Our ideal boats

So we went touring the harbours in France in order to have a first look on the boats we liked. 

We both have different views on it. 

HERS

I am more into comfort:
    -Having an island bed

    -Having 3 cabins (in the case family with kids come visit)

    -Having a watermaker (I like to shower, unlike Mister)

    -A relatively recent boat (2000 or newer)

    -Electric toilets

My favourite boats include the Bavaria 41 Exclusive, the Moody 425,  the Bavaria 390 lagoon I'm also fine with the Beneteau Oceanis clipper 400/411.

When we toured the harbours, I didn't like the Central Cockpits, it looked claustrophobic to me. 
Unfortunately for me, if you like large bedrooms, usually the Central Cockpits will offer you the best space ratio. 

HIS

Nico focuses on technical aspects:
   - Must be equipped for offshore with GPS, Autopilot, Radar, AIS emitter/transceiver, and all safety equipment

  - Post-1998 for CE compliance and to avoid osmosis issues

  - Wants a mainsail furling system, recent sails and riggings.

  - Prefers boats with batteries, a generator, and solar panels

  - Windows should be at eye level in the galley so that you can check out what's going on outside while being inside...

   -Prefers engine hours capped at 3000hrs.

   -Prefers metal hull... prefers older boats...

the list is long... 

His ideal boat is the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 DS. 

How to find the perfect boat?

- We're reaching out to brokers and owners in various countries like Venezuela, Guadeloupe, Martinique, France, Croatia, and Greece. Our travel itinerary will depend on where we end up buying the boat.

- This buying process is VERY tiring. We spend our days sifting through classified ads, contacting brokers, and estimating offers.

- Nico is spending time looking for boats online. 

  I do help as well, but only when he presents me with a boat that he likes but I think we could get something better.  

 Then I would go online and search for a "counter boat".

I can't wait for it to be over so we can start working on the boat.

Here is a more specific guide for finding a boat.

Adjusting the budget

Our budget has been fluctuating, depending on perspective:

1. Initially, we planned to invest more in the boat, around 100k euros, under the assumption that we could recover some of our investment at the end of our sabbatical. This would have meant a less comfortable lifestyle during the year.
But a guaranteed saving once we sell the boat to return to a normal life. 

2. Then, we opted to minimize our investment in the boat to 50k euros, prioritizing a more enjoyable life on the boat and more time on land. This approach also reduces the financial risk if we struggle to sell the boat immediately after our sabbatical. 
We planned a 20k euros budget to equip the boat for offshore sailing on top. 

3. However, as we couldn't find many boats that met our criteria during the winter season, we decided to adjust our budget to 70k euros, including all necessary equipment.
Which is equivalent to plan 2/

Finaly budget is here...

Important tip (that works)

With that type of budget, it's unlikely we'll find a boat from the year 2000 or newer, but that's fine. 

We keep on looking. 

We never give up, trying not to be too stubborn about our ideal boat specs, while being flexible and adjusting expectations along the way.

I can just tell you, from experience, that if you do not aim in the direction of the target, you will never get close to the bullseye.
So keep dreaming high. You might not hit the bullseye but you might get close. 

If you ask me, I can share with you experiences where dreaming high worked out!
There are plenty of it, and I don't think it's just luck, it's being focused and aiming at the right direction.

Anyways, stay tuned, hopefully I'll post a Halleluyah post soon :)