I will be getting certified for Coastal Cruising this summer and have just begun the process of researching (Thank you Internet!) various sailing websites with the goal of owning at some point. I have some general requirements and questions. Requirements: coastal cruising, Mass/RI area, 4 people day sailing, 2-3 potential for weekends. I have a handicapped teen, thus stability and comfort are considerations, but we like a little style as well. My range appears to be from 22' (low end) to 30' (high end) with 25-27 as the sweet spot. I love investigating websites and message boards discussing brands such as Pearson, Tartan, Cape Dory, Sabre, Ericson, Contessa and Bristol to name a few. Also Catalina, Hunter and O'Day. Obviously in general the newer the boats the higher the price, but what is considered too old? i.e. that classic that you can not get parts for. Does a fresh water boats have less 'salt water wear"? It seems a strong association is important, how about my geography? Any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks, John.
- Status
Sailing in the Boston area
I sail Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport waters in a Cal 33. There are Cal 33's and 27' Pearson's at the Boston Harbor Sailing club at Rowes wharf. You can rent them out for the day, I think a Cal 27 would suit your needs just fine. There is no such thing as too old, if properly cared for a sailing vessel can last forever, look in Boston harbor at the USS Constitution! Try yacht world for a price and location of the boat. You can get parts for practically any boat, my advice is to go for a proven design and ask some sailors who know. I found a good blend of performance and comfort with my Cal 33. Try www.image-ination.com for comparing boats, their hull speeds, comfort, sail to displacement ratio.s, ect. Modifying a sail boat is half the fun, I've replaced the cushions, installed radar, fresh water system, dvd, flat screen tv, surround sound, and varnished the teak. All good fun. Good luck.
I sail Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport waters in a Cal 33. There are Cal 33's and 27' Pearson's at the Boston Harbor Sailing club at Rowes wharf. You can rent them out for the day, I think a Cal 27 would suit your needs just fine. There is no such thing as too old, if properly cared for a sailing vessel can last forever, look in Boston harbor at the USS Constitution! Try yacht world for a price and location of the boat. You can get parts for practically any boat, my advice is to go for a proven design and ask some sailors who know. I found a good blend of performance and comfort with my Cal 33. Try www.image-ination.com for comparing boats, their hull speeds, comfort, sail to displacement ratio.s, ect. Modifying a sail boat is half the fun, I've replaced the cushions, installed radar, fresh water system, dvd, flat screen tv, surround sound, and varnished the teak. All good fun. Good luck.
Boats For Sale Web Sites
www.sailnet.com/boatsearch www.yachtworld.com www.catalinaowners.com www.boatus.com www.ablboats.com www.boats.com
www.sailnet.com/boatsearch www.yachtworld.com www.catalinaowners.com www.boatus.com www.ablboats.com www.boats.com
Been there, done that
and who hasn't. You'll probably hear about how many times this topic comes up. The boat you choose will come down to your preferences. IMHO you should buy as long a boat as you can afford. The longer the boat the more comfortable and stable it should be. In comparison, a shorter boat such as a 22' can be trailered and is thereby more economical. You must decide for yourself because opinions are like belly buttons--everybodies got one. You never know when or where you might find a bargain. Look around for foundations where people donate boats that are offered for sale to raise funds. A brother of mine found a 1985 O'Day 28 for $8,500. It was in pristine condition. Then, you have probably found: boats.com, yatchworld.com, boattrader.com plus this site. Go look at boats, sit in the cabin, stretch out in the v-berth, put you hand on the helm and get the feel and smell of it. We drove from NC to New Rochelle, NY to look at a S2 31C. It didn't smell right to me and when I looked I found that the wiring was burnt out and it had other problems. You'll have to be like Goldilocks. You keep looking until you find the boat that is just right for you. I found a Hunter 30 at a good price, but it fits us. I'm 6'2" and the cabin has headroom and the v-berth is long enough. The cockpit is cramped with more than four people onboard; making a tack resembles playing musical chairs--everybody moves until the manuever is complete. It took us 2 years to find the boat we decided was right for us. I bought one that I liked the design of the hull and my wife liked the layout of the cabin. I like the way it feels (handles) and I like the way it smells. It is in good shape and if I can't find parts I find another way to repair or replace. Finally, when you find the boat you like get it surveyed. Ask the folks on this site or around a local marina to recommend a reputable surveyor, but ask a sailor/sailboat owner. Trust me on this part and good hunting.
