As my wife and I approach retirement, we are considering the purchase of
a boat on which to live and to cruise (coastal cruising with some
Carribbean or Pac Northwest). We're looking for reaources for
researching options, needs and the kinds of boats that would fit our needs.

I'm requesting help in identifying these resources, preferably onlline,
that we coould use to figure out what fits our needs and budget.

Thanks in advance.

"Cal Vanize" wrote in message
...

As my wife and I approach retirement, we are considering the purchase of a
boat on which to live and to cruise (coastal cruising with some Carribbean
or Pac Northwest). We're looking for reaources for researching options,
needs and the kinds of boats that would fit our needs.

I'm requesting help in identifying these resources, preferably onlline,
that we coould use to figure out what fits our needs and budget.

Thanks in advance.


Anything from a rowboat to a cruise ship should fit your purposes.

In article ,
Cal Vanize wrote:

As my wife and I approach retirement, we are considering the purchase
of a boat on which to live and to cruise (coastal cruising with some
Carribbean or Pac Northwest). We're looking for reaources for
researching options, needs and the kinds of boats that would fit our
needs.

I'm requesting help in identifying these resources, preferably
onlline, that we coould use to figure out what fits our needs and
budget.

I've always liked http://cruisenews.net It links to just about every
sailing resource in the world.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

On Sat, 04 Nov 2006 21:46:00 -0600, Cal Vanize
wrote:

As my wife and I approach retirement, we are considering the purchase of
a boat on which to live and to cruise (coastal cruising with some
Carribbean or Pac Northwest).

Have you decided between power and sail ?

Wayne.B wrote:

On Sat, 04 Nov 2006 21:46:00 -0600, Cal Vanize
wrote:


As my wife and I approach retirement, we are considering the purchase of
a boat on which to live and to cruise (coastal cruising with some
Carribbean or Pac Northwest).


Have you decided between power and sail ?

We both have experience sailing, but would prefer power.

Cal Vanize wrote:

?

We both have experience sailing, but would prefer power.


I'd say have a look at trawler or tug configurations, but my new ideal
of live aboard / tour boats are the current generation of powered cats.
You really need to get more specific than just 'live aboard'. Will you
be touring AK in winter or the islands in August or both? What is your
budget to buy and yearly?

For example, CW recently did a long article on (sail only) living aboard
costs in three categories. Which is yours - $8k / yr to unlimited?

I'd say just subscribe to all mags and start going to boat shows. You'll
gravitate to what YOU want.

-paul

Paul Cassel wrote:
Cal Vanize wrote:


?


We both have experience sailing, but would prefer power.


I'd say have a look at trawler or tug configurations, but my new ideal
of live aboard / tour boats are the current generation of powered cats.
You really need to get more specific than just 'live aboard'. Will you
be touring AK in winter or the islands in August or both? What is your
budget to buy and yearly?

AK, yes. But not in the wnter and not any farther than Prince Willian
Sound or Seward. The Carrib in the winter months, but not in August (I
have a mild alergy to hurricanes).

We're not planing to go from SoCal to Hawaii.

Budget max to buy is low $100k's. Annual budget would be in the
neighborhood of $25-30k.

From early research, trawlers seem to have a lot of what we're looking
for. Comfort, reliability, economic operation... These are more
important than speed.



For example, CW recently did a long article on (sail only) living aboard
costs in three categories. Which is yours - $8k / yr to unlimited?


I think we would prefer a power boat to a sail. After owning a sailboat
and sailing for a few years, wind is nice, but a lot of work. [no
flames, please, its just our opinion.]



I'd say just subscribe to all mags and start going to boat shows. You'll
gravitate to what YOU want.

-paul

Just started lookng at Border's this weekend. Trying to figure out which
mags "map" to our research needs.

Thanks.

On Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:59:14 -0600, Cal Vanize
wrote:

Budget max to buy is low $100k's. Annual budget would be in the
neighborhood of $25-30k.

I think you are going to have difficulty finding a suitable powerboat
for extended/offshore cruising in that price range. There are many
very capable used sailboats for that kind of money but extended range
and offshore seaworthiness come at a steep price in trawlers.

I'd say have a look at trawler or tug configurations, but my new ideal
of live aboard / tour boats are the current generation of powered
cats.

Yep, there are some nice ones. Most of them are overpowered
though (true of power boats in general of course) and half
of them are uglier than a mule's butt.


You really need to get more specific than just 'live aboard'.
Will you be touring AK in winter or the islands in August or both?
What is your budget to buy and yearly?


Good things to know ahead of time. Then decide what you want
in terms of range, & draft.

Cal Vanize wrote:
AK, yes. But not in the wnter and not any farther than Prince Willian
Sound or Seward. The Carrib in the winter months, but not in August (I
have a mild alergy to hurricanes).

We're not planing to go from SoCal to Hawaii.

Budget max to buy is low $100k's. Annual budget would be in the
neighborhood of $25-30k.


Plenty of boats in that range, your problem will be to sort
out the "probables" from the "possibles" and allocate time
to do the leg-work.


From early research, trawlers seem to have a lot of what we're looking
for. Comfort, reliability, economic operation... These are more
important than speed.


We've been cruising in a trawler (after many many years
sailing) and find that it is a great way to travel. We don't
plan on living aboard though, other than on longer cruises
(keeping a shore residence).




Just started lookng at Border's this weekend. Trying to figure out which
mags "map" to our research needs.


None. That magazines cater to their advertisers. However if
you browse the current magazines as well as the library, as
well as checking into the trawers/trawlering discussion
group, you can find a lot of discussion of relevant issues.

We wanted a boat small enough to explore small coves &
creeks, shallow draft, medium/long range, good comfort for a
couple (by our definition), and NO FLYING BRIDGE. Took about
3 months of looking pretty hard, but we spent less than
you're budgeting... so obviously it can be done.

Fair Skies- Doug King

Cal Vanize wrote:


From early research, trawlers seem to have a lot of what we're looking
for. Comfort, reliability, economic operation... These are more
important than speed.


Don't eliminate tugs. I transported a tug which was wonderfully
comfortable inside.

Due to the fuel scare, the price on trawlers or any power boat is at
bottom. I'm astounded at the rapid drop. I know because my buddy is in
the market like you are, but for a larger boat.

A quick search on Yachtworld for trawlers ONLY returned 333 between $80k
and $120k. I'd say right there is indication that what you plan is
feasible.

Look, I don't want to make light of this, but there really isn't
anything to it. I've lived aboard for 7 years including having built a
boat and I knew nothing about it to start. You just do it if it sounds
good. There is NOTHING you can read or hear which will tell you if you
will like the on board life.

It's like blue water sailing. Nothing will predict if, when land falls
from sight, if you freak out or relax. You just need to try it.

I STRONGLY suggest you and wife start traveling to see some of the boats
listed for sale. Decide if you wish to live inside one.

If you try and decide it's not for you, it won't mean your deaths.
You'll sell the boat and try Plan B.

-paul