help, what boat?

[AndySid]

Hi Guys,

This is our first go on the site and we are hoping to get your comments and ideas on buying for liveaboard.

Looking for a liveaboard, for me and the wife with occaisional visitors, 1 dble cabin v important, ability to take the ground important + shoal draft (we like creek crawling). 30-35', good sailing performance would be nice, offshore capability only required if the weatherman gets it wrong in the middle of biscay etc! 1st year in marinas, getting ready, then hopefuly large part of time at anchor.

Over next 5 yrs + plan (ish) to cruise in s eng, brittany, w scotland, cal canal, holland, baltic, eventually making way to eastern med - poss through canals. Budget 45k max plus 15k to fit out.

All ideas on types of boats to consider would be very welcome.

Sid

 

[Talbot]

Think about a catamaran - plenty of space for liveaboard, very suitable for taking the ground and creek crawling /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Bit difficult to give real advice without some idea of budget!

 

[miki_b]

Yes, a catamaran is my choice too. And there are a few boats corresponding to your budget, look up the one Eloise ex Bambola bought (prout 33).If you send your e mail I can send you a piece I wrote for somebody who was in your position listing the pro's and con's of cats. mine is gilimiki@bezeqint.net

 

[mikewilkes]

Miki have sent you a pm.

 

[mikewilkes]

If you are looking at 5 years + then would agree with the comments about cats.
If you are going creek crawling then just check that rudders will lift if you catch something.

 

[AndySid]

Cheers Guys,
I think you're right, a cat is what im describing, either that or two seperate boats, anyway I think im going to stay mono to avoid higher marina fees for the next couple of years until we can become more self suficient and free ish in the Med. Thought about a Southerly 100 but not too sure about having no permenant double cabin?