and who hasn't. You'll probably hear about how many times this topic comes up. The boat you choose will come down to your preferences. IMHO you should buy as long a boat as you can afford. The longer the boat the more comfortable and stable it should be. In comparison, a shorter boat such as a 22' can be trailered and is thereby more economical. You must decide for yourself because opinions are like belly buttons--everybodies got one. You never know when or where you might find a bargain. Look around for foundations where people donate boats that are offered for sale to raise funds. A brother of mine found a 1985 O'Day 28 for $8,500. It was in pristine condition. Then, you have probably found: boats.com, yatchworld.com, boattrader.com plus this site. Go look at boats, sit in the cabin, stretch out in the v-berth, put you hand on the helm and get the feel and smell of it. We drove from NC to New Rochelle, NY to look at a S2 31C. It didn't smell right to me and when I looked I found that the wiring was burnt out and it had other problems. You'll have to be like Goldilocks. You keep looking until you find the boat that is just right for you. I found a Hunter 30 at a good price, but it fits us. I'm 6'2" and the cabin has headroom and the v-berth is long enough. The cockpit is cramped with more than four people onboard; making a tack resembles playing musical chairs--everybody moves until the manuever is complete. It took us 2 years to find the boat we decided was right for us. I bought one that I liked the design of the hull and my wife liked the layout of the cabin. I like the way it feels (handles) and I like the way it smells. It is in good shape and if I can't find parts I find another way to repair or replace. Finally, when you find the boat you like get it surveyed. Ask the folks on this site or around a local marina to recommend a reputable surveyor, but ask a sailor/sailboat owner. Trust me on this part and good hunting.
A bad survey says boat is too old
We have not found an age at which a fiberglass sailboat is "too old." I suppose there are several reasons: - Fiberglass is a _very_ durable material in the marine application. - Because they didn't understand the strength and durability of fiberglass in the 60's and 70's, the older boats designed and built in that time were significantly overbuilt. (The bottom of the hull of our '77 h27 is roughly 3-4 times the thickness of current designs.) - The classic shape of the 70's designs adds further strength. - The fittings and systems are simple. Replacements for almost any part on an older boat are easy to find today, especially with the help of this website. The only exceptions to this are one of a kind designs of which you can expect 1 to none per boat. For instance the bronze tiller fitting on our boat is unique. But modern replacements would be easy to implement. Yes, you can expect much less corrossion damage on a fresh water boat. This is especially important for propulsion and standing rigging. A 10% premium for a fresh water boat is common. Finally, individual boats that were not built to a good quality, or which do suffer from age are either not around after 20 to 30 years, or their faults will be found by a good surveyer. So you should start looking for a well respected surveyer right now! (Based on the recommendations of sailors in your area - they will love to help you on this.) So you always include a survey in your offer. (That is you can negotiate the price or withdraw from the sale contract based on your understanding of the survey results.) I would also recommend the book on this site "Buying a cruising sailboat," and other reading to build your knowledge of the fun ahead of you. Go ahead - this is a fun endeavor, and a "good old boat" easily gives the best value per dollar!" David Lady Lillie
We have not found an age at which a fiberglass sailboat is "too old." I suppose there are several reasons: - Fiberglass is a _very_ durable material in the marine application. - Because they didn't understand the strength and durability of fiberglass in the 60's and 70's, the older boats designed and built in that time were significantly overbuilt. (The bottom of the hull of our '77 h27 is roughly 3-4 times the thickness of current designs.) - The classic shape of the 70's designs adds further strength. - The fittings and systems are simple. Replacements for almost any part on an older boat are easy to find today, especially with the help of this website. The only exceptions to this are one of a kind designs of which you can expect 1 to none per boat. For instance the bronze tiller fitting on our boat is unique. But modern replacements would be easy to implement. Yes, you can expect much less corrossion damage on a fresh water boat. This is especially important for propulsion and standing rigging. A 10% premium for a fresh water boat is common. Finally, individual boats that were not built to a good quality, or which do suffer from age are either not around after 20 to 30 years, or their faults will be found by a good surveyer. So you should start looking for a well respected surveyer right now! (Based on the recommendations of sailors in your area - they will love to help you on this.) So you always include a survey in your offer. (That is you can negotiate the price or withdraw from the sale contract based on your understanding of the survey results.) I would also recommend the book on this site "Buying a cruising sailboat," and other reading to build your knowledge of the fun ahead of you. Go ahead - this is a fun endeavor, and a "good old boat" easily gives the best value per dollar!" David Lady Lillie
Have Fun Shopping!
