All the costs of a 44' with the accommodation of a 36'. Not to mention the cost to your relationship of sleeping in separate single bunks. Even if it were completely brought up to standard it wouldn't suit modern cruising without strapping a bunch of solar panels to it, so at best it will end up a pretty weekender.
There's really no need to use marinas in the Caribbean. We're in our third season here and have spent a grand total of one night alongside, and that was just because it was launch day and we weren't quick enough off the mark getting out of the yard.
I was involved with a sistership several years ago. The owner died and the boat, in immaculate condition at the time, was left to his adult kids who had no interest in sailing. Some uk broker gave them a value and it went on the market at a silly price. I strongly advised them to put it on ebay and get rid, but they were convinced that the boat would sell quickly, and for big money.
Noone would buy this as a weekender, ( I hope) but if you wanted an ocean crossing boat and were good at carpentry, you could change the accom easily enough. Sure it may still be the accom of a 36footer, but two good double cabins later, what more would you need? With the additional security of being in a bigger, much more solid boat with a decent keel under you.
Very much agree with this.
I disagree with this. As a cruiser it lacks space, costs a lot to maintain, berth, lift out, and lacks the space for modern amenities like solar and decent showers. A good modern 44 isn't much more so most people planning to cruise will be choosing those. These older designs appeal mostly to people who for whatever reason believe they are somehow more solid than a boat produced with modern tools and techniques, and those who believe older designs sail better. Neither of these things is true, so there's a very limited market. I don't think many people will be about to set off cruising who don't already have a boat and are in the demographic that holds those views. The older folk will likely already own one, and the younger folk don't own the rose tinted glasses.
I completely agree, the question here is not that though. The question is if you don’t own one, would you buy one at that size and price given the other available options. To me that’s a different answer, I’d certainly keep it if I’d had it a while and liked it.
Its a common view point, which I understand, even if I dont agree. I think my point is the ultimate price in this case for getting a solid seaworthy boat, one designed to be seaworthy first, comfortable second, could be a bargain, for the right person who prioritises that. I’m sure they will be in a minority. (Bearing in mind, I am such a one, and looking for such a boat, but not buying this one
Mainly because I have enough boats to finish fixing, and then will NOT want to waste time fixing more, but also because I find the size rather intimidating for single handing, particularly docking and leaving! If I had the carpentry skilss, and the time, I would be very tempted to make an offer, but I have neither. ) So out of interest? With one BIG caveat - the boat that DD flags that you suggest is unsuitable ….. has actually been bought, gone sailing, crossed an Ocean twice so clearly isn’t as unsuitable as you suggest.See, thats not looking at similar available options, thats just choosing a boat from your own preferences.
The moody is over half again as heavy, has over 70% more ballast.and the comfort ratio ( as in movement in a seaway, not cabins! ) is over 50% higher.
The sunfast is a charter boat, prob a good one, but it is not a heavy displacement ocean cruiser.
I think you would have to be looking at malo’s, raasays, nic 39’s , vancouvers and those kind of boats as alternatives. And I doubt you’ll buy one and refit it for 40-60k. I’d like to be wrong
Not a fair question as each boat would need different amounts of work to get to a cruising standard.
