http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/roberts-offshore-44-cruising/126585
I have been looking at this boat locatated in port lincoln which is a bit closer to home. It is quite a big boat but looks cramped in the photo's. My budget is around 70000 so don't know wether to get a yacht for around 50000 and spend some money and getting set up for solo sailing on spending a bit more on a fitted out yacht. I plan to live on board and sail solo with german shepard around aus.
What about a few more details in your Bio, like where you live etc.
Roberts 44's are big boats. I would be checking whether the foam sandwich extends down below the waterline. Lots of advantages of foam sandwich but plenty against them too. Roberts 44 sold here a few months ago and went to New Zealand. One day out they had to return with a crew member with a broken leg. They flew out a replacement crewmember, they had 5 in the crew. Not a singlehanders boat by any measure.
Some examples of large boats.http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/airlie-beach/sail-boats/nantucket-33-g-r-p/1034456249
yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/bounty-35/143275
Much larger than I would singlehand.
Size is relative harbour007! Being a single hander for many miles and living aboard myself room is important, when I saw my wheel house and large bunk I thought to myself I can live in this space for seven years and I did.
But a 44 footer is big for one guy, big sails to handle and heavy gear too.
But then I sailed to Newcastle today and to start I stepped on the button and up comes anchor! No effort at all, turn key and drive out of port. Hoist sail and push auto helm button, light winds so cook breakfast to past time. Hmmm, I'm bored I'm going to have a nap, ok second nap now.
Bit more wind and I can see newcastle, drop anchor after sailing in and make lunch , to easy.
She may weigh 12 ton but I don't row her around or push her off the beach, her weight gives a nice sea kindly movement.
Oh, I chatted with an s and s owner the other day on the wharf and asked him how she sailed! Well he said "she can be a pig of a boat downwind" !
I'm surprised and ask him questions about sail trim etc. to see if he has a clue and if its his fault for her sailing badly down wind. Nope he knew what he was doing, it seems long keels track well downwind and really more than 2/3 of your sailing will be that point of sail.
Sorry I'm going on a bit here!
My advice is take some yachts out sailing in strong winds and you will see the difference of a good one and a pig.
If you went so far away I'd show you myself in Valkyrie.
Oh a duck board or sugar scope would be handy for a dog.
Be tough on price, but make sure the yacht is a going concern and budget to spend some more to set it up for singled sailing, or just buy mine.
personally im no fan of roberts for a few rasons. from back yard builds to poor sailing quality in others. seen a few good ones but if you look around enough you can find a Cole, Olympic, van de staat, olsen.... etc... all great designed boats at a price close to what you are after. size wise a 44 can be a little large for a solo unless rigged really well. the 40 of mine was easily sailed solo even with the mps in light winds, so they are out there.
your right I have been all over the place, I was considering a boat of around 40ft but the general consensus is that that is to big, and I totally agree. I will keep in mind boats 30-34 ft range, and I know the biggest step is making a purchase so all feedback good or bad is excellent. And I know I will never find that perfect boat I just need to make that first step
German Shepard around Oz? Best choice: motor home. Second choice: big, cranky old motor sailor bought off a croc hunter in NT-kind-of-thing.
Have you considered a Wharram cat ? That kind of brass should see you into a well found and useful vessel.