I love jumping in on these questions because my wife and I bought our first small cruiser just this year. If you're at that age (like I am) with teenagers, your comfort zone is probably more like 27' to 30'. Once you start climbing aboard a few boats, you will get a good idea with what suits you best. Don't be afraid to look at boats built from say 1975 to 1985. In fact these are the models I think are more pleasing to look at than many of the newer boats! 25-year old boats can be in beautiful shape, with upgrades easily done (depending on your budget and appetite) and you may be able to find several in your area from $10 to $25 grand. Plan on at least a couple g's for incidental costs to make the boat yours and find a home for it. Have a good survey done for sure. My personal opinion is that if you want to sail in coastal waters of the Atlantic, make sure you get one large enough to make you feel secure. We looked at a few 30' boats because we weren't sure if we were going to sail on the coast or on our nearby lake. We decided upon our 27' Starwind because it is very comfortable and fun to sail without making us feel out of place on our small lake. I know we will be looking at larger boats for coastal sailing in the future. We went through a broker, which was the easy way of finding boats and looking at them. We looked at several in the water and on the hard. Check out the listings at Sandy Hook Yacht Sales. We had a good experience with their brokers. They may have boats in your area. It would be fun to sail one up from NJ to Boston (depending upon having experience or an experienced friend). BTW, nothing beats a day on the boat with your kids. Our youngest, when asked by a powerboater "howcome you like sailing?" responded .... SAILBOATS ROCK!! *5 Good Luck! Scott
I love jumping in on these questions because my wife and I bought our first small cruiser just this year. If you're at that age (like I am) with teenagers, your comfort zone is probably more like 27' to 30'. Once you start climbing aboard a few boats, you will get a good idea with what suits you best. Don't be afraid to look at boats built from say 1975 to 1985. In fact these are the models I think are more pleasing to look at than many of the newer boats! 25-year old boats can be in beautiful shape, with upgrades easily done (depending on your budget and appetite) and you may be able to find several in your area from $10 to $25 grand. Plan on at least a couple g's for incidental costs to make the boat yours and find a home for it. Have a good survey done for sure. My personal opinion is that if you want to sail in coastal waters of the Atlantic, make sure you get one large enough to make you feel secure. We looked at a few 30' boats because we weren't sure if we were going to sail on the coast or on our nearby lake. We decided upon our 27' Starwind because it is very comfortable and fun to sail without making us feel out of place on our small lake. I know we will be looking at larger boats for coastal sailing in the future. We went through a broker, which was the easy way of finding boats and looking at them. We looked at several in the water and on the hard. Check out the listings at Sandy Hook Yacht Sales. We had a good experience with their brokers. They may have boats in your area. It would be fun to sail one up from NJ to Boston (depending upon having experience or an experienced friend). BTW, nothing beats a day on the boat with your kids. Our youngest, when asked by a powerboater "howcome you like sailing?" responded .... SAILBOATS ROCK!! *5 Good Luck! Scott
Catalina 25
Check out the Catalina 25. They have an amazing owner's association - www.catalina25-250.org - everything you ever wanted to know. They are readily available, good boats, roomy for the size, pretty sturdy, and good value. We got one for our first boat - a 1986 with no problems much at all. In my opinion, on a small boat, the fiberglass is pretty much always new, you can get a new outboard motor pretty cheap, repair the sail pretty cheap - (new fiberglass+new sail+new motor=new boat!!!). This is different the bigger you go. The cockpit of the 25 is a little tight if more than daysailing with 4 people. It also has a narrow cockpit which may cause a problem with your teen, maybe not? If size will be an issue, the 30 footer may suit you well (Catalina 30 or Hunter 30 is a good choice) - especially if spending the night is going to occur very often at all. We outgrew the Catalina 25 after only one year since we were spending a lot of weekends on it - we moved up to a Hunter 34 since it was in the same price ballpark as the Catalina 30 that I was convinced we should get. Though if we had gotten a little larger boat (like the 30 footer), it would have lasted us much longer. There is a big difference in price moving up in size, so a smaller boat is a better boat to test the waters with to see if everyone likes it without too much of an investment. Also, if you buy older, you are much more likely to get 100% or more of your investment back out of the boat when you go to sell it - so there is nothing wrong with getting an old one and selling up a few years later. Good luck shopping and have fun. I hope I confused you enough. www.yachtworld.com will have you addicted and looking every day.
