I am very new to sailing. I am considering the purchase of a Catalina 30. Since I am new to sailing and the boat I like is in South Florida and I am in Houston. I would really like to sail her back if a deal is reached. How difficult is this trip? Is there anyone that would be interested in sailing with me? I do not know to many folks that sail so I am tossing it out here on this forum. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated.
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Here's a couple of guys' blog to check out.
Kind of a "what not to do" primer. Kind of...
http://www.navigatethesea.com/blog-posts-updated-5-1-2013/
And here's the locals' reactions.
http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=150931
That said, it sounds like fun!
Good luck!
Kind of a "what not to do" primer. Kind of...
http://www.navigatethesea.com/blog-posts-updated-5-1-2013/
And here's the locals' reactions.
http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=150931
That said, it sounds like fun!
Good luck!
Same strings as a small boat.....But, a 300 mile passage being a novice???
It could be an adventure !
New to sailing can mean a lot of things. New can mean never been on a boat, only sailed with friends, a year or so sailing small boats, that you've completed entry level ASA courses or that you've completed a comprehensive sailing course such as "Fast track to cruising." Can you tell us how new you are?
South Florida to Houston is going to be a challenging trip if you don't have much experience. It may get a lot more challenging depending on the age and condition of the Catalina 30.
Having a survey will help. But any time you buy a used boat you have to assume things will break on the trip home. Bringing our boat home we blew out the halyard attachment on the jib, experienced engine problems and had problems with the head. All were related to the boat sitting unused for two years. I'm a McGyver type, but would have been much worse off if I hadn't made that trip with a friend who is an experienced sailor.
If you're a true beginner you may not be equipped to deal with breakdowns by yourself. It's much easier (and less expensive) to recover from mistakes and breakdowns when you're near home rather than in a channel in the Intra Coastal with a barge bearing down on you.
Consider it will take a LOT of time to make this trip at five knots - even longer if South Florida means Florida's east coast. Can you take that kind of time off from work? It will also be expensive (meals, fuel, repairs, lost wages).
Do you know how to navigate, how to read a chart, recognize buoys, deal with storms?
Here are a couple of things to think about. Catalina 30's are very good boats (I have one). Because they're good boats Catalina sold a LOT of them. Is there something that really sets this Florida boat apart from local boats in Texas that makes it worth the trip.
If the answer is yes would it make more sense to have the boat trucked to Texas (financial, safety, time). If the reason for making the trip is personal, is there an experienced sailing friend who can make the trip with you? Have you thought about hiring a delivery skipper who could make the trip or even the first leg of the trip with you?
Whatever you decide I wish you luck with purchasing your boat and hope you're sailing her for many years.
Jim
South Florida to Houston is going to be a challenging trip if you don't have much experience. It may get a lot more challenging depending on the age and condition of the Catalina 30.
Having a survey will help. But any time you buy a used boat you have to assume things will break on the trip home. Bringing our boat home we blew out the halyard attachment on the jib, experienced engine problems and had problems with the head. All were related to the boat sitting unused for two years. I'm a McGyver type, but would have been much worse off if I hadn't made that trip with a friend who is an experienced sailor.
If you're a true beginner you may not be equipped to deal with breakdowns by yourself. It's much easier (and less expensive) to recover from mistakes and breakdowns when you're near home rather than in a channel in the Intra Coastal with a barge bearing down on you.
Consider it will take a LOT of time to make this trip at five knots - even longer if South Florida means Florida's east coast. Can you take that kind of time off from work? It will also be expensive (meals, fuel, repairs, lost wages).
Do you know how to navigate, how to read a chart, recognize buoys, deal with storms?
Here are a couple of things to think about. Catalina 30's are very good boats (I have one). Because they're good boats Catalina sold a LOT of them. Is there something that really sets this Florida boat apart from local boats in Texas that makes it worth the trip.
If the answer is yes would it make more sense to have the boat trucked to Texas (financial, safety, time). If the reason for making the trip is personal, is there an experienced sailing friend who can make the trip with you? Have you thought about hiring a delivery skipper who could make the trip or even the first leg of the trip with you?
