My son asked me "Are you sure about getting a boat??"

[madmax]

He told me "the two happiest days of a boaters life is when you buy the boat and sell the boat” .

My wife and I are about to purchase a Catalina 30, probably this weekend, after the survey/surveyor. My son is making me nervous. It's our first sailboat. My wife and I are recently retired, we will have lots of time for sailing.

What do you think??

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Are old sailboats cheap? No, especially if you know what to look for. However, you're not going to find a sailboat older than 5 years that doesnt have issues. Most issues can be prioritized. Some may even go unfixed for decades with no ailments. I've learned a ton from the helpful folks on this forum. I wouldn't have been able to do all the repairs over the last 6 or 7 years without them.

Many of us have second thoughts about buying a boat. If your survey comes back reasonably well, go for it. The fastest way to get used to the water is to jump in

 

[High Current]

Well, we’re all biased here But I for one think you’ve chosen an excellent model for a first cruiser and say go for it.

Like all cliches it’s not without some grains of truth. A boat is a commitment, and if you don’t enjoy projects can feel like work. Also money: the cost of the boat itself is just the price of admission. But I for one have made many excellent memories with my family that already top the day I bought it. As for the day I sell it….that’s a long way off.

 

[dlochner]

It's true, the happiest days of owning my prior boats were when buying it and selling it, especially selling it as I now had more money to spend on the new boat I had purchased. When I sell my current boat it will be a sad day, because it means I am too old to sail it and maintain it.

If you need inspiration, get a copy of Deborah Hammet's Young Salt at Sixty. It's an easy and interesting read about a woman who retired and bought a sailboat having never sailed before. She then took off sailing on the East Coast by herself. I've met her and she is an inspiring woman.

 

[TrapperJohn]

I was/am in that situation ... retiring and finally able to get your boat. You don't mention your experience, your wife's interest, or what you are expecting out of owning a boat.

I spent my entire adult life thinking about a sailboat one day. I just never had the extra cash to make that a reality. I didn't have all those man toys that it seems everyone has these days. My extravagance was a canoe and a tent ... and 4 great kids.

Finally, with what I was able to save the last few years of work and a small inheritance, I was able to buy a "fixer upper" that has good bones and am doing most of the work myself to get it where I want it to be.

Do you know the maintenance involved? Are you planning to do it yourself or hire it out? Do you know what your docking, registration, insurance, haul out expenses are going to be for the next few years? Do you have any sailing experience or are you going to need to learn a bunch of new things?

I would ask yourself these questions and get some serious answers so your son's comments don't become reality.

I don't mean to dissuade you. I'm on that journey myself but some days I have to question whether I'll ever get to where I want to be. This isn't a cheap sport unless to get a trailer sailer and day sail. That can be pretty economical.

Good luck and hope it all works out for you.

P..S. I just read Dave Lochner's post before I hit the post button and feel like a Debbie Downer. I'm really not and, under it all, I'm very excited about my future plans.

 

[madmax]

I was/am in that situation ... retiring and finally able to get your boat. You don't mention your experience, your wife's interest, or what you are expecting out of owning a boat.

I spent my entire adult life thinking about a sailboat one day. I just never had the extra cash to make that a reality. I didn't have all those man toys that it seems everyone has these days. My extravagance was a canoe and a tent ... and 4 great kids.

Finally, with what I was able to save the last few years of work and a small inheritance, I was able to buy a "fixer upper" that has good bones and am doing most of the work myself to get it where I want it to be.

Do you know the maintenance involved? Are you planning to do it yourself or hire it out? Do you know what your docking, registration, insurance, haul out expenses are going to be for the next few years? Do you have any sailing experience or are you going to need to learn a bunch of new things?

I would ask yourself these questions and get some serious answers so your son's comments don't become reality.

I don't mean to dissuade you. I'm on that journey myself but some days I have to question whether I'll ever get to where I want to be. This isn't a cheap sport unless to get a trailer sailer and day sail. That can be pretty economical.

Good luck and hope it all works out for you.

P..S. I just read Dave Lochner's post before I hit the post button and feel like a Debbie Downer. I'm really not and, under it all, I'm very excited about my future plans.

