How to buy a liveaboard sailboat - Sailing Q&A 22 

Incredible useful. Some of the best advice out there. Can’t wait to be out there on the water with you both.

The other thing that I would like to mention is that sailing is not actually that hard to fathom, it's all the other stuff that makes it challenging, understanding the weather, sea state, currents, your boat's capabilities, frustration, meals on the cabin sole. Just remember that Laura Dekker did a solo circumnavigation on an old 42' GinFizz ketch (which she bought with her own hard earned money) aged 14 years, to quote her "fear kills more dreams than failure ever will"

I'm almost penniless and in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, my long-standing dream of owning and living aboard a boat seems further away than ever...That being said, it does remain my dream and this was an excellent, informative and easy to watch video! Many thanks for making and posting it :)

Some one the best boat purchasing advice I’ve seen in any single video. Quality content.

nice video!! it was very educating for me. I don't know much about boats. My father-in-law constructed a sailboat for himself along 18 years in his yard. He is an architecht and had low budget, but he finally finished it. He made a wood boat, I wooden skeleton and wood planks, and then covered it with fiber glass. I first thought all boats were like that. Thanks for the video

Good to hear that you got your boat in Turkey. Boats generally cost less in Turkey for the same rig, relative to US & Europe, and they're often well outfitted and meticulously maintained. Turks love to negotiate. Most private owners/sellers will eventually agree to a 20% discounted offer if you're nice and likable. And the exchange rate from Turkish Liras might save you another 10% or so on the spot.

You all are hitting all the good high points and the objective approach , but like the "mate" we meet for the first time , all goes out the window when are heart strings are plucked by a floating beauty that haunts us until we can sign the contract...true love..looking forward to future episodes ...thank you

Thank you very much. Great advice. I'm a welder in Texas and setting a ten year goal to buy a sailboat and take my family around the world. I'll be following your advice.

You guys are awesome! I have watched this video 5 or 6 times over that past several months. Each time I chisel out another detail that I hadn't realized before! I am in the market for a first boat / liveaboard... my paradigm has shifted may times ... I just completed my ASA 101/103 classes and want to get on the water ASAP. I've looked at renting daysailers, as I save up money for my "dream boat"... but there isn't much value in spending money on a boat that I can't put my own 'stuff' aboard! Then I was looking at very affordable 20' boats, but that wouldn't teach me much about liveaboard life either, as they have no standing room, no head, no galley, etc. I am currently looking at the 30' class of older bluewater boats... alberg, bristol, cape dory, etc... boats from an era where people didn't need 1200 sq/ft of living space! They don't really make bluewater boats that size any more. I want my first boat to be capable of being my 'only boat'. At my novice level, I think I would be more comfortable on something around 38 ft, but I want a bluewater capable boat from the start. A boat that I can learn on, refit, and learn all the skills I need for off shore passages, in an affordable package. I digress. [end /self absorbed rant]. I love your channel, this vid in particular, has helped me keep all the compromises in perspective. Thanks for sharing your experience and lifestyle! BTW, your boat is absolutely beautiful.

You two are an absolute wealth of knowledge. Easy to watch & listen too. I also love how you guys work together

This video is so detailed and so well through out! Wow! So amazing that you did this! Thank you so much!!!

Excellent advice from one of the highest quality (and possibly the most useful) channels. Well done guys!

Thank to you both for an in depth view on the options in purchasing and things to be aware of.👍😎 Have just come across your videos and seen a few but this one struck a cord as I'm on a lookout for a second hand 'bluewater' fibreglass but fortunately I'm not in a rush but would like to learn a lot more as I'm a total novice but always loved to be on the waves. Keep up the good videos and hope to come across you on the waves.👍 Take care

Thank you so much for your friendly and comprehensive advice Drew

I can’t express enough gratitude to you both on how you have helped us on our journey to finding our boat. Your extensive refit, as well as your how to videos have taught us so much. When we did indeed find our boat, we knew exactly what we had and we’re doing. Thank you both.

Thanks I am at the beginning of my journey and everywhere you read or watch you get your nay and jay sayers so who do you believe it is totally bewildering for a new guy, Thanks again

Thanks so much for doing this! I'm working on making my life a sailor's life. This is very helpful!

