By: John Neal, mahina.com Sailboats
The dream of buying a boat and sailing to exotic islands is a powerful and exciting one and an important part of achieving that dream is selecting the right boat to take you over the horizon in safety and comfort. Here’s how to successfully go about it.
First, ensure that you enjoy sailing and living on a boat, and unless you plan on single handing, that your partner does as well. If you’re new to sailing, sailing and navigation lessons are an excellent starting point. Try a 7–10-day ASA live aboard cruising/learning experience. Even better, consider a course in an area you’re interested in eventually cruising on your own. If the Caribbean is one of your dream cruising destinations there are several ASA liveaboard programs in the British Virgin Islands which is hard to beat as a fun venue for gaining skills and experience.
Read boat reviews, scan owner’s group websites for troublesome problems specific to certain makes or models, read about yacht design and safety. Go sailing on as many different types of vessels as possible and consider crewing on local races. Take courses on navigation, offshore passage making, marine weather, sail repair and diesel engine maintenance. If your cruising plans include ocean crossings, consider signing up for a sail-training passage where you’ll be standing watch and learning 24/7. The more time and energy you put into obtaining skills important to cruising, the better yacht selection choice you’re likely to make and the more self-sufficient you’ll likely be.
Many people searching for their dream boat have unrealistic expectations or get fixated on specific design issues. If your plans are for serious offshore cruising, ensure that safety and seaworthiness rate higher on your priority list than in-port comfort and interior volume. Compromise is important when selecting any boat. Chances are you will not find any boat in your price range that exactly meets all your criteria, so be prepared to be flexible.
You should plan to purchase your boat at least 1 – 2 years before departure bearing in mind that it may take 6-12 months of serious shopping to find a boat that meets your criteria. If the boat you purchase is over 15 years old and in need of some work it can easily take 6-12 months or longer to get it offshore-ready. You’ll also want to allow time to become familiar with sailing your boat and getting accustomed to living aboard.
Planning on cruising as a couple? Then each of you must be prepared to singlehand your boat, being conscious of your abilities and limitations. Seasickness or illness may incapacitate either of you, leaving the other person to handle everything. Safety dictates a boat with manageable sails, a dependable windvane selfsteering system and a powerful, dependable autopilot.
If you’re planning on purchasing a boat over 42’ and aren’t as strong as you used to be, consider increasing your level of fitness and the option of selecting a boat with or adding a furling mainsail, bow thruster and possibly electric winches. This equipment adds cost, maintenance, weight and complexity but being able to easily handle your boat is important and adds to the enjoyment of cruising.
To purchase a newer yacht that isn’t going to need an expensive, time-consuming refit, you may need to downsize your ideal size requirements. If this means purchasing a 12-year-old 38’ boat instead of a 20-30-year-old 45’-50’ boat, you will be far ahead; having more time to cruise and reducing your overall cost of ownership. Also, maintenance, insurance and moorage costs go up exponentially with the length of boat.
The older you are, the newer the boat you purchase should be. If you’re in your 20’s, you’ll likely feel like you have more time and energy than money. You’ll have the energy and motivation to work hard on a bare bones boat and then be keen to set sail, with or without a lot of gear that older people frequently deem necessary. If you are over 60 and inexperienced, you should consider a boat less than ten years old.
The older your boat is, the more time and money it will take to go cruising.
On a boat 20+ years old, you can easily spend an additional 50% to 100% of the purchase price replacing rigging, sails, tanks, engine, and electronics and upgrading the electrical system. This refitting process frequently takes one to two years. With a boat that is new or less than ten years old much of the refit time and cost and is saved.
Another good option is to purchase an older boat that has recently been refit by the seller and is ready to go. It will likely cost slightly more than comparable boats of the same age but will cost far less than outfitting an older boat that has only coastal equipment aboard.
Websites like YachtWorld.com are invaluable as they cover most of the world. Bargain basement boats priced under $30,000 are easier to find on For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sites. If you’re within six months of purchasing and have your financing in order, you may consider using a buyer’s broker. They should have connections to potential boats that you may not be aware of and save you time by cutting through the “broker babble”.
Currently it’s a seller’s market in North America, with the very limited inventory of quality, offshore-capable boats in the under $100,000 and under $200,000. European prices and inventory are currently substantially better than North America. Catamarans are the hottest category, particularly in North America.