Check out the Catalina 25. They have an amazing owner's association - www.catalina25-250.org - everything you ever wanted to know. They are readily available, good boats, roomy for the size, pretty sturdy, and good value. We got one for our first boat - a 1986 with no problems much at all. In my opinion, on a small boat, the fiberglass is pretty much always new, you can get a new outboard motor pretty cheap, repair the sail pretty cheap - (new fiberglass+new sail+new motor=new boat!!!). This is different the bigger you go. The cockpit of the 25 is a little tight if more than daysailing with 4 people. It also has a narrow cockpit which may cause a problem with your teen, maybe not? If size will be an issue, the 30 footer may suit you well (Catalina 30 or Hunter 30 is a good choice) - especially if spending the night is going to occur very often at all. We outgrew the Catalina 25 after only one year since we were spending a lot of weekends on it - we moved up to a Hunter 34 since it was in the same price ballpark as the Catalina 30 that I was convinced we should get. Though if we had gotten a little larger boat (like the 30 footer), it would have lasted us much longer. There is a big difference in price moving up in size, so a smaller boat is a better boat to test the waters with to see if everyone likes it without too much of an investment. Also, if you buy older, you are much more likely to get 100% or more of your investment back out of the boat when you go to sell it - so there is nothing wrong with getting an old one and selling up a few years later. Good luck shopping and have fun. I hope I confused you enough. www.yachtworld.com will have you addicted and looking every day.
First Boat
All things being equal, bigger is better. The limitations of a smaller boat become apparent very quickly and many first time buyers regret having been too conservative in their choice. Sailing a larger boat is, in my experienced opinion, easier than sailing a smaller one. In any weather condition, a larger boat boat is more comfortable and provides a greater sense of security. Creature comforts not possible on a smaller boat are readily available and enjoyed on a larger boat. Since most boat owners develop a hankering for a larger boat soon after acquiring their present boat, I would buy the largest that I could afford to support. The strength and durability of fiberglass construction has produced an inventory of used boats that gives buyers unlimited choices. Decently maintained boats in the age range of twenty to thirty years provide an opportunity for 'newbies' to get in on the fun at a relatively low cost as compared to a new boat. And, if things don't work out, all or most of the investment can be recouped. Caveat emptor! Don't fall in love with a particular boat until a surveyor gives you permission to do so. Budget yourself for three times the surveyor's fee. If the first boat has too many warts and pimples, perhaps the second will pass muster. If not, then surely the third boat you have him look at will because by that time, armed with two surveys and a few hours spent watching the surveyor at work, you will have developed a nose for smelling out the things that bother a surveyor and you will have developed a long list of questions with which to grill owners. This will enable you to eliminate the obvious 'dogs' and borderline cases before you call in the surveyor. Don't hesitate to make a low ball offer. Remember, you can always raise your offer if you can't get the owner to come down far enough. Good luck with your quest.
All things being equal, bigger is better. The limitations of a smaller boat become apparent very quickly and many first time buyers regret having been too conservative in their choice. Sailing a larger boat is, in my experienced opinion, easier than sailing a smaller one. In any weather condition, a larger boat boat is more comfortable and provides a greater sense of security. Creature comforts not possible on a smaller boat are readily available and enjoyed on a larger boat. Since most boat owners develop a hankering for a larger boat soon after acquiring their present boat, I would buy the largest that I could afford to support. The strength and durability of fiberglass construction has produced an inventory of used boats that gives buyers unlimited choices. Decently maintained boats in the age range of twenty to thirty years provide an opportunity for 'newbies' to get in on the fun at a relatively low cost as compared to a new boat. And, if things don't work out, all or most of the investment can be recouped. Caveat emptor! Don't fall in love with a particular boat until a surveyor gives you permission to do so. Budget yourself for three times the surveyor's fee. If the first boat has too many warts and pimples, perhaps the second will pass muster. If not, then surely the third boat you have him look at will because by that time, armed with two surveys and a few hours spent watching the surveyor at work, you will have developed a nose for smelling out the things that bother a surveyor and you will have developed a long list of questions with which to grill owners. This will enable you to eliminate the obvious 'dogs' and borderline cases before you call in the surveyor. Don't hesitate to make a low ball offer. Remember, you can always raise your offer if you can't get the owner to come down far enough. Good luck with your quest.
