Hi, I intend to take some basic lessons in sailing this summer and also rent a sailbboat on a couple weekends. When comes the time to buy my first sailboat what do you recommend? I want to be able to sleep on the boat with my girlfriend and sometimes invite friends too. My budget is about 15,000$CDN Thanks
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Look up Grampian Sailboats -
At the Grampian owner's website you will find a number of Grampians for sale ranging from 23' to 32'. They all have head room of 6 ft. plus, and even a 23 or 26 footer will sleep 5 in comfort. They are huge inside, and are very well built boats. You will be surprised at the prices - very reasonable. e-bay just had a listing for a Grampian advertisement from back in the 70's which congratulated the owner of a G-26 that had sailed from Oakville, Ontario across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands. From there he went to South Africa where he still sails the same Grampian 26. You will find Grampians all around the globe - still winning races as though they were fresh out of the factory. Cheers,
At the Grampian owner's website you will find a number of Grampians for sale ranging from 23' to 32'. They all have head room of 6 ft. plus, and even a 23 or 26 footer will sleep 5 in comfort. They are huge inside, and are very well built boats. You will be surprised at the prices - very reasonable. e-bay just had a listing for a Grampian advertisement from back in the 70's which congratulated the owner of a G-26 that had sailed from Oakville, Ontario across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands. From there he went to South Africa where he still sails the same Grampian 26. You will find Grampians all around the globe - still winning races as though they were fresh out of the factory. Cheers,
YachtWorld.com
First try a nationwide search on fiberglass sailboats upto $18,000 or so - maybe $20,000 because there is always room to negotiate. That will give you an idea of the types of boats you will be able to get into. A Catalina 27, Ericson 29, older Cal 30 and many more. I do not think you will be able to get into a Catalina 30 at that price. Give it a try www.yachtworld.com will give you alot of ideas. Then you can decide what you want and go out and find it in your area using more than just this resource.
First try a nationwide search on fiberglass sailboats upto $18,000 or so - maybe $20,000 because there is always room to negotiate. That will give you an idea of the types of boats you will be able to get into. A Catalina 27, Ericson 29, older Cal 30 and many more. I do not think you will be able to get into a Catalina 30 at that price. Give it a try www.yachtworld.com will give you alot of ideas. Then you can decide what you want and go out and find it in your area using more than just this resource.
Catalina 27 - The Perfect First Boat
Given your budget, I would look for a used Catalina 27. There were over 6,000 made and they are a real bargain. They are easy to sail, handle well and are very forgiving. Do not go any smaller if you want to spend time on board. Plus, this boat is has a lot of weight in the keel and is very stable in wind and waves. My husband and I bought an '86 three years ago and our Sloop Jan B is a gem. There is plenty of room for a "sleep over" -one of the settees pulls out into a double bed . We replaced the alcohol stove with a double burner electric unit and found a microwave to fit over the cutting board. When the microwave goes back in the quarter berth, the TV comes out and we spend most Saturday nights at the marina watching HBO, etc. Invest in the bug nets - Sogeyman (made in Canada)- or sleep on the cockpit cushions on a breezy evening. Also, look for a boat with a diesel engine, not a gas one! With a Catalina, you can always get parts, since the manufacturer is still in business, unlike O'day. There is plenty of room to take friends saiing and to party apres sail. Also, a good place to take "serious" sailing lessons is the International Sailing School in Malletts Bay on Lake Champlain in VT, if that is anywhere near where you live. Have your girlfriend take lessons too, since you really should have two people onboard who can handle the boat; in case the weather turns nasty or something happens to the skipper. Good luck with the sailing lessons and your boat search. You will fall in love with the sport. It is a passion and a sort of thalassotherapy from the stress of the job and everyday life. When you sail, you focus on that only, to the exclusion of all else and become one with the boat and more in synch with nature.