You may come across vessels that have recently had substantial and expensive upgrades completed yet haven’t cruised anywhere. Often these boats are the result of people who, during the refit and preparation process, have had health or financial hurdles arise or become too exhausted to go cruising. If the sellers have selected quality equipment and undergone an intelligent refit, these distress sales can represent excellent savings of time and money. It’s still imperative to get the right boat for your plans as a great deal on the wrong boat is still the wrong boat.
It is wise to spend considerable time researching and deciding where you most want to cruise and just as importantly, where will be an easy place to purchase and outfit a vessel. Insurance agents and underwriters frequently recommend that you charter in your destined cruising grounds first, at the same time research the selection and prices of boats available, boat yards and outfitting services.
If you’re interested in cruising specific areas before planning long passages, purchasing a boat on location may be a good choice.
Join seasoned sailor and boat-buying aficionado John Neal during the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show for an insightful, information-packed live seminar. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current boat market, the overall purchase process, and essential insurance requirements.
Since 1976 John Neal professionally consulted with over 10,000 sailors seeking cruising boats. His experience in the marine industry is unique; 408,000 offshore miles and 50 years worldwide ocean sailing experience plus boatbuilding, surveying and previously owning a yacht brokerage.
In a statement Emirates Team New Zealand has announced that their America's Cup boat has sustained damage after today's Louis Vuitton Cup racing.
Today, Thursday 29th August saw America’s Cup teams out on the water in Barcelona as the first day of Louis Vuitton Cup racing got underway. Emirates Team New Zealand won their single race of the day against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and returned to shore as usual. However it seems when hauling their AC75 out of the water the boat was dropped and sustained damage.
In a statement made across all their Social Media channels, the America’s Cup Defender stated:
‘While retrieving the AC75 from sailing today the crane failed while lifting onto it’s cradle and landed heavily.
Statement from Emirates Team New Zealand: While retrieving the AC75 from sailing today the crane failed while lifting onto its cradle and landed heavily. All team members are safe. The extent of the damage will have to be assessed as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/cbDEoqaPx9 window._taboolaSlots=window._taboolaSlots||[];window._taboolaSlots.push({"mode":"thumbnails-a-mid","container":"taboola-mid-article","placement":"Mid Article","target_type":"mix"}); — EmiratesTeamNZ (@EmiratesTeamNZ) August 29, 2024
No further information is forthcoming about the extent of the damage. Emirates Team New Zealand are due to compete in the rest of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin series and have a race scheduled against INOES Britannia tomorrow afternoon and another against Orient Express Racing Team .
However, as Defender of the America’s Cup they already go through to that event, so their participation in the Louis Vuitton Cup is purely to allow them to practise against the other challengers. As such, missed races will not affect the kiwis in the short term, but any missed racing will be significant.
Emirates Team New Zealand will only compete in the Louis Vuitton Round Robin series, which means they only have nine races left against competition before they meet the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup in the America’s Cup itself.
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Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
The Florida Keys are surrounded by crystal clear waters with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
For someone who loves boating, fishing, watersports, or just about anything having to do with fun on the water, few spots on Earth have the same irresistible draw as the Florida Keys. This 125-mile-long archipelago of about 1,700 islands, commonly divided into the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys, is world famous for its clear emerald waters, diverse wildlife, and laid-back attitude. Millions of visitors flock here every year, many renting a boat to gain unfettered access to the countless bays, sandbars, and fishing hotspots.
Explore boat rentals in the Florida Keys
The Upper Keys begin with Key Largo, the northernmost key connected to the mainland by the overseas Highway, which is also the largest of this island chain at 33 miles long. Since it’s just about 90 minutes south of Miami, Key Largo is a very popular destination. It’s perhaps best known for the amazing diving opportunities, and is often called the “Diving Capitol of the World.” Several famous dive spots are found here, like the Christ of the Abyss statue, Molasses Reef, and the undersea John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many of these are accessible by snorkelers as well as divers (see 8 Snorkeling Spots in Key Largo to find out where).
From Key Largo the Upper Keys stretch south down to Lower Matecumbe Key. But don’t drive down the Overseas Highway too fast, or you’ll pass another top destination: Islamorada. This grouping of six keys (Plantation, Windley, Upper and Lower Matecumbe, Indian, and Lignumvitae Keys) also has fantastic diving and many people come here just for that reason, but fishing may be an even bigger draw. From Islamorada there’s easy access to mangroves, islands, and flats providing magnificent inshore fishing to the west.