John, Ref your son
John Don't know his handicap but when looking at boats be aware of how do you get him on/off the boat. Once he is on, where does he sit, be aware of your lines and how you will get to them with your son in the cockpit. Any special needs for keeping him still so, if the boat heels will he stay put? Size of cockpit. etc etc Got a brother who is a quadriplegic and it is interesting getting him out on the water. Jim S/V Java
John Don't know his handicap but when looking at boats be aware of how do you get him on/off the boat. Once he is on, where does he sit, be aware of your lines and how you will get to them with your son in the cockpit. Any special needs for keeping him still so, if the boat heels will he stay put? Size of cockpit. etc etc Got a brother who is a quadriplegic and it is interesting getting him out on the water. Jim S/V Java
My favorite kind of post
I love these posts and the replies; researching my first boat purchase was so much fun that I really enjoying reliving the experience through others. Some good advice in the previous posts; while the general tone of the replies is that you should buy the biggest boat you can afford, I would suggest you modify that. The one thing I would urge you to do is be brutally honest about your expected uses of the boat. If you suspect that you will really only be daysailing, then don't waste your time and money looking for, paying for and maintaining a boat with features you will never use. If you know that the Admiral doesn't want to cruise (but might do so once a season to accomodate you), then don't worry so much about buying a boat with creature comforts. Find one with a big cockpit for comfortable daysailing. Because of financial and family matters, I had to delay the purchase of my first "big" boat for several years. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on what was really important in a boat. I knew in my heart of hearts that the Admiral didn't want to cruise, and that 95% of my sailing would be day trips. I also knew that the Admiral wanted a separate head, not one tucked under the v-berth out in the open. I was therefore able to concentrate on finding a boat with a relatively big cockpit and separate head, and didn't bother with an elaborate electrical system, shore power, big galley, etc. Five years later, I am delighted with my boat, a 1979 Oday 23. I actually bought the smaller boat and am glad. My slip fees are less, and the maintenance costs are way lower.
I love these posts and the replies; researching my first boat purchase was so much fun that I really enjoying reliving the experience through others. Some good advice in the previous posts; while the general tone of the replies is that you should buy the biggest boat you can afford, I would suggest you modify that. The one thing I would urge you to do is be brutally honest about your expected uses of the boat. If you suspect that you will really only be daysailing, then don't waste your time and money looking for, paying for and maintaining a boat with features you will never use. If you know that the Admiral doesn't want to cruise (but might do so once a season to accomodate you), then don't worry so much about buying a boat with creature comforts. Find one with a big cockpit for comfortable daysailing. Because of financial and family matters, I had to delay the purchase of my first "big" boat for several years. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on what was really important in a boat. I knew in my heart of hearts that the Admiral didn't want to cruise, and that 95% of my sailing would be day trips. I also knew that the Admiral wanted a separate head, not one tucked under the v-berth out in the open. I was therefore able to concentrate on finding a boat with a relatively big cockpit and separate head, and didn't bother with an elaborate electrical system, shore power, big galley, etc. Five years later, I am delighted with my boat, a 1979 Oday 23. I actually bought the smaller boat and am glad. My slip fees are less, and the maintenance costs are way lower.
Catalina 27
IMO an older Catalina 27 is a great size for a first boat at a reasonable price. You'll have to choose between an outboard and inboard (check the archives of this site for info). It's a great sailor, not to big to be intimidating but big enough to be comfortable with plenty of room for weekend cruising. My wife has limited mobility (brace and crutches) did fine on our C-27 and does fine on our C-30. Keep in mind that bigger boats have higher freeboard (harder to climb in at the dock) and deeper cabins (harder to climb in and out of). On our C-30, I built a new ladder into the cabin with one more step than is standard to make things a bit easier for her. If you can find a freshwater boat, they will generally be in better condition than a saltwater boat. In terms of associations, owner networking, etc. I don't think that you'll find a better boat than Catalina. One of our local sailing club members is severely handicapped and is involved in a non-profit sailing foundation for disabled sailors. If you're interested in getting in touch with him for more information relating to your son and sailing, send me an e-mail (I'm in the owners' directory). Good luck.
