Cruising Catamarans for under $250k

Hey guys, per your request here is a link to the data. You'll have to "File -> Make a Copy" for yourself if you want to play with it. Instructions are included. :)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j1ME1F2-Yyka5Gkpvy0bcY0-dc9ixyt6kWEpuQRlJkY/edit?usp=sharing

You may have guessed that I'm a builder, I've bought a few properties. I never fall in love with a property, I never focus on a property that appears ideal and I am always 'matter of fact', no emotion, calm and extremely patient. Why? Because I must walk away if I do not get my price. In fact many properties I have purchased I have walked away from, they have my number and some call and the deal is done, some call and try to talk me up, I do not move, ever (the other buyer is always fictional). And there are many advantages (other than the price) of purchasing below market value. The disadvantage is that I spend a lot of time looking and valuing but I've developed systems to filter, value, etc (like you have, well done). Also there will be dry periods, sometimes years without a purchase. I must also be prepared to make instant decisions, the classic example is a purchase that I saw at 11:00 and owned at 17:00, 6 hours, the price was low and I feared someone else might jump in. When the stamp duty listing (sales published by tax dept) came out I was flooded with calls, "how the heck did you get that", etc. Know what you are looking at, what you need to know if it's not in the 'section 32' (a statement with disclosures). Know how to value. What else? ... Don't ignore overvalued boats, some vendors are so overambitious they'll end up in a corner and desperate, so make sure they have your number so you can be there (warning, you may feel heartless, even guilty. I have). So be pragmatic and totally unemotional about this thing that you are passionate about, difficult but if determined and prepared, doable. I reckon the way you are headed you can do that. Oh, avoid brokers if you can, they are extremely good salesmen with a wealth of experience and you are not. BTW, I have sold real estate on vendor finance, I can beat the banks and I get a better return. Unlikely but you may find vendors in that position? (I may have just wasted time but ...) Good luck.

You really did your homework... Great info!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks man! Thanks for sharing all of your excellent research....looking forward to meeting you upon the seas someday!

Hey that's a cool idea for boat shopping. You ought to build a little website that scrapes data from different sources and make a commission plus sell advertisements or "premium exposure space". Might be a good way to make some extra income and/or an oncoming income when you're on the water!

Cheers

good reporting

Fantastic guide, thanks so much

Only a fool would go offshore in a catamaran. Of course, the world has no shortage of fools. Why not 1) learn to sail and 2) learn something about offshore sailing and cruising, before publicly declaring your plans.

Paul J. Nolan

did you write the scraping code yourself or use an app (which one?)

Nice stats, thanks! I chartered cats and monohulls but never owned a boat since consider it in my situation not prudent economically. However at some point I plan on getting one. As a request if you go through the process of buying a boat it would be nice to know the details and costs of its registration in the US. Would be quite useful if you guys will make a video on the subject.

A 3-d plot using price, length and age would be interesting.

I have been doing some casual "shopping". I really like your approach and your videos. You have put an amazing amount of work into this project. I looked at the Gemini line and I just can not consider the Gemini a true cruiser They are just way too cramped for living any length of time and the storage is limited. I am stuck on the Leopards...and the living space, the ability to get to the wiring/plumbing/engines/controls etc without having to saw open a wall or rip out the ceiling makes the Leopard my current pick. Have you included a budget item for the repairs expected on an older boat. I think the Wynn's did a great job for researching their boat before they made their final deal, but they still got hit with some real budget buster expenses. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing you on your new-to-you boat. Very best to you both. Fair Winds.

Great video! My wife and I have been following your videos recently; we are hoping to get into a live-aboard and are currently doing our research. This helps tremendously! Thank you!

One side question. Would you mind if I emailed you to get more information on your methods for scraping the data? I have an interest in the technique, and seeing your video has rekindled that interest. It's kind of interesting to me that a large percentage of the regular sailing YouTube videos of folks that are making it a life-style were, at one point, in the tech industry... specifically programmers, lol.

Great info! I really appreciate the level of thoughtfulness and planning you are putting into your search and your videos. I'm a heavy planner too and can appreciate the amount of work you've put into this.

We have to say THANK YOU!! This was so helpful for us with our search for a catamaran. Look forward to your next video.

Jessica N Ryan, very nice presentation. We currently have a FP 35' Tobago up for sale. We have owned BeeZoo for 10 years and sailed her every chance we got. The Tobago is an excellent starter catamaran. We have not had any major issues with the boat. The Yanmar 18GM diseils have been serviced regularly and are in excellent shape. We recently had the bottom painted and the hulls are solid. BeeZoo does need some minor cosmetic enhancements but she sails beautifully. BeeZoo is listed at $115K with Florida Yacht Group. Take a look. It's a great value.

Nice Turtle logo. I have several Sea Turtle tattoos. Good luck on your cat search. Also plan on doubling all your back up's. You will have two hulls. Two engines. Two of everything. Most people I have meet living on a budget have REGRET there cat purchase. If money is no problem. Go crazy.

What about http://www.boat24.com/pt/barcos+a+vela/lagoon/lagoon+410+s2/detail/284079/ ?
This cam to be a good option... What do you think?