The Folkboat design as liveaboard cruising boat has come up before, but the discussion went off topic only after writing it off for its lack of headroom. The Top Hat and Clansman were offered as alternatives. I just want to add my two cents worth.
Having owned and cruised and livedaboard a Top Hat and now owning a Folkie which I have sailed offshore a little. The Folkie is head and shoulders above the TH; better looking, stiffer, faster, and more willing to steer itself. The Clansman is way too expensive for most guys who sail alone.
In addition, I hold that it's the sailor, not the boat, that's critical: read "Dove", or "Tinkerbelle" and so on. Every mooring field the world over are full of large unused yachts, too big or too costly to sail regularly. Sail what you've got.

G'day crew! I'm in the market for a first yacht, and I'm hoping to be pointed in the right direction. I've never sailed before, however upon purchasing a boat I'd learn over time with courses and first hand experience. I'm after a boat in the 30 - 36ft range priced between 20 and 40k that would be comfortable enough to live on while I'm gaining experience, but seaworthy to take on a long offshore haul from Brisbane to Indonesia and beyond. Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers!

Jake

Hi all - quick anchor kit question. Looking for anchor for occasional lunch stop or overnighter in the folkboat (26ft, ~2000kg). Bought the below 12mm nylon with 6mm chain kit and it seems largest sand anchor that will fit in anchor locker is a 5 or 6kg sand anchor. Do you think I have sufficient hardware both in terms of chain and anchor size? Now I have the rode, it looks a little underweight.....
I'm yet to buy the anchor.

http://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/anchors-and-mooring-equipment-rope-and-chain-kit-galvanised-and-nylon-3-strand-nylon-rope-with-short-link-galvanized-chain%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC-46062-m/dp/2150

Thks

I bought my Folkboat nearly three months ago now.

Yesterday I had to finally accept that I have been taken for a big, fat ride by the shipwright I entrusted to work on my little boat. Despite promise after unfilled promise, the work is nowhere near complete. I would estimate it is about 1/8 finished.

I (stupidly) handed over $1300 before work commenced. He returned $100 and told me I won't be getting any more than that back.

To 'protect my gear from the dust' he removed all my gear from the boat and stored it at his home. After countless demands, he finally returned some of this gear. I eventually had to have a male friend intervene to have some more items returned. However, some things remain unaccounted for.

I'm very upset and sad. Call me stupid if you like, but I do tend to be a trusting soul. All I wanted was to have my boat fixed and go sailing. Was this really too much to ask? Now I'm back at Square One.

As a concept, for singlehanded coastal cruising, which would you choose?

This is my first post here :)

Recently I have decided to seriously look into buying a boat to live on.

Problem is, I've never been around boats and don't know how to sail one.

I've been looking up sailboats online, asking people if they will accept some kind of vendor terms deal.

But I am running into a lot of contract sellers and sales guys stuff, and I am getting the distinct impression that I am wasting their time. And I sincerely don't want to waste anyone;s time.

I have done a lot of research online about fees associated with "liveaboard" boats/boating, but this information seems elusive.

So, Instead of annoying more people, or trying to buy stuff/make deals that will never eventuate, I have decided to come to a forum and ask experienced people for their 2 cents.

So, what I can ascertain so far is that I need the answer to these questions.

I will greatly appreciate anyone who can help me:

1). I have absolutely no experience sailing a yacht. How can I learn? Can I just buy a yacht and "use the force" until I figure it out? Maybe buy a yacht that's in a marina, and live on it while doing some kind of course to learn how to actually drive it - and not take it out until I am confident that I know how?

2). Can I live on the yacht out in the water? I've notice in videos on YouTube people call this: "Living on the anchor". It seems to be a lot cheaper. Can you do this in Australia? Or is there some authority that goes around fining people for not being in a marina or something?

3). What costs are associated with liveaboard yachts? Mooring fees? Insurance? Liveaboard fees (at marina)? Marina fees?

My whole deal with wanting to buy a yacht to live on is because I am sick and tired of paying rent. However, if owning a yacht means I have to pay 20k a year in fees and insurances and fines and permits and licences etc, well there's no point is there?

I would really appreciate if someone can just take a look at my whole station and just give me the low-down. Exactly waht should I be doing? Which route should I be taking? How much does it even cost to have a boat on a marina?

I really want to buy a yacht.If I can't find a vendor finance deal, I will save up and buy something over the next year.

If anyone has a boat that you will let me buy on vendor terms, I'm all ears! :D

and also, I just want to post a link to my gumtree ads, where I am asking people if they will accept vendor terms. I am also asking people if I can hang around their yacht. If anyone wants to answer those ads, that would be great too :)

Ad 1: www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1030161374

Ad 2: http://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1030275627

I am really trying to learn about yachts, but I don't know anyone who owns one. I don't even know anyone who knows anyone who has one. But I want to learn ho to sail one and also buy one to live on;. Can anyone put me under their wing and help me out? I really wanna live on a yacht and learn to sail it.

Curious to see how many live a boards use the forum......
how's about a hands up?

Me 5 years.

These guys seem to have done ok in a small boat. I have a few reasons for preferring a

smaller vessel. Cost not the least. Any thoughts re folkboats.

hi all, i am looking for some advise on the best live-aboard coastal cruisers. its time to say goodbye to trailer sailers and it's my plan to live aboard for the next 2 years (at least). i am based around harvey bay and looking for a strong seaworthy yacht suitable for east coast cruising. my budget is around the $45,000 mark, but cheaper would be better! i had been considering the adams 35 but recently have been looking at the westsail 32. maybe a roberts??? any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks, dave.