Given your budget, I would look for a used Catalina 27. There were over 6,000 made and they are a real bargain. They are easy to sail, handle well and are very forgiving. Do not go any smaller if you want to spend time on board. Plus, this boat is has a lot of weight in the keel and is very stable in wind and waves. My husband and I bought an '86 three years ago and our Sloop Jan B is a gem. There is plenty of room for a "sleep over" -one of the settees pulls out into a double bed . We replaced the alcohol stove with a double burner electric unit and found a microwave to fit over the cutting board. When the microwave goes back in the quarter berth, the TV comes out and we spend most Saturday nights at the marina watching HBO, etc. Invest in the bug nets - Sogeyman (made in Canada)- or sleep on the cockpit cushions on a breezy evening. Also, look for a boat with a diesel engine, not a gas one! With a Catalina, you can always get parts, since the manufacturer is still in business, unlike O'day. There is plenty of room to take friends saiing and to party apres sail. Also, a good place to take "serious" sailing lessons is the International Sailing School in Malletts Bay on Lake Champlain in VT, if that is anywhere near where you live. Have your girlfriend take lessons too, since you really should have two people onboard who can handle the boat; in case the weather turns nasty or something happens to the skipper. Good luck with the sailing lessons and your boat search. You will fall in love with the sport. It is a passion and a sort of thalassotherapy from the stress of the job and everyday life. When you sail, you focus on that only, to the exclusion of all else and become one with the boat and more in synch with nature.
Journey to buying the first!
Greetings, I do not have any particular advice, rather to share my journey to first time boat ownership. I'm 62, bought my first boat last September (a wonderful 31'Hunter-1985), and am loving the sailing life. Sailed for a month last Fall before pulling for the Winter. Very limited sailing experience, but decided to jump in with all fours. I began my search thinking I wanted a trailerable boat. Less expensive, no mooring fees, and I could go where I wanted. So I began by looking at 23's then 26's and then sailed with a friend on his 30' which he purchased the year before, and decided a 29' was the smallest I would purchase. Searched for 3 years before pulling the trigger - not because I could not make a decision, but rather not many boats available in good condition, and 2 that I would have bought were sold before I could act. However, the good thing of taking so long was I refined what I wanted on a boat - it changed over time - and when my boat appeared in a newspaper advertisement I jumped on it. Never questioned the price, just said I'll take it. I had seen so many and this one had all that I wanted and more. I love to tell the story because it has such a happy ending. We now have it on a slip, live on it 3 days a week during Summer (friday, saturday & sunday), we've joined the yacht club and made terrific new friends. Good luck in your search. David Gray
Greetings, I do not have any particular advice, rather to share my journey to first time boat ownership. I'm 62, bought my first boat last September (a wonderful 31'Hunter-1985), and am loving the sailing life. Sailed for a month last Fall before pulling for the Winter. Very limited sailing experience, but decided to jump in with all fours. I began my search thinking I wanted a trailerable boat. Less expensive, no mooring fees, and I could go where I wanted. So I began by looking at 23's then 26's and then sailed with a friend on his 30' which he purchased the year before, and decided a 29' was the smallest I would purchase. Searched for 3 years before pulling the trigger - not because I could not make a decision, but rather not many boats available in good condition, and 2 that I would have bought were sold before I could act. However, the good thing of taking so long was I refined what I wanted on a boat - it changed over time - and when my boat appeared in a newspaper advertisement I jumped on it. Never questioned the price, just said I'll take it. I had seen so many and this one had all that I wanted and more. I love to tell the story because it has such a happy ending. We now have it on a slip, live on it 3 days a week during Summer (friday, saturday & sunday), we've joined the yacht club and made terrific new friends. Good luck in your search. David Gray
smaller to learn on
the smaller you can go, the better your sailing skills will get before moving up to a bigger boat. O'day 22/O'Day 23/O'Day 25 Catalina 22/Catalina 25 are all great starter boats that will accomdate 2 for overnighting (3-4 in a pinch and if you're all friendly), although it will be more like camping than living in. You can get any of these boats for less than $15,000
the smaller you can go, the better your sailing skills will get before moving up to a bigger boat. O'day 22/O'Day 23/O'Day 25 Catalina 22/Catalina 25 are all great starter boats that will accomdate 2 for overnighting (3-4 in a pinch and if you're all friendly), although it will be more like camping than living in. You can get any of these boats for less than $15,000
macgregor
IF you want to keep the boat on a trailer, The OLDER macgregors are nice. (on this board, macgregor-owners.com) (not the 26X or new 26M) the mac's are mass produced, the 26 daggerboard and centerboards best of breed for sailing. (1988-1995) they are designed to be quick to setup and are way cheaper than your budget. If you want to keep it in the water during season, the catalina 25 or catalina 27 would be good choices. HOWEVER, I suggest you get a daysailer the first season, and learn there, or on laser2, puffer, flying scott....etc... smaller is much better to learn. try joining a sailing club and crewing for a season. best of luck!
