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The original was posted on /r/sailing by /u/MrAnonymousForNow on 2025-01-26 17:32:02+00:00.
My wife and I (both 52) have been learning to sail for the past few years. We’re ASA 101-104 certified (if that means anything at all), have bareboated in the BVI, and live in a landlocked state but want to start cruising. I owned a 24’ Neptune 20 years ago, so I have some experience with boat ownership. We are looking at boats this weekend (of course... any offer will be followed with surveys and hard thinking).
Our plan:
- First 5 years: Part-time liveaboard and island hopping (Bahamas/Caribbean).
- Longer term: Maybe bluewater crossings in 5–10 years (though my wife is content sticking to the Bahamas).
- Budget: $70k–$100k. We’re aware of maintenance/insurance costs.
- We are looking at boats next weekend with a broker!!!
Boat Dilemma:
- Newer coastal cruisers: 2000 Hunter 410, 1992 Beneteau Oceanis 390. Build Quality being the concern here, and comfort and age being the benefit
- Older bluewater cruisers (presumably refit): 1981 Tayana 42, 1980 Bristol 45.5, 1981 Gulfstar 44. Age being the fear here. I really do love these boats.
I work remotely, so buying out of state is fine, and I can spend weeks at a time aboard.
Questions:
- Do most cruisers aiming for bluewater settle for coastal in the end?
- Would a newer coastal cruiser be better for the first 5 years of Bahamas cruising?
- Should I aim for an older bluewater boat now if ocean crossings are a long-term dream?
Any advice or experiences would be hugely appreciated—thanks!