Great work. You are the best! Honest and helpful information. Respect. Thank You.

What a terrific video jammed with great advice and information! Thanks so much for posting.

This is a perfectly timed video for us, we are currently looking for our first boat. These "how to" videos of yours are brilliant. We'll head over to your web shop for the guide you've made. Thanks SVC

Excellent video. Use to be a live aboard for many years. Thank you.

They say there are two happiest days of your life. The day you buy a boat and the day you sell the boat. Can't say we have ever agreed with this, but can imagine the relief some would find. What we have found there is little (read no) financial logic in owning a boat and you need to see the bigger picture. I can remember walking down the jetty struggling with several hundreds of dollars worth of charts for asia in my arms one day. A fellow sailor noted "now that's an armful of adventure" and it certainly was!

Great advice! Love how you guys play off each other in making the video. Very slick. Be safe out there!

Holy cow that was useful. I live in Japan so to hear you went all the way to Turkey gives me hope. Thx so much

We are at the research stage. We think we found the boat we want. But love the advice to just look at tons. We absolutely will buy second hand

Love this episode. You guys inspired me to start my own channel as well. Keep it up!

This was a great summary of the process. I actually viewed it after buying my boat earlier this year. I wanted to evaluate my decision based on criteria recommended by more experienced sailors. I did pretty well! Had a 5 to 7k budget for older production boat (25 to 30 ft), standing headroom, seaworthy enough for coastal passages, comfortable for 1 to 3 people, capable of single handing without great difficulty. It wasn't even on my short list but I ended up buying a 77 Pearson 26. Not the perfect boat, but just right for what I needed right now I realize. Paid 3k. One point I would make is the time factor. Don't rush to buy. I hemmed and hawed for 4 years. Drove me nuts. But I had bought the wrong boat before impulsively. Cost me a lot and could have ended tragically. This time I was patient and when the boat came up, I knew it was right almost immediately. Lot of time looking! Got a great boat, lots of extras and a nice, inexpensive place to keep it too. Be patient. Good luck to all.

Excellent! Very good information and advice. I've been hoping you two would do this video. I knew you would get round to it. Bravo! Thank you Liz n Jamie. Big fan here!

We've been sailing a 25ft trailer-sailor in land locked water for the past 10 years, and we're only 1.5 years from actively hunting a more appropriate craft for ocean faring. This is all great advice and we'll definitely heed it in our search. Thank you for the time you've taken to provide such a great channel!

I just found this channel. What an informative and well presented vid and this couple are down to earth and very likable. Well done!

So helpful, well presented and clear. Thanks

Great job, I've subscribed, thanks for the tips!

Thanks for all the information!!

Great video, I’ll be taking notes when I’m ready to buy!!

Very comprehensive, I learned a few things. Thank you very much!

I'm sad I can't give this video more than 1 thumbs up. Great info. You guys are the best.

Great video guys. Thank you very much. I'm still a few years away from buying a boat but this was a great help. Thank you. 👍🏻

Fantastic advice at this stage of my research. Thank you very much

Really well done video and great information! Although I tell everyone to set aside 50% of their budget when buying a boat for repairs IMHO. I love your reaction to Liz regarding wooden boats. I was thinking the same thing as she was speaking :)

I jumped from a 22ft pocket cruiser(my learning boat) to a bluewater F&C 44ft Ketch. Many advised I should wait, build up and get a 30 footer next. My plan was to get the boat I want for ALL the adventures I am looking to have and not get stuck with an in between boat. You are married to the boat financially, maintenance and it can take one, two or three years to sell a boat. Happy with my decision and others may come across this scenario in their journey to sail the open waters.

Thanks Guys 👍. A really informative video. Plan to watch this again later just so it all sinks in.

You are so professional and very interesting to hear ur stories and experiences...thanks so much

Great video. Good back and forth for steady flow of information. Thanks y'all

Great info! Many thanks :)

Love that your videos are primarily about helping out your fellow man. Well done y'all

This was a great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Very useful advice. You've got a new sub.