Well, to make my story short. I've always dreamed of sailing, probably since I was in my 20's. A few years ago, I found a YouTube video of "Captain Christa" (a single young blonde with her 31' Hunter sailboat and with two cute dogs). I was fascinated with what she was doing with her sailboat and made some trips to Catalina Island. My wife and I both have a dog, too. It took me a bit to convince my wife go sailing. She hated going up into the mountains with me for skiing or a night's stay....but she loves the ocean and beaches. I showed her many videos of sailing (Keeldragger and Sailing Sole). She did enjoy watching them. I told her we are only 1 hour away from several major marinas (Newport Beach, Long Beach, Dana Point). Also, I told her that there is a vast, huge ocean out there, not too far from our home. She finally said "OK, we can go sailing." My wife and I both grew up in Southern California most of our lives, and we didn't think that much about the beach. It's because we were too busy with our jobs (my wife works for the Court, and I worked for the County). We reached our early 60's, and we talked about "what can we do during our retirement." We have talked about RV'ing, traveling around the world, and moving to Arizona (Prescott area). I thought RV'ing was too boring, because it requires me to do a lot of driving down the highways (and it's not fair to me when I see my wife taking naps). I don't want to deal with a heavy motorhome going down the steep highway (isn't that too dangerous?) or going up the steep highway, burning the transmission fluid. I also thought about living in an Arizona home, but what will we do while staying there? Nothing (maybe we might hang around with senior citizen residents by the poolside?). My wife and I are both active, such as working in the yard, cleaning the house, doing home improvements, etc. I did lots of projects around the house, and even upgraded my old Jeep with a new lift kit. That's what I enjoy doing. I am sure that I can work on the sailboat, like I did lots of work on the house and vehicles. I'll have to remember that the sailboat is a "different animal" (different from Jeeps, house, etc). I'll have to use marine-grade parts so they won't get corroded/rusted. I am not afraid to work on the sailboat, except for a few things I will refuse to work on, such as replacing transducers (in the hull) or climbing up the mast to replace the wind vane. I'll have to hire someone to do this for me. Changing the oil or other maintenance is fun for me (I am taking care of 5 cars, two of them are my son's). So, maintaining a diesel engine is new to me. I did some reading on how diesel engines work, and I got some idea of how they work and how they need to be taken care of. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty from working on the engines (I have done it thousands of times on the vehicles' gasoline engines). Anyway, yes, I did take a sailing course, only one course. I know how to do some things, such as hoisting the mainsail, tacking, heaving-to, rescuing someone who fell from the sailboat, reefing, and even heeling while steering in heavy winds, right-of-way rules, etc. I have never owned a sailboat or any boat in my entire life. Of course, I will be nervous about buying a 30' Catalina sailboat...also, I'll be nervous about pulling my new-to-me sailboat out of the slip. But, sailing in the middle of the water is what I enjoy the most. Once we become more experienced (and confident) in sailing, we will sail to Catalina from Long Beach. Yes, I have talked with my yacht broker about insurance, docking, documentation fees, etc and I have a pretty good idea how much it'll cost. So, do you think I'm ready for sailing? Yay or nay?

 

[BobSail]

Give it a go! It’ll be an adventure. If it’s not as hoped, sell it and head to your next adventure!

 

[Kings Gambit]

I doubt that I will be happy the day I sell my present boat if it remains in the serviceable condition that it is now. It will be a sad farewell. I've known others, however, who were joyous about selling theirs. But they seemed to have known little about boating getting in, and perhaps even less about it getting out, if that is possible. Good luck and "Happy Sails to You!"

KG

 

[Tally Ho]

I have been sailing for about 14 years now, having never sailed previously. I am on my second boat (but the first one I felt tug on my heart strings…my “perfect” boat as my wife calls it every time I bring up “upgrading”.

Go for it, have fun andyou can always sell it if it doesn’t work out.

I think it is worth the chance…


Greg

 

[jssailem]

Welcome Madmax. I know you were talking about the boat in January. Sounds like the deal is consummated. Your wife wants to derp clean and your son is questioning your sanity.

Sounds pretty good to me.

I can share that when I first stepped on to my boats, after the ink was dry on the paper work, I was happy and excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.

When I sold the boat that had given me her soul and so many good times, I was sad. I knew she was going to a good owner who shared my excitement for the boat. And I had already found her replacement. But still it was like losing a girlfriend.

Enjoy the thrills that are just over the horizon.

I know the videos paint a rosy picture of boating. Along with the dreams come some responsibilities. Some you will have to experience, yet others you can become educated about. I encourage you to get the book, “Be the Captain, a Field Manual” by James Evenson. He has been sharing his knowledge on YouTube “Sailing Zingaro”. The book is an excellent resource for beginners. It will help you avoid many common challenges and give you insights into resolving the ones you have to solve.

I hope you share your first adventures and enjoy “untying the lines”.

