First Sailboat

[Ferruh]

The Beneteau 34 and 37 are in your age and size range. They’d both be pretty solid coastal cruisers for they types of trips you’re looking at.

Thank you David

 

[Ferruh]

Which of the boats does she like?

She Doesn't have any experience with the sailboats, We will be in Belize next month for a week for ASA classes on a 44 ft catamaran.
I think she will love Hunter 36

 

[Ferruh]

[Sounds nice. A 37 to 38-ft boat is a comfortable size for a cruising couple. My wife and I have been cruising our Bavaria 38E around Southern California since 2004. Below, there is room to “spread out” as well as room for another couple to come aboard as guests for a few days to a couple of weeks. In 2008 we cruised Santa Cruz Island for 12 days with an another couple aboard. But it’s usually just the two of us, or only weekend-long trips with guests.

In terms of “essentials” in my opinion, the boat should be equipped with a good autopilot, such as the Raymarine ST6000 or equivalent (although there are other essentials as well). When motoring, an autopilot steers a much straighter course than a crew, relieving the helm of “unexciting” duty on long passages. When sailing, a good autopilot will sail the boat on the compass course you set, with some deviation depending on sea conditions and point of sail, up to maybe 17 to 20 kt apparent wind. Above that, or perhaps even earlier if the seas are on your quarter (i.e., you’re sailing a broad reach), the electric autohelms may start having some trouble, even the good ones, so you’ll be helming more. When arriving on the quarter the seas slew the stern leeward forcing the bow to weather, where the boat speeds up “wanting” to go further to weather. The autohelm has to muster a lot of force (torque) to bring the boat back on course and it might take a few seconds. A person at the helm can anticipate the response of the boat to the approaching sea and correct the course (i.e., bear away some) BEFORE the boat starts to head off to weather. This is necessary to maintain a straight course. Otherwise you’re “scalloping” all over the place.

Thank you Kings Gambit, really helpful.

 

[Ferruh]

What is it that you like about the boats that get your attention? What do you know about what you don't want? Seeing that you mean to jump straight into a very large commitment, most sailors have developed their preferences based on experience, and we all have unique experiences. You may or may not have misconceptions and misconceptions can lead to a closed mind. So, what are the qualities that you want?

Hi Scott,

I like the boat can handle shorthands, Heat and Cool air conditioning, Furling main and Genoa, the Windlass anchor, easy handling, and compact.

 

[Ferruh]

The charter idea is a great one. Under the current limitations the governments are doing to try and control the pandemic spread, may be more difficult than a couple of years ago to charter boats. You may need to look at alternatives. Your recent schooling may permit you to join a local sailing club and take their boats out on the water.

You may be able to join a local yacht club as an associate member (one who does not own a boat but wants too). Then offer to crew on boats of various sizes to get some boat time.

Even the organization that provided the classes may have a boat rental opportunity.

At the stage of skill development where you have taken classes, the next major step is to just sail.

Boat ownership is a 2 part experience from a financial perspective.

Part one is the selection and acquisition. This is the phase it appears you are contemplating. How big? Which boat? How much (oh we have that in petty cash or we can finance that)?

Part two occurs after that magic day when you step aboard your boat. Who is going to do the maintenance?How much will it cost? Do they know their job? Will I know if they know their job? What new parts should we add to the boat? Where will we keep the boat? You what how much per foot? How much does the insurance cost? What do you mean I need to overhaul the engine, it was running fine the last time I took it out? Another Bottom Paint job, the painted the bottom only 2 years ago? Of course I put zinc's on the boat. What you need to attach them somewhere? The prop is gone? No that can't be. What in the world is a Cutlass bearing? What is it holding up and why does it cost that much?

Part two is the side of boat ownership that really can cost more than the boat. It is like any hobby. It changes with size and complication. The more features/systems on your boat the more costly is the maintenance.

Be sure that you want to take up this hobby as you prepare to dive into the deep end of the pool. There are so many great experiences awaiting as there are challenges that will test your resolve.

Thank you John, Really appreciate it,

 

[Ferruh]

As a former owner of a H356 I can recommend it for your purposes.
In my opinion, while ASA lessons are good, the success of cruising is in the experience of knowing destinations. So I suggest looking for and studying cruising guides for the areas you want to go. Where to anchor? What services are available? What weather conditions are suitable or unsuitable for a particular destination. You learn to cruise.
For example: Coecles Harbor in Shelter Island is a popular, safe anchorage, USGC designated and has good holding. Except in a N-NE gale. Then you'd be better off at the Coecles Harbor Marine mooring field. I know this because I've lived it.

