Suggestions for next boat

[redbreast]

Hi all, great forum. Im new to all this. So im sure the question has been asked many times, i would like to tap into an obvious wealth of knowledge ! Starting with a question on boat type "catamaran on monohull for 2 people taking a year out maybe more. Cruisng med, agean and turkey then maybe across the pond. Budget £90.000 Any thoughts Please

 

[mandlmaunder]

is 90,000 total budget including refit ,update,maintenance,overhaul of the stuff that looked good but want pass muster on long term usage .
the only thing to run out of before your sh1tlist-wish list is complete will be money.
In my experience 10% of purchase price will be your minimum cost for upkeep.
Dont let this stop you ,we all fall for the 'it wont be that bad" thing .
Good luck in your search but look at purchase's abroad as well as at home.
You need to come to some major decisions, SIZE really does count along with age. both hugely influence the cost ,old can be bigger, newer will generally mean smaller.
Cats (we own a 36 solaris sunstar) are my personal fav,but many people wouldn't be seen dead in one preferring Mono's all the way.

 

[Sequoiah1]

I would have thought a Cat would be better in terms of space and considering the cruising grounds sought. Not sure you will get much for the money and you need to get one that will take payload (and that reallly is asking a lot) I guess if 90 K is toatal budget I would have thought about 50k for a secondhand boat and spend the rest on upgrades and doing the tour. Whatever happens make sure you buy a boat that is desirable and holds its value, there is so much on the second hand market the choice is yours.

 

[Talbot]

The biggest problem for the wives of couples not really that used to boats is the healing. Especially if you are looking at a trade wind crossing where the incessant rolling of a monohull can quickly get on people's nerves. I personally prefer a catamaran, and would recommend one, but it is not everyones preference. They are not as quick when going to windward, but much nicer to live onboard.

At that amount of cash I would look at a Prout Snowgoose Elite aged about 1990. You should be able to source a reasonable one for abt 70,000 GBP. That will leave a reasonable kitty for the other bits and repairs.

However, this is not a requirement where a single solution suits all. You need to try a selection of boats, particularly with both of you, and preferably in less than ideal conditions.

 

[HoratioHB]

This was our dilemma last year although our budget was a tad higher and we were looking at the Caribbean - some of our thoughts:

a. Catamaran v monohull. Yes a cat is much more stable, faster, less draft and more room (although the hull cabins can be narrow. BUT they cost a lot more. Your £90k will stretch much further in terms of spec, age etc if you buy a monohull.

b. Second hand or New? There are some bargains to be had particularly if you have cash. However even with a survey you are never completely sure whereas you know a new boat has not had the engine thrashed or been rammed into a rock. You could also consider an ex charter boat - look at the Sunsail web site. I was quite impressed with how well they refit them after charter and they are very good value for money but even if you then add all your goodies they are still a five year old ex charter boat, whereas new should have much better residual value. When looking at prices we were amazed at what we could get new and if like us you are going abroad you can duck the VAT and save loads. A trip to the Southampton boat show is very worthwhile. In the end on the basis of no VAT we decided to go new and have the fun of setting the boat up exaclty as we want.

c. Size - not long ago the thinking said 35ft was optimal for short handed. We are going 42 ft as we felt we wanted the biggest we could get away with and with modern autopilots, deck layouts reefing systems etc I would be quite happy up to 45ft.

These are just mine and SWMBOs thoughts and if you ask 10 forumites this question you will get at least 12 answers - in the end it is a very personal decision. Worth buying the Yachting mags and seeing what is in the ads and talking to a few brokers as well. All tihs said £90k should be workable figure for your aspirations. Best of luck.

 

[Amari]

[ QUOTE ]
You could also consider an ex charter boat - look at the Sunsail web site. I was quite impressed with how well they refit them after charter and they are very good value for money but even if you then add all your goodies they are still a five year old ex charter boat, whereas new should have much better residual value. When looking at prices we were amazed at what we could get new and if like us you are going abroad you can duck the VAT and save .

[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldn't chose an ex charter boat for going across the pond. Beneteaus and Bavarias etc are too light IMHO. Look for heavier hull and skeg protected rudder. I'm biased but very pleased with our Wauquiez - blue chip French build. Reviewed as second hand buy in PBO August 2007. Some for sale on ybw.com site

 

[Amari]

Quote............ PBO
Sorry, I meant YM

 

[roughsoda]

Hi Redbreast, My choice and recommendation to you is a catamaran. Just sailed from Florida to Grenada on one and cannot imagine doing the same on a monohull. Bahamas, Turks and Caicos are low draft territory. For 90k GBP you can get a good cat. Remember that the asking price is 15-20% higher than the closing one. Many boats have all you need on board and you will not need to spend a lot in addition to the purchase price. Good luck, Miki
Look up my site: www.catamaran-2-oceans.com.

 

[bbilly]

Miki, I was in the Grenadines last year on a cat for the first time. Can't imagine long term life on a monohull anymore. What can I get for €150.000 and where? I'd like to do the same trip as you did.

Thanks

Kerry

 

[roughsoda]

Dear Kerry, For 150k euro you can get a nice 38' Athena cat by Fountaine Pajot for example. Look at www.yachtworld.com and www.2hulls.com , I bought my cat in Florida through the latter and was very satisfied with their service. Miki.