_Jersey (08/05/2008 10:31)
|
Swissnic
regular
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 16
Loc: London, UK
|
|
Thanks for the replies - after 24 hours research, and your advice - I'm now feeling a little better about what I have to decide. I think my "perfect" boat would be a Tradewinds 35, but at around the £60k mark, that will have to wait a while.
Looking at the Westrely Renown's, I am quite surprised that I think they might do the job very well!!! ;o) Good interior space and solid/reliable. Thanks David - I might go have a look at some of these this weekend!!! ;o)
|
David_Jersey
regular
Reged: 22/12/2004
Posts: 1680
Loc: Jersey
|
|
No substitute for simply going and having a look (without cheque book!) at as many as possible.
Don't be shy about asking lots of questions, no matter how dumb you think they are.....and also for advice.
When down a marina have a wonder around for similar boats - if lucky and someone onboard say hello and explain what you are looking at and your low knowledhe base - odds on they will be happy to advise / jump at the chance to show off / talk about their own pride and joy....and things to look out for.
Don't forget that delivery to your chosen berth could be a big factor in your £££ calculations - especially if you need proffesional help and / or some immediate refurb / equipment.....
Have fun
-------------------- I support Baan Gerda
|
Abigail
regular
Reged: 06/10/2002
Posts: 638
Loc: South of France
|
|
Definitely agree about taking a good look.
Also, is it worth asking whether one boat can do both plans. The ideal boat to live on to save money while working doesn't have to be a good sailor, or even particualrly moveable! But (believe me speaking from experience) doing lots of fitout while you work and liveaboard is extremely stressful!
The ideal boat on which you want to cruise long term might be very different. You could get your sailing experience by joining a club or two and signing up to crew, either locally or something like the Cruising Association. So you could get something that is living ok/sailing basic on which to live, and then sell it and use the savings and experience to buy something more of what you want in the long run!
HTH
-------------------- Sarah & Pip
s/v Roaring Girl
www.sailblogs.com/member/roaringgirl
|
Swissnic
regular
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 16
Loc: London, UK
|
|
Quote:
So you could get something that is living ok/sailing basic on which to live, and then sell it and use the savings and experience to buy something more of what you want in the long run!
HTH
Totally agree - this may be my first, but definately wont be my last! ;o)
I want to end up with a much newer 45er - something that can hop the atlantic without hassle etc, but until then, I am looking for a liveaboard trainer.
Penarth Marina (where I need to be based) has a RYA school and boatyard based there which could make any repairs and training easy to organise.
I just had a meeting with the accountant and were trying to work out if I can get away with passing any of the costs on to the company! hehehe.
One other thought - can anyone recommend a surveyor for this type of craft based in or around Cardiff/Penarth?
Guys - thanks for all your input! It's been a great help. I will post any updates as and when.
Cheers, Nic.
|
Lemain
regular
Reged: 31/01/2004
Posts: 5551
Loc: Fiumicino canal (Rome, Italy)
|
|
Westerlys are an excellent choice for you. Well built, comfortable, excellent sea-boats... If you have decided on a Westerly consider joining the excellent owners' association before you buy where you will get unlimited expert advice on all aspects of owning all Westerlys. http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/ There is an email list (Yahoo group) that you can join to post questions - you will usually get at least half a dozen replies plus access to the huge archive of questions previously asked.
-------------------- My daily blog on the current financial crisis is at:- http://davidscompass.blogspot.com No PMs for now ybw1.20.lemain@spamgourmet.com
|
Talbot
regular
Reged: 23/08/2003
Posts: 12442
Loc: Stavanger, Norway
|
|
If the prime purpose is to live aboard, have a look at some catamarans as well. You get a lot more accomodation and comfort.
-------------------- "Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors - and miss."
Robert A Heinlein
|
nickrj
regular
Reged: 21/07/2006
Posts: 381
Loc: Long Island, New York
|
|
Just get something you can stand up in.
Trust me.
-------------------- My Blog, singlehanded from Europe to Australia http://www.bigoceans.com
the new Boating Mobile Social Network http://www.bluemapia.com
|
Swissnic
regular
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 16
Loc: London, UK
|
|
Quote:
If the prime purpose is to live aboard, have a look at some catamarans as well. You get a lot more accomodation and comfort.
I LUV Cat's.... Thats what i used to sail (little ones that is - Hobie 18s etc). Not sure the Harbour manager would like one though - as they are quite wide...
Any particular thoughts given my budget?
|
Swissnic
regular
Reged: 07/05/2008
Posts: 16
Loc: London, UK
|
|
Quote:
Just get something you can stand up in.
Trust me.
LOL - Very good point... I am a man who stand well above 6ft tall... I guess this is most important in the Head... ;o)
|