 

[Indysailor]

It's a good starter boat, and I think the most important thing is to be assured it's systems are all in good shape. Obviously, on an old boat that's always a question mark, but I think a key to a happy beginning experience is a boat that lets you learn how to sail rather than constantly having repaired and not feeling confident in. Get it surveyed, so that you have an expert opinion on the vessel's soundness and don't for a minute get yourself into the trap of feeling like you'll miss out if you don't buy this particular boat. There are others out there if this one isn't right.
With the feeling that the boat is not going to sink or become your nemesis, you'll be free to enjoy learning how to sail and pilot. From your posts it sounds like your handy enough to dive in and your caution is the right mindset that keeps you from biting off more than you can chew. Just don't let it keep you from leaving the dock and take a measured approach to learning how to sail. You will never stop learning, which to me is the most rewarding part of of sailing. I think it's a great pursuit for a couple of late bloomers.

 

[Terry Cox]

What do you think??

We were where you are several years ago. Purchased an H28, our first, as our toe in the water. Sailed her for three years and really enjoyed the experience. So much so we decided to go bigger and purchased an P42 in 2002. Wow! What a boat. We've sailed her thousands of miles all over PNW waters with many two month plus extended cruises into British Columbia. My only regret, at some point, is to age out of her. Not yet, but some day that will come to pass. That will be a very sad day for this family.

Have your wife watch the attached video of our cruising style. She might just enjoy it; you, too.

 

[dlochner]

If you don't buy a boat and try sailing, you'll spend the rest of your life wondering if you should have.

If you buy a boat and find you and your wife really don't enjoy it, well, sell it. You'll be out a few dollars but the itch will have been scratched.

And there is a good chance you'll learn to love sailing and enjoy a satisfying retirement.

Last year my wife and I completed our second trip down the east coast. There were many wonderful moments, beautiful sights, and interesting people and there were many moments when we asked (sarcastically) "Whose idea was this???" When we finished the cruise, my wife said OK, no more long distance cruises, we'll stay on Lake Ontario. A couple of weeks ago she mentioned she missed cruising and maybe we should consider another trip.

The point is, sailing and cruising is a rich experience. And as with life in general there are many highs and lows. Over time memory of the lows fade and memories of the highs become richer. In the end, it is the richness of life on a boat that satisfies the soul.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I would say take some docking lessons. The C30 is a really wide boat and it's really hard to tell how far away from the dock you are. We have our dock lined with fenders to reduce mishaps. Boats behave in a peculiar way. Sometimes you have to get them to drift sideways to make them do what you want.

I think it would be less scary for your wife if the two of you took some sailing lessons. A lot of people get nervous when the boat starts to heel, is broadsided by waves or starts to make a lot of noise. There's numerous things that can be done to prevent this. When I go out by myself, I sail in a completely different manner than if I were taking a group of novices out. It's like giving a friend a ride in a race car. You want to show them a good time but you also don't want to scare them. Nothing will turn your spouse away from sailing faster than a perceived, scary experience.

It takes practice but a good teacher can get you up to speed much faster. You will never stop learning however.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I learned early on that sailing and boating as a recreation endures well as part of a friendship network where the friends may share other interests as well. They enjoy each others company and cruise (e.g., companion boat) or race together throughout the year. As beginners it’s a good way to learn the activity. One can sometimes meet other new owners in boating classes, and then go out together, etc.

Visiting Catalina Island from Long Beach is generally not a difficult trip, but at 30 ft LOA it can seem a long one. It’s fun to make to destinations when the conditions are favorable for that destination (She’s a fair wind that blows!) but it might be better to postpone or to seek an alternative destination if they are not. Getting there is one goal but enjoying the journey is the other one. One “rule” of boating is to not “sail” or “cruise” to a schedule. Translation—don’t go out there when the conditions are not good; wait until they are, etc.

The general pattern around here is that if your destination lies westerly (SW, W, NW), depart in the EARLY morning (or late night) and motor in calm or light wind. If it lies easterly (NE, E, SE) depart in the afternoon and sail there on a fair wind if there will be enough daylight to last out the trip. For my first trip on my 30-ft boat to Oxnard (Channel Islands Harbor) we departed Long Beach at midnight. Later, we departed early morning to arrive at Paradise Cove (35 n.mi. distant) by early afternoon. Anchored the night under the shelter of Pt Dume then resumed the next morning. A 70 n.mi. trip toward prevailing winds in a 30-ft boat seems to last an eternity. Better to optimize the travel plan for the expected conditions.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I learned early on that sailing and boating as a recreation endures well as part of a friendship network where the friends may share other interests as well. They enjoy each others company and cruise (e.g., companion boat) or race together throughout the year. As beginners it’s a good way to learn the activity. One can sometimes meet other new owners in boating classes, and then go out together, etc.