IF you want to keep the boat on a trailer, The OLDER macgregors are nice. (on this board, macgregor-owners.com) (not the 26X or new 26M) the mac's are mass produced, the 26 daggerboard and centerboards best of breed for sailing. (1988-1995) they are designed to be quick to setup and are way cheaper than your budget. If you want to keep it in the water during season, the catalina 25 or catalina 27 would be good choices. HOWEVER, I suggest you get a daysailer the first season, and learn there, or on laser2, puffer, flying scott....etc... smaller is much better to learn. try joining a sailing club and crewing for a season. best of luck!
Save room in your budget for other expenses
I bought my first sailboat, a Catalina 27, last July. It needed some cosmetic work, but it is structurally sound. The marine survey rated her to be in excellent condition. First, consider whether you will keep your boat in a slip or trailer it. Marina storage fees can vary dramatically. Second, I recommend you not spend all of your budget on the boat itself, unless it comes with fenders, a full set of sails, sheets/lines are in good condition, life vests, etc. The cost of these things can slowly add up. Third, obtain a copy of "This Old Boat" by Don Casey. It has been an invaluable resource to us in prepping our boat to launch. The book includes, for example, tips on what products one can substitute for the more expensive, albeit the same, products sold at marine specialty stores; i.e., Simonize car wax protects an aluminum mast as well as a "boat wax" will, at a fraction of the cost. We love our boat and she looks fantastic sitting safely in her slip. Good luck with your search! Paul
I bought my first sailboat, a Catalina 27, last July. It needed some cosmetic work, but it is structurally sound. The marine survey rated her to be in excellent condition. First, consider whether you will keep your boat in a slip or trailer it. Marina storage fees can vary dramatically. Second, I recommend you not spend all of your budget on the boat itself, unless it comes with fenders, a full set of sails, sheets/lines are in good condition, life vests, etc. The cost of these things can slowly add up. Third, obtain a copy of "This Old Boat" by Don Casey. It has been an invaluable resource to us in prepping our boat to launch. The book includes, for example, tips on what products one can substitute for the more expensive, albeit the same, products sold at marine specialty stores; i.e., Simonize car wax protects an aluminum mast as well as a "boat wax" will, at a fraction of the cost. We love our boat and she looks fantastic sitting safely in her slip. Good luck with your search! Paul
Catalina 27
I agree with Janet. We owned a Catalina 27 from 1976-1980. We learned how to race and cruise on it. It has a great PHRF rating and it's fun to sail. There are many used boats to choose from and the price is right. Alice C.
I agree with Janet. We owned a Catalina 27 from 1976-1980. We learned how to race and cruise on it. It has a great PHRF rating and it's fun to sail. There are many used boats to choose from and the price is right. Alice C.
Columbia 26mkII
I don't have experience with other boats to really say too much, but my wife and I had never sailed and bought a well kept 1970 Columbia 26mkII last summer and have been loving it. Even though these boats have been out of production for many years there is still a very strong following and active message boards online ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/columbiasailingyachts/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Columbia-26MKII/ ) Compared to everything else we looked at, the 26mkII had the roommiest interior, including an enclosed head, and was the best priced (many are around $5000 for a well kept boat). These boats are very solid and I know there is some guy out there that has sailed from California to Hawaii and back on one of these. The downside is they are too heavy to be easily trailerable, but this also makes them much more stable feeling in the water. I found one report online of some guy with a 26mkII that went out in the Carribean in a storm and tried as hard as he could to get the boat to capsize and couldn't.
