Help on beginning

[tgeewe]

I am planning to buy a Northshore Fisher 37 yacht for an about 3 years lasting (maybe even more) cruising around the world. It's meant to serve 4 ppl onboard and our no. 1. question was safety.

We have a well-trained skipper with us who recommended this boat as it is unsinkable, yet well-sailable (this is what he told).

He also told that Northshore is a well-known brand and that we can rely on it.

We seem to be able to afford a 15-20 years old boat from that kind.

Any help/recommendation/warnings/info on the brand, and specifically on Fishers would be appreciated as we are beginners on the theme.

I would also like to know the additional costs appearing at yacht buying. Hidden and unhidden costs. What to expect as renovation costs, what stuff do we have to buy (charts,electronic devices, etc.). VAT+whatever additional costs.

The money we have for spending on this yacht is about 115.000 GBP. On that it's gotta be ready for sailing out.

Thanqs in advance,
tgeewe

 

[Grehan]

Fishers

excellent boat? - yes, of its type, from a good builder too
unsinkable boat? - sorry, no . .

 

[TigaWave]

I dont want to get into the dabate about which is the best boat, but it should be a boat that suits you, and not a skipper.

Firstly no boat is unsinkable! and fishers sailing performance is a compromise as it is more of a motor sailer, not having a large sail area for its displacement. Suitability, you will find that once in warmer climates you'll want to be swimming off the boat every morning, getting in and out of a dinghy onto the boat with food and stores. When its hot you'll want to be eating outside in the cockpit most of the time, with a sun awning.

Fishers are solid motor sailers, and ideal for a wet windy crossing when you need the engine to push you upwind and get you to the bar before it closes, I cant quite see how they fit with what is usually appreciated in a warm climate live aboard or for light wind ocean crossings.

Great strong well built boat, but I would sugest you just go and get on board a wide variety of other boats and see what YOU like before making a choice.

I'd sailed a huge range of yachts from racers to gaff rigged old classics and in the end went for an old Bavaria for my long term cruise. I wasn't dissappointed, and would have taken her anywhere in any conditions.

I believe nearly all boats are safe, its the way you treat them that makes the voyage safe.

Whatever you choose you'll enjoy it, and you'll meet people in every conceivable type of boat out there, so there is no wrong boat, its just that you might change your opinion of whats right for you after living aboard for a while.

Have fun!! choosing the boat and sailing her.

 

[CodStewart]

Exactly, most cruisers head to warmer climes. The reason why we are thinking of buying the one we are thinking of buying is because of it's outside easy living set-up. Lots of flush deck for kipping on, large cockpit for grub.
We clicked past all the boats with bulky bits on the top because we knew there would be too much cover=too hot when out crusining in the warmer places in the world.

 

[snowleopard]

Everyone has different preferences in boats. One of the biggest mistakes is to make an irrevocable decision before finding out what suits you.

I have to disagree with the idea of flush decks. Any area not protected by an awning/bimini will be effectively unusable in the tropics.

After our trip to the caribbean I put together some tips for people doing the same thing. Have a look here

 

[TigaWave]

Its interesting reading other peoples experiences (snowy), on the flush deck, you do need a shade that will cover both side decks and withstand the 25knots of breeze at anchor. Ours was set up to go from the mast to the backstay, so we had a huge flat coach roof to lie on as the breeze funnelled through.

We didn't have a bimini and had no problems enjoying being outside, just used sunscreen and hats, and loved every minute. When your sailing theres enough breeze to keep cool, at anchor then we had a huge sun shade.

We never had a need for extra power, despite running a fridge (as you said essential) full time to keep the beer and G&T's cold. Ours was an air cooled unit which surprisingly was effective and as there was always a good through draught not a problem getting rid of the heat it generated. No doubt water cooled are more effective, but ours worked well. We had more than enough power with an aquair generator, no solar panels or generator, towed on passage and hoisted above the boom at anchor. It was also as good as silent in 25-30knots so no problem there.

Some wind generators are noisy its true but the Aquair isn't at all.

 

[mirabriani]

Having recently returned from the Carribean, I can say that
you would pay a lot less, maybe half what you mention if you buy out there. Look for a boat that has been used as a liveaboard. It might already be fitted with essentials for that environment, such as lots of fans, mossie nets, air scoops etc.
Snowleopard site is worthy of study. A good time to buy cheaply out there is before the hurricane season (now)
Even after a survey, budget for hidden essential items.
Also make sure all fees and dues are paid up to date by the previous owner. Do this by asking around. There can be charges peculiar to the area.
Fuel can be very expensive in other parts of the world, research!
Lastly as others have suggested, try out the boat, preferably on an extended trip, before buying.
Good luck and enjoy
Regards Briani

 

[powerskipper]

love your bye line. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mirabriani]

Thanks

Briani

 

[rwakeham]

I have a Fisher 30 and love it.

It works for me just fine, we sail with around 4 on board and find it ok. They do sail, but you need a bit of wind to get going.

A 37 would be great for a live aboard. However they are not easy to manoeveure, and all new Fisher owners say the same thing. It is horses for courses through.....

 

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
I would also like to know the additional costs appearing at yacht buying. Hidden and unhidden costs. What to expect as renovation costs, what stuff do we have to buy (charts,electronic devices, etc.). VAT+whatever additional costs

[/ QUOTE ]Most people reckon on budgeting 10% on top of the cost price of your boat to get it ready for your use. With an older boat you might need anything - rigging, decks, hull (osmosis), antifoul removal, prop, engine, electrics and electronics. 20 years is normally time for a complete refit which would cost far more than the 10%. However, it all depends on how she has been cared for and how much of the work you wish to do yourself. Allow at least 10%, probably 20% and if you don't need it you will have a pleasant surprise. If 20% would break your budget, consider revising your plans.