IMO an older Catalina 27 is a great size for a first boat at a reasonable price. You'll have to choose between an outboard and inboard (check the archives of this site for info). It's a great sailor, not to big to be intimidating but big enough to be comfortable with plenty of room for weekend cruising. My wife has limited mobility (brace and crutches) did fine on our C-27 and does fine on our C-30. Keep in mind that bigger boats have higher freeboard (harder to climb in at the dock) and deeper cabins (harder to climb in and out of). On our C-30, I built a new ladder into the cabin with one more step than is standard to make things a bit easier for her. If you can find a freshwater boat, they will generally be in better condition than a saltwater boat. In terms of associations, owner networking, etc. I don't think that you'll find a better boat than Catalina. One of our local sailing club members is severely handicapped and is involved in a non-profit sailing foundation for disabled sailors. If you're interested in getting in touch with him for more information relating to your son and sailing, send me an e-mail (I'm in the owners' directory). Good luck.
Your son's need the first consideration
John, it can be surprisingly difficult for less agile people to get around on a boat, let alone someone who has a handicap. You didn't say what the nature of your son's handicap was, but a walk-through transom, low companionway threshold, short climb into the cabin, and coach-roof (rather than cockpit) traveler all contribute to that person's safety. My suggestion for a model that fits that profile in most respects (and will probably satisfy your sailing requirements) is a later-model Catalina 30 with the walk-through transom. If your son is in a wheelchair you will probably always have a steering post obstructing the way, but an open transom makes boarding easier. Consider having a modified companionway stairs and grab rail built in whatever you choose if your son has difficulty getting up and down. Good luck in your hunt...
John, it can be surprisingly difficult for less agile people to get around on a boat, let alone someone who has a handicap. You didn't say what the nature of your son's handicap was, but a walk-through transom, low companionway threshold, short climb into the cabin, and coach-roof (rather than cockpit) traveler all contribute to that person's safety. My suggestion for a model that fits that profile in most respects (and will probably satisfy your sailing requirements) is a later-model Catalina 30 with the walk-through transom. If your son is in a wheelchair you will probably always have a steering post obstructing the way, but an open transom makes boarding easier. Consider having a modified companionway stairs and grab rail built in whatever you choose if your son has difficulty getting up and down. Good luck in your hunt...
First boat
Given all of the parameters you have outlined, I would pursue the 'bigger is better' strategy. Comfort and the feeling security when the weather changes are, more than anything else, a factor of size. For example, there is always a large selection of the Catalina 30 available in the 1977 to 1982 range. These hulls have another fifty years left in them and Catalina is still in business to supply anything that may wear out. The cockpits are large and the interior accommodations are spacious. They are a far cry from the Catalina 25s and 27s. Easier to sail, too. First timers soon get the urge for something bigger. I think many regret having made too conservative a choice. Prices start at around 10 or 12 thousand. As long as you find one that passes survey, you can't go wrong. Ten years from now, you will be able to sell it and get back what you paid for it.
Given all of the parameters you have outlined, I would pursue the 'bigger is better' strategy. Comfort and the feeling security when the weather changes are, more than anything else, a factor of size. For example, there is always a large selection of the Catalina 30 available in the 1977 to 1982 range. These hulls have another fifty years left in them and Catalina is still in business to supply anything that may wear out. The cockpits are large and the interior accommodations are spacious. They are a far cry from the Catalina 25s and 27s. Easier to sail, too. First timers soon get the urge for something bigger. I think many regret having made too conservative a choice. Prices start at around 10 or 12 thousand. As long as you find one that passes survey, you can't go wrong. Ten years from now, you will be able to sell it and get back what you paid for it.
You already have received very good advise
You have received some very good advise so not much to add. If you want to do coastal crusing I would suggest 27 feet as the minimum. There are exceptions to this as some very stout 22-23 boats have crossed oceans but 27 is a good general rule for safe sailing in the ocean. The only other advise is to love the look of the boat you purchase. It will make for a good long term relationship. Good luck!
You have received some very good advise so not much to add. If you want to do coastal crusing I would suggest 27 feet as the minimum. There are exceptions to this as some very stout 22-23 boats have crossed oceans but 27 is a good general rule for safe sailing in the ocean. The only other advise is to love the look of the boat you purchase. It will make for a good long term relationship. Good luck!
Buying a boat
My suggestion is to bum as many rides on as many different boats that you can. Boats are a very personal thing and sometimes you just have to sail to finds what you like. It is a big expense and hard to correct if you buy the wrong boat without the opportunity to test drives others.
My suggestion is to bum as many rides on as many different boats that you can. Boats are a very personal thing and sometimes you just have to sail to finds what you like. It is a big expense and hard to correct if you buy the wrong boat without the opportunity to test drives others.
- Status