have misled some of you. I've been on sailboats as a passenger, but have NEVER actually sailed the boat. Does this change your opinions about starting at 32'? I have owned powerboats, so I'm not new to the water, I just haven't skippered or crewed a sailboat. And thank you again for your responses. re: First boat size? for sailing convert
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Geo.....Here's what I did....
I have also owned powerboats (18') before sailing. My wife and I both went to a local sailing school for instructions which included 5 weekend days actually out on the water in different boats (solings, j24, rhodes 19). After 'graduation' the school let us take a boat out by ourselves for the afternoon. We successfully accomplished this and went out and bought a 30'. There you have it. The school taught us all the basics (man overboard, sailing up to a mooring, boat handling, right of way, etc.) so I feel we knew enough to get around on the water but just lacked the experience. When we actually got the 30' the major operative when going out was 'DO IT SLOWLY and CAREFULLY'. Works...
I have also owned powerboats (18') before sailing. My wife and I both went to a local sailing school for instructions which included 5 weekend days actually out on the water in different boats (solings, j24, rhodes 19). After 'graduation' the school let us take a boat out by ourselves for the afternoon. We successfully accomplished this and went out and bought a 30'. There you have it. The school taught us all the basics (man overboard, sailing up to a mooring, boat handling, right of way, etc.) so I feel we knew enough to get around on the water but just lacked the experience. When we actually got the 30' the major operative when going out was 'DO IT SLOWLY and CAREFULLY'. Works...
Hunter 336 is our first sailboat
Geo: My wife and I have owned several small power boats over the years but, after crewing a few times on sailboats, we decided we wanted a sailboat of our own. We signed up for a "live aboard" sailing class, got our ASA certification for bareboating and started shopping. We bought a 1996 H336 almost a year ago and have really enjoyed owning and sailing our "new" boat. We do not know as much as someone who has sailed for 20 years, but we know enough to feel safe on the water, and to not destroy our boat. If you learn your lessons well, a 30, or even a 33, is not too much for a first boat.
Geo: My wife and I have owned several small power boats over the years but, after crewing a few times on sailboats, we decided we wanted a sailboat of our own. We signed up for a "live aboard" sailing class, got our ASA certification for bareboating and started shopping. We bought a 1996 H336 almost a year ago and have really enjoyed owning and sailing our "new" boat. We do not know as much as someone who has sailed for 20 years, but we know enough to feel safe on the water, and to not destroy our boat. If you learn your lessons well, a 30, or even a 33, is not too much for a first boat.
Re: NEVER sailed.
No, it does not necessarily change my opinion IF you take a sailing class as suggested by others. One must learn the basic priciples of sailing as they apply to any sailing vessel. Your having handled a powerboat will certainly help with docking, mooring, navigating channels and harbours in traffic, etc. under power (which is where many people get into trouble with a "large" boat..) shortening that learning curve considerably. One generally sails in open water where there is much more room for trial and error until you learn your individual boat's sailing performance characteristics.
No, it does not necessarily change my opinion IF you take a sailing class as suggested by others. One must learn the basic priciples of sailing as they apply to any sailing vessel. Your having handled a powerboat will certainly help with docking, mooring, navigating channels and harbours in traffic, etc. under power (which is where many people get into trouble with a "large" boat..) shortening that learning curve considerably. One generally sails in open water where there is much more room for trial and error until you learn your individual boat's sailing performance characteristics.
My answer will be the same
But I wouldn't go over that 33' size and still would recommend the Catalina 30 for your situation. LaDonna
But I wouldn't go over that 33' size and still would recommend the Catalina 30 for your situation. LaDonna
Same Answer
Geo, I covered that possibility in my response to your first post.....Take some courses; study a lot; crew on other boats if you can and take it slow and easy. good luck, Dick Vance
Geo, I covered that possibility in my response to your first post.....Take some courses; study a lot; crew on other boats if you can and take it slow and easy. good luck, Dick Vance
Carefull wins the day
Geo, Like the others, I agree that there is no reason for you not to get a ~30 foot boat. Slow and easy, and get those lessons, but you'll get it. Upgrading from boat to boat gets expensive. Justin - O'day Owner's Web
Geo, Like the others, I agree that there is no reason for you not to get a ~30 foot boat. Slow and easy, and get those lessons, but you'll get it. Upgrading from boat to boat gets expensive. Justin - O'day Owner's Web
Sail several types ...
and sizes first. That way you will have a better idea of what you like. Try large, small, different keels, racing and cruising. That way you will get the boat that is right for you. There really is a big difference and it is pretty easy to try different kinds. T
and sizes first. That way you will have a better idea of what you like. Try large, small, different keels, racing and cruising. That way you will get the boat that is right for you. There really is a big difference and it is pretty easy to try different kinds. T
No Problem-o
We went from a H23 to our H37C.. We should have passed on the 23. You wouldn't buy a compact car and work up to a bigger sedan?? So why buy a dinky little boat that you will out grow so fast you won't believe it. Go for the biggest boat you can afford and have fun. Sailing is not rocket science. People have been doing it for a long time. Also, beware of the sailing schools.. Some are a total ripoff..(see the posts in Sailor to Sailor) Catalina 30's are nice boats if you only plan near shore sailing. If you think you may go out a little farther, consider something with a little more strength. On the used market there are many fine, strong boats in the same price range with a better return for your dollar. Lin Pardey mentioned at a seminar that she knew of a couple cruising in a Catalina 30 after they had done some extensive structural upgrading. It's nice to know in a 35 knot blow and ten foot seas your hull isn't flexing. Good Luck Ron
We went from a H23 to our H37C.. We should have passed on the 23. You wouldn't buy a compact car and work up to a bigger sedan?? So why buy a dinky little boat that you will out grow so fast you won't believe it. Go for the biggest boat you can afford and have fun. Sailing is not rocket science. People have been doing it for a long time. Also, beware of the sailing schools.. Some are a total ripoff..(see the posts in Sailor to Sailor) Catalina 30's are nice boats if you only plan near shore sailing. If you think you may go out a little farther, consider something with a little more strength. On the used market there are many fine, strong boats in the same price range with a better return for your dollar. Lin Pardey mentioned at a seminar that she knew of a couple cruising in a Catalina 30 after they had done some extensive structural upgrading. It's nice to know in a 35 knot blow and ten foot seas your hull isn't flexing. Good Luck Ron
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