Whatever you decide I wish you luck with purchasing your boat and hope you're sailing her for many years.
Jim
Jim's advice is extremely thorough and well written. Thanks.
One issue Jim brought up I think warrants emphasis: The "New-to-You" boat syndrome.
All of the boats I have had (three) were all previously owned. For each, even as my experience and knowledge increased (in some cases linearly, some exponentially and some just plain backwards!!
) EACH boat required some time-on-board to learn the systems, how to fix things, and how to simply get out of trouble on our own.
Whatever you decide to do about getting your new boat from FL to TX, I strongly urge you to spend at least a week on the boat in its present location to get familiar with your new friend. While you're at it, try anchoring at least once.
That effort in itself will give you a lot more confidence, regardless of your existing knowledge-base.
Good luck, fair winds.
One issue Jim brought up I think warrants emphasis: The "New-to-You" boat syndrome.
All of the boats I have had (three) were all previously owned. For each, even as my experience and knowledge increased (in some cases linearly, some exponentially and some just plain backwards!!
) EACH boat required some time-on-board to learn the systems, how to fix things, and how to simply get out of trouble on our own.Whatever you decide to do about getting your new boat from FL to TX, I strongly urge you to spend at least a week on the boat in its present location to get familiar with your new friend. While you're at it, try anchoring at least once.
That effort in itself will give you a lot more confidence, regardless of your existing knowledge-base.
Good luck, fair winds.
Please remember also that the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June (11 days from now) to November. A bad experience just as you're entering our pastime can ruin it forever.
Give trucking some serious consideration.
Give trucking some serious consideration.
All very good advice. That is why I posted. The voyage is long and that makes me very nervous. I am very new to sailing ASA beginner new. I know you all are not trying to tell me not to buy there just making sure I do not bite more than I can chew, which is most likely it. Its very easy to let the emotions over run the brain but reality starts to set in. I am rethinking this deal.
Nervous just means you're smart. Only fools are fearless
Now remember this. Every person on this web site got carried away emotionally when they bought their first boat. If they tell you any different they're lying.
Taking an ASA course was a really good first step. I would think about looking at some boats closer to home for some perspective. Check out the links below, and also check out the Salty Dog (or its local equivalent). It will be a free circular available in your local marine store or marina that lists boats for sale. Also take a look at your local Craig's list.
Go out and look at some boats. That will give you perspective. Figure out a budget that includes your slip fees, winter storage and an allowance for maintenance. Working back from there will help you figure out how much you really want to spend. If you're looking at older boats assume you'll have to spend some money on repairs and upgrades just as you would with an older house.
When you're serious about a particular boat take notes and take pictures. When you look at a lot of boats they tend to blend together in your memory. Depending on price range you may kiss a lot of frogs to find your princess.
To get you started:
Catalina 30's in Texas on YachtWorld.com
Catalina sailboats for sale on SailingTexas.com. Despite the name they have boats from all over the country.
Craig's List boats for sale in Houston
Texas sailboat listings on Sailboatlistings.com
And finally see if you can hook up with some local sailors. Local yacht clubs and one designs that race Wednesday nights are often looking for crew. It can be a good way to learn, and letting people know you're looking for a boat can lead to something you'd never find through sailboat listings.
Best of luck,
Jim
It has been a busy week. Thank you ALL for the advice. I have placed an offer on a Catalina 30 LOCALLY!!So the long trip can wait until I want to take that trip for fun. So if all goes well ( survey , bottom job ) I might br sailing in my boat late next week. Thanks again. I hope to be sailing with you all soon.
be safe, Its a big boat, as said Jim nails it SURVEY! as you left out age of boat! salt water is bad on any boat! worse on old boats! Catalina makes a great boat most have lived a long life lots of them lack the love the owners once gave them a survey will save you thousands! take some classes and slow down, to find a good old boat takes lots of time, one thing there is so much great information on problems found on boats of any make on the web it can save you big money. and less in the boat yards.
good luck!
good luck!
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