Is 45ft Too Big?

CodStewart

CodStewart

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Haro,
We've found a boat that is 50ft[45ft deck] that I feel is perfect for a cruising lifestyle. We intend to cruise for many years offering charters and my novel idea of teaching English to Japanese students now and again on the boat. All the reading we've done says 'Stay Small' for the obvious reasons of it being cheaper to haul out and/or marina fees [although we intend to drop anchor as much as possible and steer clear of marinas]. But this boat is not only a veritable bargain, is of sound construction and is based in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, but it's also got an internal layout that makes the QE2 look like a Butlins pleasure boat.
Is 50ft too grand for a couple on a limited budget?[Not that limited...we hope to keep money coming in via charters and the 'school' and given the boat's good looks, it IS beautiful, we would think that this would make it more attractive for potential come-aboarders, oh yeah, and interest from savings and rent from a flat]

I look forward to hearing back from some of you.
Ja ne
 
That's good to hear. Actually, it's 50ft with the bowsprit! It's a beautiful boat. Absolutely beautiful. Ferro!!!!!!! But in good nick!
Thanks for putting my mind at rest. I've just been reading too many books by the Pardeys and the Hills!
ja ne.
 
The main problem about the bigger boats is that rigging and sail costs are MUCH higher Berthing is a proportional cost, and handling when short handed is moire a question of having the correct winches etc, but if you are cash strapped I recommend that you check out the cost of a complete re-rig and a new set of sails before making your decision.

I have nothing against ferro, and have seen some real bargains in that material, but all the information that I have gathered strongly recommends that you should only take on a ferro boat that has had its hull professionally built. That doesnt guarantee you against problems, but at least wil reduce the risk considerably. I am bot saying that there are no home completed boats that are perfectly good, just that the balance of probabilities are that a professional one will be less likely to be a problem.
 
A good ferro boat can give you lots of boat for your money but will never command the resale price of a similar boat in steel or GRP so great if you're buying for the long term but a poor financial investment. Prices are higher around Australia than in the UK.

A good indicator of current thinking on size is the ARC entry list. When we did it the average was 46 ft. We certainly felt poor relations at only 40ft.
 
45 is fine, especially as you want to do a bit of chartering, but make sure the boat will pass inspections to get coded for charter, if that is required where you are. Fewrro is OK, but I would get a survey, from a proffesional ferro guy, he will tell you if she is in good nick, it's very difficult to tell.
 
Thanks to everyone for replying. The current owner is operating a successful charter business with this boat and others. Selling to buy bigger. Boat is truly beautiful and built by shipyard in Canada. USCG registered.
On the subject of registering boat, having a bit of a problem. Can't register on British SSR because I live abroad. Looking into Gibraltar. Any other advice/recs for registration?
Thanks!
 
You can register on the SSR with a UK accomodation address - that's all they want, just as you can license your SSB in the US if you have a US friend who will let you use his address.
I am SSR registered, they send me the docs to France with no problems
Nothing illegal about either.
My only comment about concrete boats is that they may not be seriously fitted out internally for heavy weather. I have seen boats with normal kithcen cookers, washing machines etc which would be fine on the Norfolk Broads but lethal in a gale.
 
There are many 'flag of convenience' countries who are happy to register foreighn vessels. Of course you may be accused of being a tax bandit but I'm sure you've a thick enough skin to cope with that!
 
Again, to-the-point advice that is really helping us out.
Re: the internal layout of our boat, it looks pretty stable. Everything in its place. Was used as a cruiser for 10 years.
I'll look into finding an address I can use.
Thanks again.
Mucho mucho appreciated
p.s
Anyone want to buy a cat?
 
Only one thought 'why did you need to ask the question?' If the answer is to do with lack of experience of running a larger boat then maby that is something you need to think about. Advice about liveaboard charter has always been 'dont do it if you have to rely on the income' which seems a sensible precaution, bit like buy to let - can you aford the times when you have no income comming in.
 
One thought that just occurred to me is that you may have difficulty with the weight of gear on a 45ft heavy displacement boat. I don't know who else will be in your crew but when you go for a trial sail before signing the deal, insist that only those of you who will crew the boat do the sail handling. It can look very easy if the owner hoists everything then hands you the wheel and it comes as a shock the first time you go out on your own.
 
To allay concerns about ability, I have a very experienced skipper on board and I'm a good learner with a BA in American Studies. Fnarr. Fnarr.
For liveaboard we considered 38 upwards....but why not go for 45ft....so much more comfortable in the end.
We have savings that will give us some interest and I have a fully-paid for flat in SA that will bring in rental income and I must be one of the most spendthrift people on the planet. Aside from the usual annual upkeep, I think we'll have enough to get by.
I'll let you know how it goes. The skipper heads to Mexico on Monday. Has the beginning of our new life finally arrived?
Watch from space!
 
I wish you well.
snowleopard's advice is very sound - I'm getting on a bit and find hauling up the mainsail on a 38' KETCH is hard work, specially if there's no-one to help keep dead to windward.
You MUST have a good electric anchor winch 'cos you'll need a big anchor + lots of chain for your proposed sweetheart to stop her straying at night.
ps 'spendthrift' and '45' boatowner' is close to the ultimate oxymoron.
 
I bought my boat last summer having been through most of the forums and asked similar questions. We left UK in August and are now in Med. Spain. I still work six months of the year as I have a son completing his education. I settled for 48" on deck 50" overall sloop/cutter rig. On size its not a problem even sailing on my own (Furling sails on main and genoa) entering marinas and making fast in strong winds can be a problem even with a BT. I have found it quite expensive working down the French, Spanish,Portugeuse coast into the Med but unless you are going below 10m its not really that much cheaper as many of the berths are banded 10-12m 12-15 m we fall inside the 12-15m band. We will move on board long term next year and to be honest I could not imagine living on anything smaller although I know many people do.
 
Mo, thanks for that. You hit the nail with the hammer about the length. We considered starting smaller but had read time and time again that once you step on slightly bigger you think, 'why didn't we do this in the first place'
We will also have furling..and thank you so much!
 
As the boat was built in Canada I would guess it is a Samson design! Am I correct? Either way I would be interested in the spec. as I am looking to be sailing a ferro boat soon. Paul
 
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