I hope not. My boat is fiberglass and turned 50 this year. There are wooden boats still going more than 80 years of age. It depends on how the boats were cared for. If the boat design was/is still attractive. Gear wears out and needs removal and replacement like car tires. Boats get dings that need repair much like car bodies. Fiberglass has proved to be a reasonably easy substance to repair.
In The Cisco Chain of Lakes, on Thousand Island Lake on the MI/WI line, and I also could sail Table Rock and Bull Shoals on the AR/MO line.
SO much helpful info here. A sincere thank you to everyone who’s responded. I’m learning a lot, and studying each comment. I realize it can be tiresome to answer elementary newbie questions, when the asker isn’t even sure if his own needs yet.. Thanks to all for your patience.
I think a Flying Scot is a wonderful choice, with one exception. My wife grew up sailing one and when we bought our first boat she said it needed a cabin and a head. She'd had enough of baking in the sun and "holding it" for hours, so if that is something that would be a problem for you, then having a little cruiser may be best for you
Yes. As I imagine longer trips, maybe even some overnights, a head might be handy for both my wife and my 63 year old self.
Thanks, but that’s getting much bigger, heavier, and deeper than I need. I am in shallow lakes, and just looking for something to have little fun day sailing with.
Welcome to the forum. I have a few thoughts to share, as well as a couple of questions for your consideration. Firstly, define what you mean by a shallow lake? You need to determine what draft is practical for your sailing situation. In this regard, designs with either swing keels, lifting centerboards or purposely designed shoal drafts are ideal. Spend time reading these forums to determine what boat meets the needs that you envison. Having said that, a Catalina 22 with a swing keel draws five (5) feet with the keel down. My first swing keel Catalina 22 was ideal for pulling up to beaches or secluded lake shores for a BBQ on land and swimming with the kids. Today, my second C-22 is a Wing Keel which draws 3” 6” (and she’s 36 years old!) but, I don’t plan on beaching the boat anytime soon so the wing keel version made a lot of sense to me at this time. Secondly, while you personally may be open to a day sailer i.e. an open cockpit with a minimal cabin or no cabin, the practicality is, that if you want your wife to enjoy sailing for anything more than a few hours, there needs to be a place for a Porta Potti and some privacy. So, are you still open to “day sailers” or is a trailerable boat more practical? To help determine that, I would suggest that you ask to go for a ride with some of the sailors in your area on their boats? You could also sign up for some lessons locally and that will give you opportunity to sail and evaluate a few designs. If you spend some time at your local marinas, you will get a feel for what boats are appropriate your local sailing conditions.