Meanwhile, the famed Islamorada Hump to the east will satisfy the urges of offshore anglers. You can check out the many possibilities in our Fishing in Islamorada Guide and remember, there are plenty of options to rent a fishing boat in Islamorada . If, on the other hand, kicking back and relaxing at a sandbar known for its festive atmosphere is more to your liking, note that Islamorada is also home to one of the top ranked sandbars in the Florida Keys .
Long Key down to the Seven Mile Bridge is generally considered the Middle Keys, and the top hotspot in this stretch is Marathon. This 10-mile-long town consists of 13 different islands and once again its easy access to crystal clear waters and natural reefs makes diving a huge draw. The fishing is awesome here, too. But Marathon has an added attraction that sets it apart thanks to a number of unusual eco-touring opportunities. Marathon is home to a dolphin research center where you can swim with the dolphins, a sea turtle hospital where you can experience guided educational programs, the Florida Keys Aquarium, and the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.
See our Marathon, FL Boating Guide to learn about more of the options and activities you can enjoy here, from finding dock-and-dine restaurants to snorkeling at coral reef parks. Also be sure to check out the 5 Best Marathon Key Beaches .
From Big Pine Key heading south there’s plenty to see in the Lower Keys, but there’s no doubt that the biggest draw of all is Key West. Life here revolves around the water, boats, and all things aquatic, so get your trip started off right by renting a boat in Key West and taking in the sights. Key West is the southernmost point in the United States and the four-mile-long island is famous for its laid-back attitude and free-spirited vibe.
Again, like the rest of the Keys, diving, snorkeling, and fishing are huge attractions for boaters visiting Key West. The town also has an aquarium, a vibrant night life (who hasn’t heard of Duval Street?), and some of the best beaches around. On top of those draws Key West is a venue of choice for powerboat racing. In fact, this is where the Race World Offshore World Championship is held, and international boat racing teams from across the globe compete here to earn the title of fastest in their class.
Check out Key West Water Activities You Must Experience and Boating in Key West, FL: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about everything from snorkeling in and around Key West to sunset cruising opportunities.
Spectacular surroundings, endless aquatic activities, and tropical winters make the Florida Keys one of the top destinations for boaters worldwide. And whether you visit the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, or the Lower Keys, one thing is for sure: however long your visit may be, it won’t be long enough.
Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store | Google Play ) and follow us on Instagram .
With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
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Following the success of a Sparkman & Stephens-designed 27-footer, and a Ted Hood-designed 37-footer, the Ohio-based builders Douglass & McLeod returned to S & S for the third, 34-foot addition to the burgeoning Tartan line. Like her sisterships, the Tartan 34 was commissioned as a "high performance, offshore cruising-racing boat."
The longstanding premier class of offshore racing. The Super Cat Class boasts twin hull catamarans ranging from 38′ to 44′ in length powered by twin 850 horsepower engines of various manufacturers, with speeds reaching 140 mph.
Racer sailing vessels pricing. Racer sailing vessels for sale on YachtWorld are offered at a variety of prices from $7,377 on the relatively moderate end all the way up to $3,217,844 for the bigger-ticket vessels.
Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ...
The decades of the 1960s, 70s and 80s were truly the golden eras for speed boat racing. During this time period the iconic and wildly popular TV show Miami Vice featured powerful offshore speed boats and caught viewers' attention helping make high performance boats like Wellcraft's Scarab 38 (Don Johnson's go-fast boat), Fountain ...
2020 Boat of the Year: Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 Walter Cooper. "Beneath the red, white and blue vinyl wrap, the Sun Fast 3300 is a remarkable hull form, drafted by ...
Offshore. APBA Offshore racing features some of the biggest and fastest boats around. These Mega-horsepower catamarans and V-hulls are capable of speeds up to 180 MPH. The teamwork and professionalism of Offshore racing make it a class act and a thrill for spectators. Typically, a team of one driver and one throttleman battle the wind and waves ...
Offshore Racing By Model. Offshore Racing Bashford Howison 41 1 listing. Find Offshore Racing boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Offshore Racing boats to choose from.
Class1 offshore powerboat. Offshore powerboat racing is a type of racing by ocean-going powerboats, typically point-to-point racing.. In most of the world, offshore powerboat racing is led by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) regulated Class 1 and Powerboat P1. [1] In the US, offshore powerboat racing is led by the APBA/UIM and consists of races hosted by Powerboat P1 USA.
