Hey folks! I am pretty new to sailing and trying to figure out what I want to do. Hope that is ok to post here since I am not yet an owner??
I loved going sailing with my grandfather as a kid who had a decent size boat (dont remember what it was) several times. He loved to sail and crossed the Atlantic several times. I recently took a several day long trip aboard an 75 foot schooner, and while I didnt get to participate much in the operation - it was a blast and renewed my love of being on a sailboat.
I am trying to figure out how I should start before I get too old lol (I'm 50). At first I though of just getting something like a Hobie to learn techniques on, but the cost of a trailer sailor doesn't look like much more money. I also want something that I could spend the night on occasionally. I already own a camper and a tow vehicle so I am good at tinkering, electrical, repairs, mechanical, learning new things, etc. I want to keep it under the $8-10K mark, which I would think would give me lots of options.
I also like the idea of having a boat I could put in the back yard, fix up to my liking, and learn how to operate and work everything while on land. Is it a reasonable idea to think I could then take this thing on the local lakes and teach myself how to sail it over time, knowing I have the motor as a backup to get myself back? Right now, I am not looking to race or anything...just putter around the lake and enjoy the day. Am I being realistic that this is a good way to start in sailing or do I need to go back to thinking small like a Hobie to start?
Any advice appreciated!
I loved going sailing with my grandfather as a kid who had a decent size boat (dont remember what it was) several times. He loved to sail and crossed the Atlantic several times. I recently took a several day long trip aboard an 75 foot schooner, and while I didnt get to participate much in the operation - it was a blast and renewed my love of being on a sailboat.
I am trying to figure out how I should start before I get too old lol (I'm 50). At first I though of just getting something like a Hobie to learn techniques on, but the cost of a trailer sailor doesn't look like much more money. I also want something that I could spend the night on occasionally. I already own a camper and a tow vehicle so I am good at tinkering, electrical, repairs, mechanical, learning new things, etc. I want to keep it under the $8-10K mark, which I would think would give me lots of options.
I also like the idea of having a boat I could put in the back yard, fix up to my liking, and learn how to operate and work everything while on land. Is it a reasonable idea to think I could then take this thing on the local lakes and teach myself how to sail it over time, knowing I have the motor as a backup to get myself back? Right now, I am not looking to race or anything...just putter around the lake and enjoy the day. Am I being realistic that this is a good way to start in sailing or do I need to go back to thinking small like a Hobie to start?
Any advice appreciated!