Thank you Andrew,

 

[Ferruh]

Hello,

Welcome! And good luck in your sailing career!

IMHO, the most common cruising boats are more similar than not. Boats from Hunter, Catalina, Jeanneau, Beneteau, Dufour, Hanse, Bavaria, etc are mostly all the same. That's a good thing, not a bad thing, as there should be plenty of boats for you to examine.

Some advice from me:
-If you are going to be mostly day sailing or weekending, or being away for under a week then a smaller boat (33-36) is better than a bigger boat (36-40). The smaller boat is cheaper or newer, easier to sail, easier to maintain, cheaper in marina's and more than spacious enough for 2 people.
-If you are going to be aboard for month or longer, then you may want the bigger boat. If you are spending longer time on board you MAY want heat or Air conditioning, powered windlass, and more creature comforts.
-You should try to find a good broker / dealer and see lots of boats. Have the broker point out the benefits and disadvantages of different boats. Do you like single helm or two? Single is simpler, two makes moving from stern to cabin easier. Do you like roller furling main or traditional main? Do you want a larger head w shower or more space in cabin? It's impossible to know until you have been aboard a bunch of boats.
-Lastly, don't be surprised that if you wants and needs change after you get some experience.
-I suggest you start smaller and cheaper and work from there.

Good luck,
Barry

That's really helpful thank you Barry,

 

[surfstud31]

I just bought a 1995 Beneteau 321 for my first sailboat and love it. I will be doing a lot of solo sailing so I wanted a sailboat that wasn’t too big. I settled on a 32’ with a furling mainsail and jib. Just replaced both sails with great success.Don’t let anyone tell you that Hunter or Beneteau are not good choices because they are production boats. There is nothing wrong with these boats at all. They afford more creature comforts than so-called classic sailboats like Pearson. My berths are big & comfortable. The furling mainsail is great and easy to use. The sugar scoop stern has a swim platform & ladder which is also great for boarding your tender. I have a 4’ keel which is nice for shallow water. Take your time and buy the boat that screams out to you.

 

[jssailem]

We will be in Belize next month for a week for ASA classes on a 44 ft catamaran.
I think she will love Hunter 36

Oh No!

You should have a great time in Belize.

I know we did, when we chartered out of Placencia in May of 2019. 9 days of exploring the waters, islands and the Great Reef aboard a Moorings Leopard 42. You are going to experience the Condo on the water riding in a Catamaran down there. You either love a mono-hull or you do not. Some, once they cruise in a Catamaran never can go back to the mono-hull. I hope for your sake that the two of you are on the same page.

 

[Ferruh]

Oh No!

You should have a great time in Belize.

I know we did, when we chartered out of Placencia in May of 2019. 9 days of exploring the waters, islands and the Great Reef aboard a Moorings Leopard 42. You are going to experience the Condo on the water riding in a Catamaran down there. You either love a mono-hull or you do not. Some, once they cruise in a Catamaran never can go back to the mono-hull. I hope for your sake that the two of you are on the same page.

Thank you John,
Finger crossed

 

[Kings Gambit]

I just bought a 1995 Beneteau 321 for my first sailboat and love it. I will be doing a lot of solo sailing so I wanted a sailboat that wasn’t too big. I settled on a 32’ with a furling mainsail and jib. Just replaced both sails with great success.Don’t let anyone tell you that Hunter or Beneteau are not good choices because they are production boats. There is nothing wrong with these boats at all. They afford more creature comforts than so-called classic sailboats like Pearson. My berths are big & comfortable. The furling mainsail is great and easy to use. The sugar scoop stern has a swim platform & ladder which is also great for boarding your tender. I have a 4’ keel which is nice for shallow water. Take your time and buy the boat that screams out to you.

Maybe three months into a first boat and we have new expert already advising another first-timer. Now when or where did anyone say production boats are somehow not good choices? Unless the boat is a custom-build job, or perhaps made-to-order, it’s a production boat; i.e., it emerges out of factory production, etc. That accounts for about all of the boats that we everyday folks can afford, even at the higher end. Certainly the ones typically discussed in here. One brand of production boat compared to another. Your comment belies a lack of much understanding of what you speak, etc. Hardly a testimonial to put much credence into. Nobody is going to say don’t buy a production Beneteau because it’s better to go find a designer for a custom build if you want a “good” boat, as if that would be a viable option.

