Jerry, Thanks for the magazine comments. Unfortunately, all the energy today goes to supporting the bigger boats that are affordable by only a wealthier group. Some brokers won’t even list boats if they’re not going to sell for less than $50,000—or they will only list if you give them 10 percent of $50,000, even if your boat sells for $40,000. We know we would all like to be able to afford one of these newer and bigger boats, but at least there are a great number of very good and well-built used boats out there. What’s sad is that the buying power of those with less money is much, much lower today than 30 to 40 years ago. Which is doubly sad, because my calculations on comparing the price of a new boat from earlier times to the price of a new boat of similar length today, shows that you can get a better and bigger new boat for your money today—even after you take inflation into account. It’s just that the average person has less buying power today and can’t afford a new one. Editor
E-mail your letters to: editor@southwindsmagazine.com
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TODAY’S AFFORDABLE SAILBOATS Re: “Letters,” April issue What a spot-on letter in your April issue from Frank looking for a boat in Miami, “Who can afford a new sailboat today.” And the editor’s comments put it in perspective. After thinking I was done with my cruising years and sold the good old full keel 32-foot sailboat I had for 26 years (due to my creaking and aching joints), I found that I missed the old girl so much that I needed another fix two years down the road. Imagine the sticker shock when I hit the shows looking for a new lady. My wife, being the frugal gal she is, suggested a used boat. After several months looking, we found several (three) that we would consider. We selected the best of the lot and ended up with a spirited 34-foot 1986 boat that needed some new standing and running rigging along with new sails. She has been with us now for two years and is the best purchase I have ever made. What also makes a used boat a smart purchase, besides the price, is that it had all the bells and whistles that would be extra on a new boat. Just do your homework and don’t get in a hurry. P.S. We love your rag and have been a fan for many years. Jerry Giudici S/V Gypsy Rose St. James City, FL
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reason we have never done one. The reviews on the larger boats (longer than the small day sailer sizes and small race boats and dinghies) are boat owner reviews, so I can’t help you with a review on yours. But if you are interested in doing a review on your boat, please send it in. We can’t promise we’ll print it till we read it, but most of our reviews are pretty good. There’ve been a few that we didn’t accept, but very few. Make sure you send photos, too. And, as our ad in the magazine says, if you don’t like your boat, we aren’t interested in a review on it. Hope that’s not the case with yours. Go to page 10 in this issue for more information on the subject. Editor
ay obee Waterw ch
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News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS June 2013
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