sgwright67
Member III
We're approaching decision time on a first boat purchase, after nearly a year of searching. I'm pretty sure we'd be most happy with something in the 34-38' range over the long term, but to start with a 27-29' will get us sailing, and learning what we like and don't like in the design.
In about 5 weeks we're booked for a 7 day training cruise on a Formosa 43, touring Desolation Sound while we both get our ISPA Crew and Day Skipper certification. Soon after that, I'd like to take our new boat into those same waters, and beyond into the Broughtons, so there is little time to waste, and this also means the boat needs to be pretty much ready to sail; no time left for project boats!
Here's the current short list based on the rather scant listings in Victoria, BC area: (prices in CAD)
All but the last one represent spending all or most of our $25K initial budget, meaning that the boat should not need anything major (engine, sails, etc) for at least a few years, in theory. The E29 takes us back to our original plan of getting a starter boat around $10K to learn on. If it has good bones, and we are ok with the size and how she sails, then it might even be the boat for several years that takes us to Mexico or beyond. I would be hesitant to spend too much on a boat that will never be worth more than about $15K, although if decide to equip for offshore/extended cruising, then resale is not a big factor.
We both liked the E29 design, and this one appears to be in much better shape than the two others I've been aboard. Hopefully going aboard her will make the decision clear; if I get a good feeling, we might just go for it. We've also decided that if we get a smaller boat, the search for something larger will continue, just at a less intense pace. If the *perfect* boat appears 2 weeks later, we might have a tough decision to make, but we'll have at least a month of extended sailing in June where we'll be too busy to look at boats!
In about 5 weeks we're booked for a 7 day training cruise on a Formosa 43, touring Desolation Sound while we both get our ISPA Crew and Day Skipper certification. Soon after that, I'd like to take our new boat into those same waters, and beyond into the Broughtons, so there is little time to waste, and this also means the boat needs to be pretty much ready to sail; no time left for project boats!
Here's the current short list based on the rather scant listings in Victoria, BC area: (prices in CAD)
- '74 C&C 35-2, $25K - currently 1st choice but it will probably sell to another buyer who is ahead of us. I'm not waiting to find out if something else suitable comes along.
- '80 Crown 34 (later known as San Juan 34) - $25K - designed and made in Vancouver, good reputation as a fast, solid boat, but interior layout not quite as functional as C&C. Haven't viewed yet but photos show it in good shape.
- Two E30+, one Victoria, other in Port Angeles, both around $22K. These may be top of list based on the above two dropping out.
- '80 C&C 30-1, $23K, very good, almost mint condition. If it weren't for the cramped feeling interior, we might have bought this one already. Everyone raves about how well they sail, so it's still on the list.
- '73 E29 - $12K - this one just came up, brother of a friend has owned for 28 years, appears very well kept, but spartan (which isn't a bad thing) - tiller model, 3 cyl Beta diesel about 20 years old but looks good, Harken furler, decent canvas dodger, new Origo 3000, but otherwise original, including standing rigging and single life lines. I plan to view this one soon.
All but the last one represent spending all or most of our $25K initial budget, meaning that the boat should not need anything major (engine, sails, etc) for at least a few years, in theory. The E29 takes us back to our original plan of getting a starter boat around $10K to learn on. If it has good bones, and we are ok with the size and how she sails, then it might even be the boat for several years that takes us to Mexico or beyond. I would be hesitant to spend too much on a boat that will never be worth more than about $15K, although if decide to equip for offshore/extended cruising, then resale is not a big factor.
We both liked the E29 design, and this one appears to be in much better shape than the two others I've been aboard. Hopefully going aboard her will make the decision clear; if I get a good feeling, we might just go for it. We've also decided that if we get a smaller boat, the search for something larger will continue, just at a less intense pace. If the *perfect* boat appears 2 weeks later, we might have a tough decision to make, but we'll have at least a month of extended sailing in June where we'll be too busy to look at boats!