[liveaboard]

Re max's mention of the limits of draft, Centre boarders don't have those problems.

[liveaboard]

Suggest if you are still following Hineka do check out the rust situation as rumour has it she alledgedly has had some repairs to rust holes penetrating right through the plating, from the inside, hope this isn't true.

Also although she is 70' long the interior space is not much more than you would get with a good cruising 40 footer.

[liveaboard]

Hineka is a fast but tender boat, has been on the market for a while, I would suggest a very careful survey of the hull etc. before buying, and of course it is a buyers market.

For me she would be too big, think maintenance, gallons of antifoul, gallons of paint, slipping charges, sail size, replacement costs. etc. etc. etc. Great for space on board at anchor, but to sail short handed and without a lot of experience is a big ask, you could find yourself totally reliant on others for crew, can't go, can't get a crew, Mid 30' to max mid 40' is a good size for a cruiser lots of good designs out there, Steel is good, alloy is better, once you understand it.

Whatever, do go cruising and as long as your marriage is strong and you both want it, you will never regret it.

[Living aboard in Auckland]

Tell us more Grant!