liveaboard for one?

There are as many "ideal live aboard" craft as there are people sailing them. The previous advice is good, look around as much as you can and do talk to people. Then take a realistic appraisal at what you are actually going to do, its ok to dream but it can cost a lot. Size is of course relevant to not only purchase price, but also ongoing berthing, maintenance and by no means least your ability to handle her under all conditions, short handed and crewed. Good luck in your search
 
I wouldn't recommend the Vega as it's quite hard to park single handed, due to the odd prop setup.

Low freeboard makes berthing much easier as does a centre cleat.

I lived on an Albin vega for 9 months and the only problem apart from difficulty mooring was that I didnt like ****ping in my bedroom. I would suggest you try to find a boat with separate heads compartment.
 
that depends on you.
small, big what ever...
what lifestyle do you want, the have's or the have not's
what do you like to do, sit in a marina or actually sail, or a bit of both with more social life
then buy to suit your choice, and income.
less cash on the boat, more cash on lifestyle
less cash on the lifestyle more on the boat
or even on both
a real liveaboard lifestyle or just a play at it for a while, then back to.....
the boat makes no difference, you can live on anything, it's all done to you.
 
I sail single handed and live aboard my 31 ft longkeeled HR Monsun from 1976. They go for about £30 000 nowadays. It's a comfortable, well sailing, safe and practical boat and I wouldn't want any other. An electric windlass, a good anchor and loads of chain is a must if you don't want to go to expensive marinas. I stick to anchorages all the time. You'll need a dinghy too by the way.
Take a look at my blog to see my first season as single hander in Greece.
 
Aquarella said:
I sail single handed and live aboard my 31 ft longkeeled HR Monsun from 1976. They go for about £30 000 nowadays. It's a comfortable, well sailing, safe and practical boat and I wouldn't want any other. An electric windlass, a good anchor and loads of chain is a must if you don't want to go to expensive marinas. I stick to anchorages all the time. You'll need a dinghy too by the way.
Take a look at my blog to see my first season as single hander in Greece.
Click to expand...
I didn't know HR made a real long keel design, very interesting. Lovely blog by the way! Cheers Jerry
 
For space in a small boat I loved my old Westerly 31' Longbow... handled so well in a blow too. There are thousands on the market and if that is too big / small Westerly made just about every size from the 1970's to the 1990's

I'm biased but I believe they were some of the sturdiest and best sailing boats with the most space and headroom for their size ever made.
 
I live-aboard my Barbican 33 and have done so for the last 9 years. ( And I do sail the boat all year round.) I sometimes feel I would like to change the boat just to try something different but for the life of me I cannot find a boat which would be an improvement for the same sort of money. If you want a boat which is strong, well built and sea-kindly in any weather and does not cost the earth go ahead and buy one. I am surprised these boats don't bring a lot more money.I suppose its the modern trend to have a fin keel but for a solid cruising boat you wont find better than the Barbican 33.
 
I sailed my Excalibur 36 across the Atlantic 2-handed (which is similar to single handed, except there is someone to keep a watch when you are asleep) and lived on her for some 10 years. She is now for sale for well under £20K and would make a good choice for anyone going blue water sailing on a budget. The story of our trip is at http://phaon.dnsdojo.net and details of the boat are at http://phaon.dnsdojo.net/avalon-details.pdf

As an alternative, consider buying a boat that is already in the Caribbean - look at the websites for Dynamite Marine and Peakes in Trinidad. A friend of mine who came out to sail with me picked up an Albin Vega for 5000 USD in Trini and had a lot of fun sailing it around the Islands.
 
there is a nice ohlson 35 for sale near me in very good nick but will need a bit of update but at £18000ono is a good fast seaworthy safe and well constructed yacht, all teak below very nice looking yacht indeed.
 
Whatever boat you decide to buy, it's worth remembering that you'll spend far more time than you imagined on mending her. So I would recommend buying the boat you can love..... of whatever size or shape. Your feelings towards her will be crucial when she is being obstinate, baffling, deliberately faulty and obtuse. If you love her you'll care enough to stretch further, bend your back harder and graze your knuckles one more time to make sure you see her right with a solid job. She'll repay the commitment, which is reassuring when you're cold, wet, tired and scared - which again, you will be.
 
concentrik said:
Whatever boat you decide to buy, it's worth remembering that you'll spend far more time than you imagined on mending her. So I would recommend buying the boat you can love..... of whatever size or shape. Your feelings towards her will be crucial when she is being obstinate, baffling, deliberately faulty and obtuse. If you love her you'll care enough to stretch further, bend your back harder and graze your knuckles one more time to make sure you see her right with a solid job. She'll repay the commitment, which is reassuring when you're cold, wet, tired and scared - which again, you will be.
Click to expand...

Agree totally, if your heart isn't in it, your dream will be a hollow one. Choose carefully.
 
Very few modern catamarans in reasonable condition available for less £90k.

If I had unlimited funds a 45ft cat might be my choice as they can handle the weight of 'stuff' a cruiser carries around and still sail well. Smaller ones often seem to struggle in a good chop when beating. esp if laden.

Most cats outperform monohulls at anchor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

S
Single handing locks
Replies
7
Views
1K
StevieH
S
stav
What sailing jacket have I worn out so I can ask for a new one from Santa?
Replies
9
Views
431
Boathook
Boathook

Share this page

Top