 

[Ferruh]

I just bought a 1995 Beneteau 321 for my first sailboat and love it. I will be doing a lot of solo sailing so I wanted a sailboat that wasn’t too big. I settled on a 32’ with a furling mainsail and jib. Just replaced both sails with great success.Don’t let anyone tell you that Hunter or Beneteau are not good choices because they are production boats. There is nothing wrong with these boats at all. They afford more creature comforts than so-called classic sailboats like Pearson. My berths are big & comfortable. The furling mainsail is great and easy to use. The sugar scoop stern has a swim platform & ladder which is also great for boarding your tender. I have a 4’ keel which is nice for shallow water. Take your time and buy the boat that screams out to you.

Thank you Jon.

 

[SFS]

Lots to think about. I will simply echo two previous thoughts, as they are both important.

1) Go look at and preferably spend time on a LOT of boats, with your wife. At some point, you'll know you have found the boat. Sounds stupid, but it is not. Don't be surprised if your wife says "this is the one". If she does, she is right.

2) Catamarans are a different breed. Lots of room, different under sail, expensive compared to monos (you are buying two hulls). Not right or wrong for you, just different, and hard to compare directly to monohulls. The space can be addictive, and marina fees are often double. Be careful. I've known many folks that spend a week on a cat and never go back.

One more thought. It is almost always cheaper to buy a boat with the equipment you want than to add stuff before you set off. Good luck.

 

[Ferruh]

Lots to think about. I will simply echo two previous thoughts, as they are both important.

1) Go look at and preferably spend time on a LOT of boats, with your wife. At some point, you'll know you have found the boat. Sounds stupid, but it is not. Don't be surprised if your wife says "this is the one". If she does, she is right.

2) Catamarans are a different breed. Lots of room, different under sail, expensive compared to monos (you are buying two hulls). Not right or wrong for you, just different, and hard to compare directly to monohulls. The space can be addictive, and marina fees are often double. Be careful. I've known many folks that spend a week on a cat and never go back.

One more thought. It is almost always cheaper to buy a boat with the equipment you want than to add stuff before you set off. Good luck.

Thank you very much.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Hello @Ferruh,

Welcome to sailing in New Jersey! Where did you take your classes? Did you take them in New York Harbor or on Raritan Bay?

I certainly wouldn't discourage you from seeking the boat that you may think is your ultimate, but it is very difficult for a new sailor to know what they want. I think it is deceptively difficult. You really don't have any idea until you have experience. Most of us cut our teeth on smaller boats and learn our preferences over the course of several years. And to be sure, a cruising sailboat is a world of difference from a one-design small boat or even a 20-foot something trailer-sailer. So be forewarned that it won't be easy and you may be taken by surprise. If I'm not mistaken, you may be at that stage where you really don't know what you don't know!

That said, it is exciting to be looking at boats and when your wife is enthused, it's even better. I will suggest that whatever your wife likes best is probably your best bet! I think somebody already alluded to that simple fact. You won't be happy if she is not happy.

We recently moved from a 27' pocket cruiser to our Catalina 320 and we couldn't be happier. But Sue may be barely ready for a week on board and definitely not ready for a longer period, even though our boat seems spacious to us now.

I'll point out a few things for your consideration:

• A ten-year old boat should be ready to sail away without ANY major expenses that you would need to be considering other than batteries if they hadn't been recently replaced. A 20-year old boat will probably have more issues to consider such as standing rigging, sails, engine overhaul, lifelines, electronics, furling, refrigeration, heating/AC, electrics and pumps & batteries (depending again). When you get to 20 years, everything may be fine, but there will be a lot that is suspect. You would probably need to start budgeting right away. With a more modern 10-year old boat, I would guess that you can easily find a boat with all of the rigging and comfort features that would make you happy without need for any modifications or additions
• Yes, you definitely want furling headsail, furling mainsail is more of a personal choice, but you seem to be inclined so make that a definite. Definitely need a windlass to drag the anchor up. I was surprised at how much I think I need a windlass even on our 32' boat where I was dragging anchor without a windlass, easily, on our 27' cruiser. Reverse cycle heat / ac has been a huge bonus on our boat. So has the full enclosure cockpit been a very pleasant comfort.
• Aside from the modern features, there are significant differences in the boat brands that you may want to consider. Based on my very limited experience with Hunter, I think they are extremely comfortable dockside boats and I love the layout in the cabin. Headroom is great, the circular cockpit is a delight, I love the arch for all the convenience it provides (traveler above your head - great platform for a bimini). The negatives in my opinion (as also expressed by an owner of a Hunter 310 whom I know well) ... it's a lighter-weight boat and may not be a particularly comfortable boat in rough conditions. I'm not attracted to the B&R rig with the severely swept back spreaders - downwind sailing may be compromised. The circular cockpit with the high combing gives you a very nice feeling of security & spaciousness, but I'm not crazy about the lack of side decks next to the cockpit. I'm not sure if the keel is lead or steel. A lead keel is a significant positive in favor over steel keels in my opinion.
• We looked very seriously at a Beneteau 321 and Sue liked it a lot. I liked the rigging, the deck layout, and the sail plan but I wasn't overwhelmed by the space below. Catalina 320 had the edge in the comfort factor, without giving anything up in performance, quality or sailing hardware in my opinion. I also thought the space and layout in the Catalina 320 was favorable when measured against the Catalina 34 (an older design), but that is also a matter of opinion. Catalinas have a lead keel and the fit and finish has always been a very favorable comparison against other boats. I also prefer the masthead rig, despite the modern trend towards fractional rigs.
• I used to have a very negative opinion against the wing-keeled version of Catalinas. A shoal draft keel is imperative on Barnegat Bay. It isn't so much on Raritan Bay, but, that said, the entire East Coast, including the Bahamas, offers so much more access to boats with shoal draft and I think it would be foolish to not think about it as an important factor. I got over my negative attitude about wing-keels, but I could not buy a Catalina until I did!
• When we brought our Catalina 320 home and parked her next to a Catalina 350, I could not get over the what-if feeling that I had looking at that boat! OMG, what a step up in space and comfort. It is a very similar boat to ours in many respects but with so much more space. I don't know how Sue couldn't be comfortable in that boat for a long period of time. It didn't help that the boat is in showroom condition even though it is about 14 years old. The price tag of similar Cat 350s pretty much doubles what we paid, though, so there is that. When you are shopping, the price tag will certainly play into your preferences. I've always found that my preferences pretty much align with the general costs on the market. I always seem to favor the boats that are more expensive on the market, which probably means that my preferences pretty much line up with other sailors and there is a reason why market forces favor some boats over others. I don't really look for validation based on price, but it just seems to work out that way. I tend to have conventional preferences so I guess that's the way it is for me.

 

[Ferruh]

Hello @Ferruh,

Welcome to sailing in New Jersey! Where did you take your classes? Did you take them in New York Harbor or on Raritan Bay?

I certainly wouldn't discourage you from seeking the boat that you may think is your ultimate, but it is very difficult for a new sailor to know what they want. I think it is deceptively difficult. You really don't have any idea until you have experience. Most of us cut our teeth on smaller boats and learn our preferences over the course of several years. And to be sure, a cruising sailboat is a world of difference from a one-design small boat or even a 20-foot something trailer-sailer. So be forewarned that it won't be easy and you may be taken by surprise. If I'm not mistaken, you may be at that stage where you really don't know what you don't know!

That said, it is exciting to be looking at boats and when your wife is enthused, it's even better. I will suggest that whatever your wife likes best is probably your best bet! I think somebody already alluded to that simple fact. You won't be happy if she is not happy.

We recently moved from a 27' pocket cruiser to our Catalina 320 and we couldn't be happier. But Sue may be barely ready for a week on board and definitely not ready for a longer period, even though our boat seems spacious to us now.

I'll point out a few things for your consideration:

• A ten-year old boat should be ready to sail away without ANY major expenses that you would need to be considering other than batteries if they hadn't been recently replaced. A 20-year old boat will probably have more issues to consider such as standing rigging, sails, engine overhaul, lifelines, electronics, furling, refrigeration, heating/AC, electrics and pumps & batteries (depending again). When you get to 20 years, everything may be fine, but there will be a lot that is suspect. You would probably need to start budgeting right away. With a more modern 10-year old boat, I would guess that you can easily find a boat with all of the rigging and comfort features that would make you happy without need for any modifications or additions
• Yes, you definitely want furling headsail, furling mainsail is more of a personal choice, but you seem to be inclined so make that a definite. Definitely need a windlass to drag the anchor up. I was surprised at how much I think I need a windlass even on our 32' boat where I was dragging anchor without a windlass, easily, on our 27' cruiser. Reverse cycle heat / ac has been a huge bonus on our boat. So has the full enclosure cockpit been a very pleasant comfort.
• Aside from the modern features, there are significant differences in the boat brands that you may want to consider. Based on my very limited experience with Hunter, I think they are extremely comfortable dockside boats and I love the layout in the cabin. Headroom is great, the circular cockpit is a delight, I love the arch for all the convenience it provides (traveler above your head - great platform for a bimini). The negatives in my opinion (as also expressed by an owner of a Hunter 310 whom I know well) ... it's a lighter-weight boat and may not be a particularly comfortable boat in rough conditions. I'm not attracted to the B&R rig with the severely swept back spreaders - downwind sailing may be compromised. The circular cockpit with the high combing gives you a very nice feeling of security & spaciousness, but I'm not crazy about the lack of side decks next to the cockpit. I'm not sure if the keel is lead or steel. A lead keel is a significant positive in favor over steel keels in my opinion.
• We looked very seriously at a Beneteau 321 and Sue liked it a lot. I liked the rigging, the deck layout, and the sail plan but I wasn't overwhelmed by the space below. Catalina 320 had the edge in the comfort factor, without giving anything up in performance, quality or sailing hardware in my opinion. I also thought the space and layout in the Catalina 320 was favorable when measured against the Catalina 34 (an older design), but that is also a matter of opinion. Catalinas have a lead keel and the fit and finish has always been a very favorable comparison against other boats. I also prefer the masthead rig, despite the modern trend towards fractional rigs.
• I used to have a very negative opinion against the wing-keeled version of Catalinas. A shoal draft keel is imperative on Barnegat Bay. It isn't so much on Raritan Bay, but, that said, the entire East Coast, including the Bahamas, offers so much more access to boats with shoal draft and I think it would be foolish to not think about it as an important factor. I got over my negative attitude about wing-keels, but I could not buy a Catalina until I did!
• When we brought our Catalina 320 home and parked her next to a Catalina 350, I could not get over the what-if feeling that I had looking at that boat! OMG, what a step up in space and comfort. It is a very similar boat to ours in many respects but with so much more space. I don't know how Sue couldn't be comfortable in that boat for a long period of time. It didn't help that the boat is in showroom condition even though it is about 14 years old. The price tag of similar Cat 350s pretty much doubles what we paid, though, so there is that. When you are shopping, the price tag will certainly play into your preferences. I've always found that my preferences pretty much align with the general costs on the market. I always seem to favor the boats that are more expensive on the market, which probably means that my preferences pretty much line up with other sailors and there is a reason why market forces favor some boats over others. I don't really look for validation based on price, but it just seems to work out that way. I tend to have conventional preferences so I guess that's the way it is for me.

Dear Scott,

I really appreciate to you taking your time and helping me out to make my decision. I'm really happy to find all of you guys helping me.
That is meaning a lot to me.

This year end of the August I bought 24 ft Sea Boss Walk around outboard motor fishing boat and after I used couple of time I said to myself
I liked being on the water but I don't like the noise of the engine. After that I found the ASA sailing schools after some online researches.
I talked with my 18 years old son to come with me to take ASA classes. Our first ASA101 class we took from Manhattan Sailing School with 24 Ft J boats. We enjoyed a lot that weekend. 2 Weeks later we took our ASA104 From Sailtime Philedelphia in Riverside NJ with 2007 Hunter 33.
I love that boat and enjoyed a lot. After ASA103 i decided to sell my Sea Boss and buy a 34-36 Ft Sailboat probably Hunter.

December 5th we are going to Belize to take ASA104-105 for me and my wife will take ASA101-103.

I love the voice of the wind, feel of the wind on my face on the first day of my sailing.

if I can find a 2009 Hunter for 50-55K I believe that would be good for me.

 

[jon hansen]

 

[Kings Gambit]

2007 Hunters in that price range (to $55K) on the US east coast are around 31 ft LOA, according to listings on YachtWorld.com. An adequate sized and capable boat for a coastal cruising couple. My wife and I cruised SW Florida for 6 years, then Southern CA for another 5 years, in our Pearson 30–an overall smaller yacht by quite a bit; much overnight anchoring.

 

[Ferruh]

2007 Hunters in that price range (to $55K) on the US east coast are around 31 ft LOA, according to listings on YachtWorld.com. An adequate sized and capable boat for a coastal cruising couple. My wife and I cruised SW Florida for 6 years, then Southern CA for another 5 years, in our Pearson 30–an overall smaller yacht by quite a bit; much overnight anchoring.

I found one 2009 Hunter 36 69K listing price, any idea boat transportation from Florida?

 

[Kings Gambit]

I found one 2009 Hunter 36 69K listing price, any idea boat transportation from Florida?

There are three options. Go fetch it yourself. Hire a boat delivery skipper. Put it on a truck. You did not say on which coast of FL. Add a couple of days for water transport if it is on the west coast.