I don't have experience with other boats to really say too much, but my wife and I had never sailed and bought a well kept 1970 Columbia 26mkII last summer and have been loving it. Even though these boats have been out of production for many years there is still a very strong following and active message boards online ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/columbiasailingyachts/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Columbia-26MKII/ ) Compared to everything else we looked at, the 26mkII had the roommiest interior, including an enclosed head, and was the best priced (many are around $5000 for a well kept boat). These boats are very solid and I know there is some guy out there that has sailed from California to Hawaii and back on one of these. The downside is they are too heavy to be easily trailerable, but this also makes them much more stable feeling in the water. I found one report online of some guy with a 26mkII that went out in the Carribean in a storm and tried as hard as he could to get the boat to capsize and couldn't.
Attachments
don't go too fast!
You are wise to take some lessons, rent a boat for a while before you dive into ownership. Sailing is too broad a term for what we do on the water. Some folks will fall in love with club racing (we did), but back in the 80's when we bought our first sailboat over 20 feet, we did not know how much fun that aspect would be. Wife likes to sail leasurely (sp?) to a quiet gunkhole, drop the anchor and spend the night on the hook. I enjoy getting there: plotting the course, noting the waypoint bouys, studying the winds and tides just as much. We thought we would like visiting marinas (a la campgrounds) but that part is now passe'. Entertaining on board, even at the dock, is a fun way to meet old friends. Daysails with visiting family is a real treat for all of us. We don't cook on board nearly as much as we thought we would. Exploring hidden coves and poking around new creeks is still a rush. I enjoy cleaning, tuning and maintaining the boat as well. The camaraderie at my Rebel Marina is second to none. So take some time to find out what you really like to do: then choose the boat style that will fit you, instead of you fitting into a boat. Take care, joe So take some time and find out what you really like to do with a
You are wise to take some lessons, rent a boat for a while before you dive into ownership. Sailing is too broad a term for what we do on the water. Some folks will fall in love with club racing (we did), but back in the 80's when we bought our first sailboat over 20 feet, we did not know how much fun that aspect would be. Wife likes to sail leasurely (sp?) to a quiet gunkhole, drop the anchor and spend the night on the hook. I enjoy getting there: plotting the course, noting the waypoint bouys, studying the winds and tides just as much. We thought we would like visiting marinas (a la campgrounds) but that part is now passe'. Entertaining on board, even at the dock, is a fun way to meet old friends. Daysails with visiting family is a real treat for all of us. We don't cook on board nearly as much as we thought we would. Exploring hidden coves and poking around new creeks is still a rush. I enjoy cleaning, tuning and maintaining the boat as well. The camaraderie at my Rebel Marina is second to none. So take some time to find out what you really like to do: then choose the boat style that will fit you, instead of you fitting into a boat. Take care, joe So take some time and find out what you really like to do with a
My recent purchase of my first boat
Want to quickly share my thought process in purchasing my boat, as I believe I had been quite methodical throughout. There are many things to consider when buying a boat. Just to name a few, you have the price, the length, the age, the condition, the outside appearance, the inside layout, then you get into more technical stuff like the hull speed, the head room, etc. You have to decide which items are most important, and which you are willing to comprimise. For me, price and length was my most important factors. I wanted to spend no more than US $2000 for my first boat because I know I'll be upgrading to something later and want to be able to just give my boat to a friend. I also wanted at least a 24' boat since I want to be able to go out to the ocean shores on good weather days. A third requirement for me, although less critical, is to have a housing in the middle of the boat. I felt that makes a boat look more stately, as opposed to a flat deck such as the Cal line of boats. For my price and size, I was willing to sacrifice age (I'm confortable with 30 year old fiberglass hulls), condition (I'm not entertaining anyone), and interior room (boat will be used by just me and my wife) of the boat. With these criteria in my mind, the rest was just waiting for my ideal boat to come to the market. I staked out at local online boat classified, checking everyday. When a potential candidate appears, I'm usually the first to check it out (it helps when you have flexible schedule). After looking at more than 20 boats, I found my boat. Just like the other poster said, when I saw this one, I knew it was what I want. It was listed for $2200, but it came a 6 hp motor; so the price for the boat itself was actually only about $1700-1800. Paid a deposit right on the spot and the deal was done. Here is the result: http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fernsideblvd3217/album?.dir=/d09a Robert
