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Date Posted: 23:21:00 08/23/08 Sat
Author: Neil
Subject: Re: Neil's Boat
In reply to: Bill 's message, "Re: Neil's Boat" on 21:06:03 08/23/08 Sat

My future boat is (hopefully) going to do 2 things: be a platform to learn engineless sailing and take 2 of us places as growing skill permits (or in case of need to exit LA due to unforseen developments).

While I agree with the "go light" message in principle, this leads me to think that I really need to be looking at a boat that comes in around 7000lbs so that 2 of us have the capability of making longer trips with some degree of comfort. Unfortunately this would rule out the Dolphin, though I will still consider one if I come across a nice one in my quest.

Finding a tough 28ish footer with SA/D of 16+ then after gaining experience trying the bowspit option seems to be my best bet.

It will be a (long) while before I can afford to "upgrade" so I want the most versatile boat I can find/afford. I keep toying with the idea of debt (student loans - if they still exist...) as a way to get what I really want, as Jay's figure of $1:1lb displacement is proving difficult to accomplish outside of craigslist catalinas, and I want something a little more robust. Currently the only contender in my price range is the Islander 29, which I am going to take a closer look at tomorrow.

I think about 50% of the low priced boats here are Catalinas/Newports and many of the rest are poor condition, have poor SA/D or are lighter even than a Dolphin. A surprising number of sub 30ft boats have also had a wheel fitted and the tiller post glassed over!

The more solid boats in reasonable condition that are really appealing in terms of quality, size and potential currently tend to be priced $2 to $3 per pound of displacement. Most tend to have been "upgraded" with the essential bling for a SoCal yacht: radar/watermaker/refrigeration/rebuilt interior/new engine/you-name-it; and the owners want their money back. I am unconvinced that I would get that much back from selling the 5 year+ old gear fitted to these boats (other than possibly the engine).

I have found maybe 5 or 6 really good boats in the $2-3/lb range that are unencumbered by pointless gadgetry but they are all 10000lb+ displacement.

Boats don't seem to be moving quickly but prices aren't falling fast (yet) as far as I can see. Like houses last year, people are still thinking that they will get back their "investment" if they wait long enough. Unfortunately, now the idea has really got me, I don't want to wait until next spring to get started...

In case I forget later, THANK YOU all for taking the time to help me with this. I am learning a lot even while I try to get on the water!

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