Good stuff. Thanks to the two of you!

the best info i have found online so far thanks..and love the cat .. little hello tail.thanks for sharing..

Absolutely lovely of you both for informing us ❤️

You are so right on dealing with the vendor.....

Wow this was very informative thank you so much for this kind of content!

Really enjoyed your advice , clearly you have had a lot of experience and it great that you are willing to share it so we can all be a little more wiser on our approach of purchasing in the near future, keep it up, look forward to many more, regards Mark. Cromer , not so warm Norfolk

Excellent video. Great advice. Well presented. Straightforward and clear. Good job.

What a great video and highly informative. You answered some basic questions I had and more. My wife seems to have a keen interest in cruising and your video helped my cause. Hopefully, someday we can meet.

My perfect liveaboard is the one you guys have readied for real sailing for 1 year and then changed your minds about going and sold me said boat ! You guys are awesome !

Thanks for the effort !

I feel very lucky to come across your channel. I’m presently thinking of looking for a live aboard in about eight months. I’m selling my homestead in Missouri and moving back to California ( I know yuk ! ) to be closer to grandkids an family. I’m 67 and lived in a 29 ft Rv for 7 yrs and was comfortable , but think a 35 ft + boat would be better . Something like a weekend sailboat. I used to be a urchin diver and boat hull cleaner in Ventura,Ca. But have a lot to learn about sail boats and harbor fees , etc . Thank all of you out there for taking the time to make and post your videos for us clueless ones . I’m learning so much from you .

Great information it’s gave me a lot to think about regarding purchasing my live-aboard. Thanks

Another solid video. Very informative, thank you.

Thank You for the sharing of your wisdom.

Great advice.Still looking and researching.

Thank you, I lived aboard before, I know how difficult it is. I am land locked as you can get right now, but the sea calls you back just like they say! I will be buying something near a 45ft with a shoal draft. I live along the Mississippi, and plan on the loop (again) and a shoal draft is perfect. I need something where the mast isn't a complete kluster phuck when you have to re-step it.

You guys are a great pair. Thanks for all your helpful advise. Cheers!

Thank you that was very informative.

Great Videos and very Important points you made Thanks k

Another amazing informational video you two!!! So glad I found you a year or so ago!! BTW, is that your boat? All the B reel stuff? She's beautiful. The engine is immaculate. I wish mine looked half as clean. Sigh

Thanks . Great help

Great videos .. thanks for taking the time too help those that are new

Awesome, comprehensive video. Thank you! :)

Love you guys...thanks for all the good advice

GREAT information! I haven't been keeping up with my u-tube watching.....going to get caught up..!

TQ for the beautiful insights and true reviews.

Thanks. Very useful.

Really clear and helpful, thanks!

Excellent guys thanks 😎👍🏽💪🏽

Great video. Thanks for posting it! I am searching now. John

GREAT! You make it look so simple !! :-)

Great vid as usual sounds easy enough. Peace and be safe out there. 🖒✌

You are very generous! We are very thankfull for this tutorial. Best regards, Chris and Nancy

I appreciate your presentation and content. Very useful. Very helpful. Thank you. And as you say, "Peace"!

Enjoyed your video and found it very helpful. Thank you very much. New subscriber for sure.

What a fantastic video, subbed!

Great video...... thank you for posting!

Great video and kudos for mentioning just good manners regards the vendors emotional connection to the boat. Often over looked, but makes the biggest difference, sometimes in the price as well!

Thank you so much for the information. Great video.

Great video and informative yet to the point.

Thank you for sharing your extensive very valuable sailboat cruising experience. I tend to follow-the-experienced.

Great video really thank you, I completely agree with your advices, are really for a young sailor enthusiast not yet boat owner a gift and a great summary of important things to consider. Thank you so much really!!

Very nice and concise, Well Done!!!

Great Teaching video guys !! you are my new teachers !

Awesome video thanks 😃

thanks for your time and input

Great vid!!

Thank you for your advice. :)

Really useful advice. Thank you

Very informative! Me and my partner are looking at buying our first boat as soon as possible, will be using this information carefully. Thanks

briliant video, very relaxing voices and great information ...thank you

Another great video guys!

Great information. Thanks.