Choosing which type to go for

[lowenna]

I am planning to buy a yacht next year, intending to retire and sail it to the Caribbean. The problem is knowing which of the hundreds of makes available to go for. I want to make a list of suitable makes to search for, but I obviously have my particular needs for budget, interior space, sea-worthiness, size, etc. The question is, where do I go to make that list? I know that yachting magazines review second-hand boats but I'm not going to see many reviews in the six months or so left before deciding. Are there any websites where I could get reviews (of British-based boats)? Any tips on trying to narrow down the options?

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[snowleopard]

after our trip to the caribbean i compiled a list of tips. it's not aimed specifically at selection of boats but will give you some things to consider: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://cwsnowleopard.projectcomputers.co.uk/tips.htm>http://cwsnowleopard.projectcomputers.co.uk/tips.htm</A>

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[jonjo]

Interesting list. It says to me the devil is in the detail and grand debates about trad v. modern hull form miss the point.

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[ChrisE]

Can recommend three books:

Blue Water Countdown by Geoff Pack, the late editor of YM - has most of the arguments about types of boats, together with most things you'd need to know before you go.

Sell up and Sail, Bill and Laurel Cooper - aimed at the sell all your worldly possessions and go type but still very good discussions about types of boat, equipment and the general cruising lifestyle.

Ocean Cruising on a Budget - Annie Hammick - she's now the editor of the OCC magazine and has done several transats in her 31 footer and talks alot of commonsense about what you really need rather than would like to have. She's a little bit on the spartan end of things for me but it does show what you can do if you put your mind to it.

Best of luck with your plans.



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[AndrewB]

There is a data-base with a list of about 1000 yacht types analysed for their blue-water suitability, available from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.johnsboatstuff.com/Articles/best.htm>HERE</A>. As the research was done some years ago, it omits recent models. The design criteria used for these judgements repay examination.

With respect, how much experience do you have? Normally people who have done enough sailing to know what a trans-Atlantic crossing might demand, will have picked up on suitable yacht types.

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[novice04]

Iowenna, all the advice you received is good and worthy advice, but... Untill six months ago I was in simmilar position as you are now (although I don't know your "seaworthiness" background - I had almost none) - all I knew was I want a wooden boat (long story) capable of sailing - and was beggin' everyone for this type od advice (wood or GRP, and why). Everyone had a different story, of course, and everyone was assuring me that all the others are fools who know nothing. (I didn't know about the PBO forum then, unfortunatelly).
Untill I met an older law professor from Split - a passionate sailor - and asked him the same thing.
His response made me "see the light" - "Young man", he said "whatever you do, wherever you live, whatever you choose - remember - buying (having) a boat is a completely irrational decision which can not be justified by any logical reason - it's simply a way of life".
I bought the boat, I "live the life" now, and have no regrets. (As someone nicely said it here before: "... rather then telling my grandchildren "I almost bought a boat once...""
The point - follow your gutts/wallet and listen to no one!!!
Good luck!! (Everything else can be found here)

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[simonfraser]

you'll want outside space, a cat wins every time
fixed keels, daggers are dangerous
lots of interior space for freezer, water maker etc
try multihullworld.co.uk

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[Graham_Wright]

I looked for ages when buying my first boat;- expensive and time consuming when you live as far from the sea as I do.

In the end, gut feeling won, one day it just clicked- love at first sight you may say.

It worked for me!

<hr width=100% size=1>GBW

 

[billmacfarlane]

If you're intending to sail your prospective boat to the caribbean, I'd guess you'll be following the well trodden path to the Canaries and then across the t'other side. Why not have a look at what boats are doing the ARC rally ? You'll find all the details at http://www.worldcruising.com/. If nothing else it'll give you a starting point.

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[LeonF]

a surveyor once told me. don't set your heart on a particular boat and seacrch for one..see what's available in your price range and then choose cause you
may come across somethinng that you had never considered that is absolutley right for you... L

<hr width=100% size=1>L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[wishbone]

1st thing to decide, how much money will you have, how much you are prepared to spend on a boat. I suppose a lot of people would like a 2004 HR or a 2004 Hunter, I on the other hand know's me limitations. So for my very 1st boat it will be a long fin keel, sloop or ketch med/ heavy disp around 40' at about 25-35k with some work to be done on the run, now it is very likely that I wont find such a boat in the UK so I am looking around the world. At the age of almost 53 and having just lost 2 friends to cancer, I have just got to do it now!!!!!!! sold the big house!!!!!!

I was told by an old salt, dont keep looking and thinking about it, do it!!!!!!!NOW get a boat and get out on the water.

I will want to sail single handed so you also have to consider many variabls rig type and where you will sail...........it's only money......all my friends money is being spent by their wodows and kids.............

<hr width=100% size=1>Wishbone
Rolling, rolling, rolling keep them doggies moving!
Where’s me chuck wagon gone?