Want to quickly share my thought process in purchasing my boat, as I believe I had been quite methodical throughout. There are many things to consider when buying a boat. Just to name a few, you have the price, the length, the age, the condition, the outside appearance, the inside layout, then you get into more technical stuff like the hull speed, the head room, etc. You have to decide which items are most important, and which you are willing to comprimise. For me, price and length was my most important factors. I wanted to spend no more than US $2000 for my first boat because I know I'll be upgrading to something later and want to be able to just give my boat to a friend. I also wanted at least a 24' boat since I want to be able to go out to the ocean shores on good weather days. A third requirement for me, although less critical, is to have a housing in the middle of the boat. I felt that makes a boat look more stately, as opposed to a flat deck such as the Cal line of boats. For my price and size, I was willing to sacrifice age (I'm confortable with 30 year old fiberglass hulls), condition (I'm not entertaining anyone), and interior room (boat will be used by just me and my wife) of the boat. With these criteria in my mind, the rest was just waiting for my ideal boat to come to the market. I staked out at local online boat classified, checking everyday. When a potential candidate appears, I'm usually the first to check it out (it helps when you have flexible schedule). After looking at more than 20 boats, I found my boat. Just like the other poster said, when I saw this one, I knew it was what I want. It was listed for $2200, but it came a 6 hp motor; so the price for the boat itself was actually only about $1700-1800. Paid a deposit right on the spot and the deal was done. Here is the result: http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fernsideblvd3217/album?.dir=/d09a Robert
good advice from all
Lot's of good advice here, especially from Joe about taking time to be sure of what you want from a boat. The skipper of the boat I've raced on for a long time said his dad had great advice - "get the boat you want the first time, you might not get a second chance". (sometimes the "CFO" can't see the ned to upgrade). Made sure my first boat was one that I'll be happy with if I get voted down on future investments.
Lot's of good advice here, especially from Joe about taking time to be sure of what you want from a boat. The skipper of the boat I've raced on for a long time said his dad had great advice - "get the boat you want the first time, you might not get a second chance". (sometimes the "CFO" can't see the ned to upgrade). Made sure my first boat was one that I'll be happy with if I get voted down on future investments.
Two ways to go!
There is a lot of difference in price as to whether you want a ready to go boat, or a fixer upper! I got a great deal on my boat, at least I think so, sold as a fixer upper, but there really wasnt that much wrong with her! I could have sailed her out that day! I just didnt like the color and wanted to change the interior, etc. Look around you can find some good deals, far less then you stated! A little patience can go a long way!
There is a lot of difference in price as to whether you want a ready to go boat, or a fixer upper! I got a great deal on my boat, at least I think so, sold as a fixer upper, but there really wasnt that much wrong with her! I could have sailed her out that day! I just didnt like the color and wanted to change the interior, etc. Look around you can find some good deals, far less then you stated! A little patience can go a long way!
Thank you for all the good advice
I'll stick to my plan and start with lessons for me and my girl. Then we'll rent until we are 100% sure of what we want to buy. I'm beginning to think that maybe I'll rent for more than 1 year and after that buy a more expensive boat that's able to go at least a little fast and that can go into coastwaters, not just lakes. Thanks to all.
I'll stick to my plan and start with lessons for me and my girl. Then we'll rent until we are 100% sure of what we want to buy. I'm beginning to think that maybe I'll rent for more than 1 year and after that buy a more expensive boat that's able to go at least a little fast and that can go into coastwaters, not just lakes. Thanks to all.