Price $44.99. Details. TFL Multipurpose Tool Tray. Price $44.99. Details. When Offshore Electrics was founded in 2000, its goal was was to make rc boating a hobby that is accessible to a larger group of people. As an activity that takes up large amounts of time, money, and effort, it has, in the past, been an incredibly exclusive community.
A cutter sailboat has the mast further aft which allows the attachment of the jib and staysail. In high winds, a smaller staysail can still be flown from the inner stay. This used to be a traditional racing design back in the day. Cutters are great for both offshore and coastal cruising.
Choosing Alternative Energy Options for Offshore Racing Sailboats. Offshore short-handed racer Joe Harris chairs the CCA Environment of the Sea Committee and has months of sea time using renewable energy on his Class 40 GryphonSolo2, which he sailed solo around the world in 2015-16.As he considers another RTW race, Joe looks at his alternative energy systems for areas of improvement, which may ...
Jackhammer Takes 1st Place Again in Sheboygan Race Day #2 August 18, 2023. Super Stock Offshore's new website is the go-to platform for passionate fans, offering extensive race coverage, up-to-date information, team profiles, schedules, and a thriving community, catering to all Super Stock racing enthusiasts.
High Performance boats for sale on Boat Trader are available at an assortment of prices from a reasonable $12,733 on the lower-priced models all the way up to $2,395,222 for the more lavish boat models. While more compact utility models may have engines with as modest as 234 horsepower on them, models with the greatest power can have motors up ...
One of the most common offshore racing sail names you'll hear is the Heavy 1 (or H1). This is a heavy weather headsail that's typically used in strong winds and rough seas. It's made from a strong, durable material, and is designed stability in heavy winds. Another common offshore sail is the J1.
There are a wide range of High Performance boats for sale from popular brands like Skipper-BSK, Fountain and Formula with 1,024 new and 1,154 used and an average price of $148,700 with boats ranging from as little as $8,064 and $2,724,761.
Find Sail Racer boats for sale in United States. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.
ORR Valid Boat List file. About the Rule: ORR is an objective rule whose rating calculations are based on the measurement of all the speed-related features of the competing sailboats. Developed through systematic scientific research, the ORR Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) calculates the speed potential of each boat at various combinations of ...
Gunboat 62. gunboat_catamarans. An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
The most viewed brands for racer sailing vessels this month were Beneteau, Dufour, J Boats, Reichel/Pugh and Tartan. With 112 racer sailboats currently listed for sale, as well as 20 added in the past 30 days, Boat Trader is confident that you'll find the boat you are looking for. Find racing sailboats for sale near you, including boat prices ...
This sailboat racing class is the next step up from OSS 101 Learn to Sail Certification Courses. Performance Sailing Courses- OSS 102 cover advanced sailing techniques with emphasis on sail trim, crew and boat performance, reading the wind and utilizing headers and shifts to lead the pack, and so much more. An Offshore Sailing School ...
Sailboat racing classes in the Offshore Sailing School OSS 102 Performance Sailing Course are taught on award-winning, high performance Colgate 26 sport sailboats. These sailboat racing lessons are the next step up from Offshore Sailing School's Learn to Sail Certification Courses - OSS 101. If you have mastered basic sailing techniques on ...
With twin 575-horsepower custom tuned Volvo Penta DPX500 fuel injection, the 8,400-pound boat is capable of more than 92 mph. More than a one-dimensional offshore performer, the 33 Scarab AVS features a complete cabin with a two-person V-berth and facing lounges. In the cockpit, twin bolsters are provided for the driver.
On a boat 20+ years old, you can easily spend an additional 50% to 100% of the purchase price replacing rigging, sails, tanks, engine, and electronics and upgrading the electrical system. This refitting process frequently takes one to two years. With a boat that is new or less than ten years old much of the refit time and cost and is saved.
Today, Thursday 29th August saw America's Cup teams out on the water in Barcelona as the first day of Louis Vuitton Cup racing got underway. Emirates Team New Zealand won their single race of ...
Millions of visitors flock here every year, many renting a boat to gain unfettered access to the countless bays, sandbars, and fishing hotspots. Explore boat rentals in the Florida Keys ... this is where the Race World Offshore World Championship is held, and international boat racing teams from across the globe compete here to earn the title ...