First sailing cruiser

sparkman

Hello - I've been doing dinghy racing and occasional cruiser crewing for the last 3 years in preparation for buying a cruiser at some point. Planning to purchase in time for summer 2011 after 1 more season on dinghies (Dublin Bay Mermaids). Have a friend who's interested in sharing the purchase (another dinghy sailor).
- planning something trailerable but would like to do a bit of coastal stuff around Clare, West Cork. What's the min. hull length for west of ireland coastal cruising? I had my eye on the cornish shrimper - 19ft cabin cruiser- but worried it might be a bit small.
- what's a good figure to keep in mind in terms of annual maintenance?
- if I went for a non-trailer boat, are mooring costs very high?
- budget is around 10-12k.
Any other advice welcome!
Thanks.

Tabnabs

For me, the minimal hull length would be 26 ft. Trouble is you won't fit that onto a trailer (or tow it). That being the case, these two look promising:

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=142687

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=107247

Tabnabs

But for boats within your budget these look interesting

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/feature.phtml?id=97328

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/feature.phtml?id=146908

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/feature.phtml?id=97460

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=141512

http://yachts.apolloduck.ie/display.phtml?aid=142998

sparkman

thanks...forgot that apolloduck had a Trailer Sailer category...seems to be a big difference in prices on some of the ones I've looked at in UK. Maybe that's where I should head...

mcgratheoin

Bought a 30ft cruiser in the UK last year for a very reasonable amount - definitely better selection over there. Feel free to PM me with any questions you have.