Visiting Catalina Island from Long Beach is generally not a difficult trip, but at 30 ft LOA it can seem a long one. It’s fun to make to destinations when the conditions are favorable for that destination (She’s a fair wind that blows!) but it might be better to postpone or to seek an alternative destination if they are not. Getting there is one goal but enjoying the journey is the other one. One “rule” of boating is to not “sail” or “cruise” to a schedule. Translation—don’t go out there when the conditions are not good; wait until they are, etc.

The general pattern around here is that if your destination lies westerly (SW, W, NW), depart in the EARLY morning (or late night) and motor in calm or light wind. If it lies easterly (NE, E, SE) depart in the afternoon and sail there on a fair wind if there will be enough daylight. For my first trip on my 30-ft boat to Oxnard (Channel Islands Harbor) we departed Long Beach at midnight. Later, we departed early morning to arrive at Paradise Cove (35 n.mi. distant) by early afternoon. Anchored the night under the shelter of Pt Dume then resumed the next morning. A 70 n.mi. trip toward prevailing winds in a 30-ft boat seems to last an eternity. Better to optimize travel for the conditions.

You bring up a good point about weather.

@madmax - I suggest talking with local boaters in your area to find out what signs to look for, for favorable conditions. Many people say if the wind is blowing in a certain direction, you're more likely to have a smoother ride. Every area will be different

 

[Kings Gambit]

Translation—don’t go out there when the conditions are not good; wait until they are,

By “good” I don’t mean perfect or optimal, but also not the opposite, “survivable.” Good is the base, then comes Better, then Best. Best is still not “perfect.” Below Good are Fair, then Bad.

Good conditions IMO are those wherein you can make your passage in reasonable comfort and in reasonable time. (These will vary with the boat you are in.) When conditions are good I can use the galley to prepare food including using the stove to prepare hot meals or beverage, and get around on the boat, holding on of course but not clinging for life to accomplish something simple like freeing a fouled jib sheet up forward, etc. The seas are not steep if high and the boat has an easy motion under sail or power (not staccato-like, speaking metaphorically). There is no serious threat in sight from developing weather.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Best conditions appear with all of the above plus a low chance of the mal de mar affecting my crew, esp. wife. Sea sickness can ruin an otherwise good passage in otherwise good conditions. If you don’t get it under most conditions, you are fortunate. Many do, however. And frankly, if it cannot be accommodated or mitigated early on, you may be on the road to “happiness” with the sale of your boat for lack of use after a year or two.

 

[dLj]

My son asked me "Are you sure about getting a boat??"

To this I have to ask you - how well does your son know you and how good do you feel his cautions are?

I have two children - sometimes I think they both know me better than I know myself... So if one of them questions me on something I'm planning on doing, I listen carefully and try to look a their point of view. This question posed as written simply says to me he's asking if you have fully thought through this plan - which from your above posts seems like the answer is yes. 'nuf said...

He told me "the two happiest days of a boaters life is when you buy the boat and sell the boat” .

I've read this many times referring to boats. I've thought about it a fair bit and have come to the conclusion it simply does not apply to me.

I started sailing in about 1967. Since then I've bought and sold more boats than I can remember. But I can honestly tell you that there has not been one single case where that saying would apply. The day I bought whatever boat it was - was a very happy day. The day I sold every boat I've ever had were not happy days. Some were really sad days in fact. A very few were - yeah, time to get a new boat and to do that I have to sell this one... sigh.... There are two specific boats that I had to sell that I'm still sad about selling, but hey, I really can't afford to have a fleet... One was sold in the 1990's - man that was a great boat... And the other I sold in the early 2000's mainly to afford to buy my current boat. So whenever I start feeling the twinges of sadness for no longer having those boats, I just think about my current boat and I'm smiling again, ear to ear...

My wife and I are about to purchase a Catalina 30, probably this weekend, after the survey/surveyor. My son is making me nervous. It's our first sailboat. My wife and I are recently retired, we will have lots of time for sailing.

What do you think??

I think the Catalina 30 (did you say the year?) is just about the perfect boat for you to get. It's a bit on the big size to just start out so you'll have some white knuckle moments as you learn the boat in all likelihood, but not excessively.

At your age, it's not so small that you and your wife feel cramped. You can have your son or a friend or two come and it will still have enough space to be comfortatble. Depending upon how much the sailing bug bites you and your wife, it may be the only boat you'll ever need.

Don't listen to anything I say - I'm a confessed addict....

dj

 

[Project_Mayhem]

@Kings Gambit brings up another good point. We always keep ginger pills, ginger chews and dramamine on board. It's much easier to prevent than to treat sea sickness. Here's an excellent article about it