The $35K Challenge: Coast to Coast Edition
One sailboat from each corner of the country. All under $35K. All from Craigslist.
Let’s face it: the used boat market is really hit or miss. One day you see a bargain, the next it’s gone—and in its place? Another “project boat” with no rig, no keel, and no hope. So, using the same sleuthing skills we use for our BoatFools Top 10 episodes, Canadian Ken and I went looking for legit cruisers you could actually sail, love, and possibly live aboard—all without torching your bank account. The rules?
✅ Under $35K
✅ Must float (ideally)
✅ Craigslist only
✅ One from each region of the U.S.
So here it is—seven boats, seven regions, one dream: sailing away without going broke.
NEW ENGLAND
1984 Sabre 28 – $14,000 (Hingham, MA)
A New England classic, built in Maine and born to sail these waters. The Sabre 28 is solid, elegant, and surprisingly quick for its size. A perfect coastal weekender for someone looking to dip a toe into the sailing life—without stepping into deep debt. (If you’re reading this, brother Tim, this would make a great wedding gift to yourself!)
MID-ATLANTIC
1981 Albin Nimbus 42 – $35,000 (Jersey City, NJ)
A full-on Swedish-built passagemaker with pilot house, deck salon, and serious offshore cred. She’s on the hard now and dry as a bone. Sure, she needs a little love, but this is serious bluewater potential at used-Honda money. A C&V survey from May 2023 is available for review and the engine has less than 160 hours. Run, don’t walk, to check this one out.
FLORIDA
1960 Philip Rhodes 33 Swiftsure – $22,000 (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
A Philip Rhodes classic. Fiberglas? Yep. Gorgeous, double yep. Old-school cool with real soul. And the kind of cockpit that makes you want to sip something with an umbrella in it and plot your escape to the Keys. Low engine hours and refrigeration to keep the important things cool…
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