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.

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.

harbour007 said..

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.

Pardon me for being a tad blunt here h007 but you are all over the place with yachts you are looking at.

If your budget is $70k, buy something for $35k that is ready to go. If you bugger up you still have $35k to have another go after you have learned something.

Have a look at this:- www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=15154619&Silo=Stock&Vertical=Boat&Ridx=0&eapi=2

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.