Hi all!
I'm new to sailing - hubby has taken some courses and already crewed on Chesapeake Bay. We're attending the Annapolis sailboat show in a few weeks, and wanted to know which boat makers/brands we should focus on to take a look and become familiar with. I'm starting my research in order to purchase a sailboat over the next year or two...most likely used. Based on the following criteria, can anyone suggest models/makes/years to investigate at the show? We'd like: a 30- 36' well-built/safe boat that holds its value, has the safety and necessary controls and technolog; we will do mostly coastal cruising/day sailing (and possibly on a deep lake), but would like a comfortable galley and berth to fit 4-6 people for overnighters, a "zippy" boat (not necessarily a racer...), low draft (less than 4' 6"), stable and easy for 2 to manage. I'm looking for a "toyota camry" reliable work horse rather than the flashy top of the line "lexus". I'd like to look at the newer boats in Annapolis, but keeping in mind that we probably couldn't afford those right now. So, for now, we'd also focus on used boats for the first few years of sailing. I've heard and read that Pearsons are good, as well as Catalinas. For those of you familiar with these boats, what year and model are considered the "best" (see criteria above). In other words, what's the "golden year" for these makes (best configuration and safety, ease of use, desirable, holds value? Current budget is flexible; would prefer under 30K, but willing to go up to 40's if that's the best boat/year/model/condition. Any advice on both issues would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
I'm new to sailing - hubby has taken some courses and already crewed on Chesapeake Bay. We're attending the Annapolis sailboat show in a few weeks, and wanted to know which boat makers/brands we should focus on to take a look and become familiar with. I'm starting my research in order to purchase a sailboat over the next year or two...most likely used. Based on the following criteria, can anyone suggest models/makes/years to investigate at the show? We'd like: a 30- 36' well-built/safe boat that holds its value, has the safety and necessary controls and technolog; we will do mostly coastal cruising/day sailing (and possibly on a deep lake), but would like a comfortable galley and berth to fit 4-6 people for overnighters, a "zippy" boat (not necessarily a racer...), low draft (less than 4' 6"), stable and easy for 2 to manage. I'm looking for a "toyota camry" reliable work horse rather than the flashy top of the line "lexus". I'd like to look at the newer boats in Annapolis, but keeping in mind that we probably couldn't afford those right now. So, for now, we'd also focus on used boats for the first few years of sailing. I've heard and read that Pearsons are good, as well as Catalinas. For those of you familiar with these boats, what year and model are considered the "best" (see criteria above). In other words, what's the "golden year" for these makes (best configuration and safety, ease of use, desirable, holds value? Current budget is flexible; would prefer under 30K, but willing to go up to 40's if that's the best boat/year/model/condition. Any advice on both issues would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
