The Dream Boat: A 1984 Baba 30 (yes, we know we can't afford it!)
Ahhh….the boat. This may be one of the most important purchases of our lives. It’s more than a recreational vehicle, a transport mechanism or a place we sleep at night. As we see it, it’s our new home. To paraphrase a fellow sailor, it’s an object whose quality is directly correlated to our lifespan. Pretty important. Not surprisingly, we’ve devoted a considerable amount of the last six months researching the very complex topic of:
“What makes a seaworthy vessel?”
We’ve compiled a list of items from our research, but as we continually state, we’re hoping to use this blog as a forum to disseminate information, but also to solicit comments and feedback from those folks out there with a more knowledge than ourselves.
Here is our current (not-so) short list of boats (an evolving process):
 Alberg 30 |
 Allied Seawind II 32 (also 30 Ketch) |
 Bayfield 30-32 (also 29 Cutter) |
 Bristol 29 (also 29.9 & 30) |
 Bristol 32 (also 30 SM) |
 Cape Dory 30 Cutter |
 Cape Dory 31 (also 32) |
 Challenger 32 |
 Douglas 32 |
 Ericson Independence 31 |
 Mariah 31 |
 Sea Sprite 30 |
 Southern Cross 31 (also 32) |
 Tartan 30 |
 Valiant 32 |
 Vanguard 33 |
 Willard 30 |
 Yankee 30 |
Besides being of high quality construction and trying to stay within our meager boat budget, here are some additional major criteria we’re looking for in a boat:
Hull |
Interior |
Rigging and Sails |
Engine and Ground Tackle |
|
Length: 29′ to 33′
|
Storage: Ample |
Standing Rigging: Newer | Type: Diesel |
| Displacement: 8,000 to 15,000 lbs | Navigation: dedicated table | Primary Sails: Main w/ 3 reef points, working jib, genoa, | Hours: <1500 hours |
| Beam: >9′ | Galley: oven, icebox, foot pump | Spare Sails: Spare main | Size: 3HP/ton |
| Keel Style: Cutaway Full or Fin | Ventilation: adequate | Alternate Sails: storm jib, drifter or asymmetrical spinnaker | Maintenance: well maintained with records |
| Ballast Type: Lead only | Electrical: updated systems and wiring | Sail Covers: main cover and bag for headsail | Starter: electric & manual |
| Cockpit: Small size, adequate drains, bridgedeck, watertight lazerette | Access: relatively accessible | ||
| Throughulls: all with seacocks, <10 total, | Cooling Type: , fresh water/antifreeze cooled | ||
| Hull: No blisters, recent paint job | |||
| Rudder: Skeg hung or attached to keel (no spade) |
