: : I've sailed dinghys to 27 footers for years but never owned a boat. I'd like to spend around $7K for a good cruising boat for the Chesapeake Bay. I'm thinking of a 25 - 27 footer and probably one of these makes: ODay, Catalina, C&C, Pearson, Columbia. Others?? Makes to avoid? I need basic advice. Is it realistic to expect to get a good boat for this price? How do I know a boat is sound? What is the typical annual maintenance cost for a boat like this?
Thanks in advance Jim
:I just passed on a '76 24' Mirage (mint condition) in Oriental NC (Triton Yachts) for $5000. Fixed head, hull, deck and all fixtures in tip top shape, berths super clean, lots of extras including spinnaker, jib, lifelines, ladder and stereo surround sound in cockpit and cabin! I'm closing on a '94 Com-Pac 16' with trailer and new motor loaded for $6000. I have been out looking for a while now and that Mirage was my second choice. Sounds like this might be what you're looking for - I strongly recommend the Mirage 24. It's tough and fast.