Hi All,
I am looking for a cheap crusing yacht (<$40k) that would be suitable for a family of four (two adults and two teenage kids) to cruise for about 6 months along the Queensland coast.
There are plenty of nice seaworthy boats (top hats, compass 28, clansman 30, etc) but which one can claim to have 4 proper berths (not including tiny v-berths)? Does a yacht exist under 30ft and under $40k that has proper sleeping arrangements for 4 people?
Luke
Look at Carter 30, Defiance 30, maybe Northshore 27?
A number of the old IOR rated 1/2 tonners would suit the bill.
Dusty
Some sensible comments there from frant. It is a tough requirement in 30' and for $40k. But just to open up the discussion a bit, how about a cat? The 'berth in each end' layout might suit the family dynamics of 2 parents + 2 teenagers better than a mono hull. The asking price is a bit more than $40k but what about this Seawind 31? http://www.seawindcats.com/index.pl?page=9&de=86527
Thanks Dusty, hadn't really considered a Defiance due to cost but saw a few for sale online that are below or around the 40k mark. Nice yachts.
Frant, all valid points. Good to hear from someone out there actually doing it. Agree that the kids in cramped conditions would be a handful, perhaps I just need something with more space.
I hadn't considered the cat option due to cost but that seawind looks good although getting outside avaliable funds. Have also seen a Macro 25 online, not sure if anyone can vouch for them as suitable coastal cruisers??http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=9961406
what about an Adams 31 Centre Cockpit?? Teenagers one end,,,parents the other.
Or perhaps a trailerable...something?? Drive to where you want to cruise and minimise the time spent aboard in cramped conditions? Quality time aboard as opposed to quantity time??
Maybe an older Farrier Trailer Tri?? They're fun!!
Here are a few yachts for you to look at flyfish that fit your criteria of < $40k and 4 proper bunks.
If you want to cruise the Qld coast one of the things you want to look for is a boat that has 6 ft cockpit seats because that is where you will want to sleep on many occasions.
A few questions you need to ask and answer for yourself before you lash out with the big bucks though.
Who are you buying the boat for?? You, your wife or your kids????
99.9% of people HATE being on small boats let alone living on them.
A small boat by definition is anything less than a military aircraft carrier and they even make you get sea sick.
Are you, your wife and your teenage offspring in the .1%???
Are you prepared to live in a confined space with two teenagers (who by definition are totally illogical, unreasonable, insatiable, untidy, unsanitary and downright unliveable with) for an extended period of time?????????
Not trying to be negative here. Just trying to match up your dream with reality.http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/details.aspx?R=3254599
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=9814511
That one looks really nice.
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=7776645
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=9633389
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=9730758
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=10260410
www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/details.aspx?R=3275654
Happy Hunting Brudder.
There is an SS34 in Sydney for $39,000, down from $65,000. Its a mark 1 and looks like one of the many that have spent their lives as harbour racers. There is a UFO 34 in Queensland for $45,000 but I bet it goes for about 40.
New yacht has appeared next mooring to mine. Young bloke on his first sailing experience sailed down the coast on a ferrocement Hartley 39 RORC. Nice looking boat, $10,000!
My Currawong 30 has 8 berths but I find with even one extra onboard its crowded.
Cisco has listed the SS34 I was referring to.
The UFO is on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BOAT-SAILING-YACHT-DIESEL-SHAFT-DRIVE-/160577517376?pt=AU_Boats&hash=item25632a7740
