pros and cons of new v used bw cruiser

[dweeze]

Am looking around at bluewater cruisers to do a two year trip on.

At the moment we're debating the pro's and con's of getting a older boat vs newer. It will be either GRP or steel, probably sloop, long keel, in the range of 35 - 45 ft. Looking at buying within the next twelve months with the aim to leave within 4 years. Doing own work on the boat isn't going to be a problem.

Can anyone who knows please give you thoughts on any of the pro's and con's of buying something from the 80's vs 90's. Am interested in issues of wear and tear, maintenance, re-sale value, handleability, insurance, etc.

thanks

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[Chris_Stannard]

You do not say what budget you have in mind so it is a bit difficult.

There was a very good article on short handed sailing in a recent (Sept?) PBO which gave some good tips on what to look for in a short handed sailing boat.

I have a Najad 373 which two of us live on very happily for weeks at a time. If I were buying it new and going for two years I might have the forward cabin devoted to storage and increase the tankage, both water and fuel, if this were possible.

On the other hand a standard boat does retain its resale value better.

One of my experienced deepwater sailing friends says never cross the Atlantic in less than 42 feet but if I were so inclined I would take my boat across the Atlantic.

<hr width=100% size=1>Chris Stannard