Buying First Boat

Don S/V ILLusion · Mar 16, 2013

It's impracticable to give you all the info, advice and knowledge you'd need to properly insect a boat. There are a few books which might give you a start but I'ver never read them so can't make recommendations.

The best thing you could do once you find something you like is to have it surveyed by a professional boat surveyor. It isn't cheap but it's a lot cheaper than buying a bad boat plus your insurance underwriter will require a survey as a prerequisite to coverage.

Stu Jackson · Mar 16, 2013

Don's right. You first need to do some reading. Google could be your friend here. The www.boatus.com website may have some first time buyers help. Don Casey is a good source, he's on BoatUS and has written at least one book about newbie sailboat buyers, as well as many others.

The most basic issue facing new sailors, beyond avoiding the "dreaded" bug eyes when seeing a nice boat - we ALL still get that

- is figuring out what YOU are going to use the boat for: daysails, overnights, type of water, i.e., lakes, Bays, open water, area of the country (afternoon thunderstorms or consistent weather like I have where I live), that important stuff. And, how many people are you going to have with you. A 22 foot boat, however it meets other criteria, gets awfully small with more than three people, regardless of age, even for an afternoon sail.

Eventually, set up to take lessons, whether before you buy (which some recommend to get a feel for different boats) or after on your new boat (helpful to learn more quickly and gain confidence); or both.

Good luck.

justsomeguy · Mar 16, 2013

John Alloy said:
This is great info, thanks for the help.

Is boat insurance mandatory like auto insurance? If I spend $2,000-3,000 on a boat, is insurance going to cost me more than the risk is worth?

Technically, no, but what about the risk you may present to others? So, technically, yes.
If you keep your boat in a marina, the marina usually mandates a certain amount of liability coverage.
If you're making payments to a bank for your boat, the bank may require full coverage.

Stu Jackson · Mar 16, 2013

Get insurance from BoatUS, good deals, boat savvy.

Don S/V ILLusion · Mar 16, 2013

John Alloy said:
This is great info, thanks for the help.

Is boat insurance mandatory like auto insurance? If I spend $2,000-3,000 on a boat, is insurance going to cost me more than the risk is worth?

Don't think in terms of the boat value but rather the liability you incur while operating and owning any boat such as accidents, injuries, pollution from potential fuel or oil spills, etc..
Insurance is expensive but not having it can be far more expensive.

Stretch · Mar 17, 2013

The Catalina was a very popular boat and would be my choice. Your surveyor will be able to check the hull and deck for problems. Well worth the price and ask him a 1000 questions too.
If the prospective boat has been languishing, expect some problems to fix into the cost. You will like the 27 over the 22 and likely keep it longer too. It will be less corky when you anchor.My 2c

campuscab · Mar 24, 2013

If you have a smaller boat and it is in fresh water it should be covered under your home owners insurance for liability. You can get a rider for salt water. Once I grt all.my electronics on mine I will add more insurance on mine.

campuscab · Mar 24, 2013

No I will know more later in the week after I have lunch with the agent.

Justin_NSA · Mar 25, 2013

Your homeowner policy will only cover about $1000 worth of damage to a small boat...if you are lucky. You are talking about open water, my advice is to get a separate boat insurance policy. I have USAA for cars and home, but they couldn't beat BoatUS on the sailboat. USAA partners with progressive for watercraft if that tells you anything.

kbstrand · Mar 25, 2013

John Alloy said:
Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first boat, and I'm fairly new to the sailing world. My experience is fairly limited outside of growing up with a sunfish on the lake and ocean. I want to get something that I can learn on. We are close to a large lake and I would like to be able to bring my kids and family members. I have been on Craigslist and have found a large number of boats between $3000-$10000 for anything from 22-32'. What do I need to look for when I go out to inspect these boats?

I'm currently looking at a 22' Pearson, a 1974 Coronado 28', and a 1977 Catalina tall rig 27'. Any other suggestions on what I should and should not look for?

Thanks!

Is the 22' a Pearson Ensign or Electra? If so, it has a cockpit that will comfortably fit four adults. It has a small cabin, but is a well built, full keel, excellent day sailer. It is a great boat to learn on. I owned a Pearson Ensign and an Ariel. I insured them for liability only with 350,000 coverage. My annual premium was only $100 through Progressive.

Sailorboy123 · May 18, 2013

I am a 17 year old boy, with no sailing experience, living in Tennessee, but I'm absolutely in love with the ocean. I want to get away and live my life on my own, possibly on the sea... How could I accomplish this?... It's kindof a life long goal

Eddie7045 · May 18, 2013

Sailorboy, best bet would be to join the U.S. Coast

Guard if you are serious.

Justin_NSA · May 19, 2013

Sailorboy123 said:
I am a 17 year old boy, with no sailing experience, living in Tennessee, but I'm absolutely in love with the ocean. I want to get away and live my life on my own, possibly on the sea... How could I accomplish this?... It's kindof a life long goal

I would start by creating your own thread. I second Eddie's suggestion however you seldom get to live your life on your own except in fiction. You're only 17, you'll see in time.