Hey guys,

I am a keen sailor in rural Victoria. My goal is in a year or two when I'm more financially secure to purchase a small/cheap seaworthy liveaboard. Fix it up and eventually go sailing. Hopefully make my way to the Americas.

Can anyone enlighten me on the following topics?...
-Acceptable boat size for high seas.
-What dry docks are availiable in Victoria (maybe Warrnambool or Portland) and cost of general costs, including moorings.
-Hidden boat costs I'm probably not thinking of?!

Cheers,
Jman

Correct me if I'm wrong. You're suggesting I start my journey on the west coast of America because the boats are significantly cheaper there? and then return home when the winds are right?

Duncanson 35s and 34s are good seaworthy hulreckon is usually better to buy a boat already set up for what you want. The great majority of people spend far more buying and refitting a boat than it then sells for. The Dunc 35, S&S34 etc are now very cheap and buying a good one not much more than a bad one.
My advice is don't worry about sailing the Pacific. Aim for good sailing closer to home and if long voyages eventuate so be it. Less than half a percent of us do get that far.

SirJman said...

Thanks for the advice guys. I have been looking on the boatsales website to get an understanding of prices. However I'm am still interested in what other costs will be?!? such as boat surveys, moorings or dry dock.

I think I'd be happy sailing around locally until I am a lot more comfortable around the sea, then maybe the Pacific down the track.

The costs will depend entirely on where you intend operating from. Country coastal towns are a fraction the cost of operating from Sydney or Pittwater for example, Port Philip is not cheap either from what I hear.

Ramona said...

Pretty much the way things have been. These days local boats are getting so cheap its not worth the hassle. Our market is ending up much the same as the USA.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320940163683?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This is about as large as you want before costs of maintenance and easy handling are a problem.

For future reference (for me...) I have pasted the majority of the ad below out of fear it will be pulled soon - after selling.

Hull Material:FibreglassLength:35 ft
Year:1986Brand:duncanson
Included Items:Anchor, Fire Extinguishers, Inboard Motor, Radios, Registration, Safety Vests, Sails

Duncanson sailing yacht 35 ft 27 hp yanmah diesel motor brand new battery bank x 3 $600 , recondition self furling system plus new rigging on front of mast $2900 , recondition sails $900 , new hot water system not currently connected $1200 , recondition rear skeg plus rudder box refitted $4000 , new adenoids installed new shaft seal ,new anti-foul ,new water pump for running water $180 ,

DUNCANSON 35

NAME LIMELIGHT

BUILDER DUNCANSON HULL NO. 50

DESIGNER JOHN DUNCANSON

YEAR BUILT Launched 1986

CONST.HULL FIBERGLASS

LOA 34'10"

BEAM 10'5"

DRAFT 5'10"

DISP. 11,000 LBS

KEEL TYPE MODERATE FIN

BALLAST LEAD

STEERING WHEEL



ACCOMMODATION

BERTHS/LAYOUT 1 DBLE V- BERTH, 2 SINGLES , 1 DOUBLE AT DINING TABLE

HEAD TYPE MARINE PUMP OUT

INT. FINISH TEAK

CHART TABLE YES

STOVE BUTEEN PORTABLE

FRIDGE WACO FRIDGE 240/12v

SHOWER YES (NOT WORKING)

H & C WATER YES PRESSURISIED BRAND NEW 2012 HOT WATER NOT CONNECTED

WATER CAPACITY 140 LITRES

HEAD ROOM 6' PLUS



DECK EQUIPMENT

ANCHOR PLOUGH

CHAIN YES 100 METRES

LINE YES

ANCHOR WINCH ELECTRIC

FENDERS YES

WARPS YES

COCKPIT TABLE FOLDING

OTHER DODGER & BIMINI

RIGGING

TYPE OF RIG MASTHEAD SLOOP

AGE forestay 2012 & backstay 2009 RIGGING S/S

WINCHES 6 SPAR MATERIAL ALUMIUIUM

OTHER FURLING HEADSAIL, BOOM BAG, LAZY
JACKS

SAILS TOTAL 7 2 X MAINS

NO.1, NO. 2(FURLING), STORM

SPINNAKER

Particulars supplied about this vessel are as
furnished by the vendor(s), and are believed to be
correct but not guaranteed. Potential buyers are
advised to seek an independent survey and/or
mechanical check.

PRICE $ 43,000 - yet asked for $30K buy-it-now on eBay


ENGINE YANMAH 27 HP YEAR 1998 ENGINE HRS. 3000

27 HP Diesel

FUEL CAPACITY 60 LTS.

SPEED 7-8 KNOTS PROP TYPE 2 BLADE FIXED DRIVE TYPE SHAFT

ELECTRICAL;
VOLTAGE BATT. 3 X 12V < YEAR 2012 CHARGING SYS ALT