My first boat was a 26 footer. I knew nothing about buying a boat, but bought it based on emotions. I was single, so the decision was all mine. I raced and cruised on it for ten years, and while it wasn't the ideal boat, it gave me pleasure for those ten years. Two years after I got married, we bought a thirty footer. Unlike the first boat, it had an enclosed head, an inboard engine and a larger galley. We raced and cruised her for twenty-five years, also giving us a great deal of pleasure. I've had my present boat for twelve years. By the time we bought this one, my son was out of the house, so it was just my wife and me and occasional guests. For long-distance races I had a faster boat, a diesel heater, a wheel, a diesel engine and more room. This will be my last sailboat. (Don't know whether I'll ever go over to the dark side.)
My advice, for what it's worth: Make two lists. One list with all the "must haves". One list with all the "nice to haves". Inboard vs. outboard; gas vs. diesel; wheel vs. tiller; furler? sleeping accommodations for how many? Can you handle it by yourself, even if you don't intend to single-hand it? Keep adding to the list. Don't decide on a particular boat beforehand. You might come across one that you hadn't thought of. My second boat was an Ericson 30, so I naturally looked at an Ericson 38 when I was ready to move up. Only after I saw a friend's 35 Mk III did I start looking at 35 Mk III's. Maybe the boat you like doesn't have everything you want, but it would be within your budget to add those things. Most important, make sure that it has your must haves, or that you can upgrade to your must haves. Otherwise you'll be bemoaning the fact that you bought the wrong boat. Alan Bergen C&C 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR
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