Best size and maker of liveable sail boats?

Question

Let's say I'm looking for a sail boat to live on what is the best brand to look at, what should I look for and anything other info would help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Is budget a concern? You should keep in mind that some places charge by the foot for docking fees, haul out fees, etc. Also is it just you or is there a couple of people living aboard.
Standing headroom can be important.
Will you sailing or just living on?If you plan to sail much then you need to consider sailing characteristics of the boat.

Answer 2

32 to 40 footer depending on how many are onboard. Large water tanks and lots of storage, good strong diesel and of course radio and gps also have a sextent onboard, always good to learn. A good solid anchoring system and a good inventory of sails. Battery bank or banks with enough AHRs to handle your electronics, which you may want to upgrade or add to. It's nice to have refrigeration but not necessary but make sure the icebox is insulated very well. I would like it rigged with all lines leading to the cockpit. Hull shape a good beam not too narrow hell you're sailing not setting the land speed record.

Answer 3

It seems that this is part of a long term ambition. Good onya.
I would start by actually going boating at the nearest waterhole, creek, stream etc and talk to people.An interesting site is www.macnaughtongroup.com/cabintable,or look up free boat plans on google and read about the different qualities of the individual shapes of boats.Another one is Jay Bemfords site however you will find thousands of good designs and builders

Maxk shipwright/surveyor

Answer 4

There are many. As mentioned you think of what you really need. I know one guy live on a 24 foot day sailer with no Galley/Kitchen. But, for realistic comfort 28 feet may be the minimum. Myself I looking for 30-38 feet. It best to actually go look at some boats, get inside and see how it look. They similar to camping trailers in my opinion. As far as cost, you can find boats from $5,000 to $50,000 and one may be as good as the other. I give you 2 links, the first you can look at boat by Brand and get an idea how they look and narrow your searching to a specific boat. Also you can search by State to find some close to see how they really look. The second link is some free infomation as to what to look for as far as getting a good boat. The man focuses on Power Boats, but, many of the articles pertain to any boat. See the oval picture in the center and click on articles left and right.
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/ This not the only place to look to buy, use it to learn what you want, then search the many sights.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/Introduction.htm
Learn as much as you can so you understand words used. Ketch, Sloop? Gaff-Rigged? Catboat? Ballast? Diesel or Gas? Galley, Head, Berth? The link help with this;
http://www.glen-l.com/resources/glossary.html#top
Also, be patient and shop, I seen one boat for $18,000. Later they Reduced the price to $8,000, just for an example.
For low maintenance Fiberglass may be the choice. For beauty Wood, but, it requires more attention. The boat I want is fiberglass Hull and Teak Wood on the decks.
You may find a lot of boats with the Atomic 4 engine, it use gas. Gas explodes. Diesel, people like as it not explode like gas.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Download 500 Boat Plans Here - http://BoatPlans.NaturallyGo.com/?DBt

Answer 7

Thor is correct. You have to look at your lifestyle (or what it will be), the environment where you will be located, and perhaps to a lesser extent, the local culture where you tie up, to determine the right boat.