My First Boat
I am a new sailor, but I didnt want to go the route of buying small to learn on and then hope I had the money to go bigger at a later date. I found a 30 year old Hunter 25 that seemed to be calling out my name as I walked down the dock towards it. It sleeps four and has plenty of room for my taste. It needs some Cleaning and TLC, but that just gives me a reason to be on the boat even when I cant take it out. I bought it in the dead of winter so that had already brought the price down a bit. The owner had recently bought a j-35 and could not affford to pay 2 slip fees. I offered him $1250, and the deal was done. I have been out on her a few times now, and she handles great. I think that this shows that you dont need to spend a fortune to find out if the sailing life is for you. Now I have all that extra money for toys and goodies for her.
I am a new sailor, but I didnt want to go the route of buying small to learn on and then hope I had the money to go bigger at a later date. I found a 30 year old Hunter 25 that seemed to be calling out my name as I walked down the dock towards it. It sleeps four and has plenty of room for my taste. It needs some Cleaning and TLC, but that just gives me a reason to be on the boat even when I cant take it out. I bought it in the dead of winter so that had already brought the price down a bit. The owner had recently bought a j-35 and could not affford to pay 2 slip fees. I offered him $1250, and the deal was done. I have been out on her a few times now, and she handles great. I think that this shows that you dont need to spend a fortune to find out if the sailing life is for you. Now I have all that extra money for toys and goodies for her.
re: My First Boat
You got that boat for 1250$? Either I'm looking in the wrong places or this is the deal of the century! Around here boats like this are around 10-15K Canadian.
You got that boat for 1250$? Either I'm looking in the wrong places or this is the deal of the century! Around here boats like this are around 10-15K Canadian.
just look around
If you live near the water/boat yards/marina take a walk around. It is a buyers market for boats. There are more owners who are looking to sell their boats than buyers so you can be picky and get a good price for just about anything. At my club alone there are 3 boats right now that the owners want to sell at fair prices. I was at another club this past weekend and saw at least 8 boats that need new homes. Most of these boats are out of the water because 1. the owner has moved(or is in the process) 2. the owner has gotten to the point that they can't sail anymore (sickness, old age, whatever) 3. the owner has bought another boat and doesn't want to be a 2 boat owner for long 4. the boat yard has a boat that they NEED to clear out of their yard Ask around and you'll find the boat of your dreams ( I did over the winter and now I'm sailing a much larger boat for the same price that I sold my old smaller older boat for) Best of luck
If you live near the water/boat yards/marina take a walk around. It is a buyers market for boats. There are more owners who are looking to sell their boats than buyers so you can be picky and get a good price for just about anything. At my club alone there are 3 boats right now that the owners want to sell at fair prices. I was at another club this past weekend and saw at least 8 boats that need new homes. Most of these boats are out of the water because 1. the owner has moved(or is in the process) 2. the owner has gotten to the point that they can't sail anymore (sickness, old age, whatever) 3. the owner has bought another boat and doesn't want to be a 2 boat owner for long 4. the boat yard has a boat that they NEED to clear out of their yard Ask around and you'll find the boat of your dreams ( I did over the winter and now I'm sailing a much larger boat for the same price that I sold my old smaller older boat for) Best of luck
Since you are in Quebec
I'd buy a boat that is popular in Eastern Canada so that you can easily resell if you don't like sailing. And I'd suggest you broaden your price range to $15K-25K CDN. For $25K CDN you can get a very good 27 footer. Some popular models would be the Grampian 26 that was mentioned in an earlier post, and C&C, CS, Aloha, Tanzer, and Catalina. All made 27 footers. Other than the Catalina the rest are Canadian made boats, so there are lots of them.
I'd buy a boat that is popular in Eastern Canada so that you can easily resell if you don't like sailing. And I'd suggest you broaden your price range to $15K-25K CDN. For $25K CDN you can get a very good 27 footer. Some popular models would be the Grampian 26 that was mentioned in an earlier post, and C&C, CS, Aloha, Tanzer, and Catalina. All made 27 footers. Other than the Catalina the rest are Canadian made boats, so there are lots of them.
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