Jumping ship (from power to sail)

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HukilauMike

HukilauMike

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May 31, 2004
858
Catalina 28 Branford
Sail a lot

One more vote for sailing on as many different kinds of boats as possible before you buy. As an experienced boater, you already know what you like and dislike about certain kinds of boats, and I am sure also know what kind of powerboat best suits you. However, you have yet to determine what kind of sailing you like, and what kind of sailboat suits you best. You mentioned a 30-35 footer maybe as something to look at. An Alberg 35 built in 1960 is a much different boat than a Catalina built in 1990. Completely different levels of comfort below, and they sail completely differently. Before you buy a sailboat, do some testing; figure out what is important to you, then you can choose a boat that fits you, rather than pull the trigger too quickly and be stuck with a boat that isn't suited to your desires.
 
seadaddler

seadaddler

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Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Go sailing

You are half way there because you are a boater. Take your time buying until you learn about all the different types of sailboats that are out on the water. You are in annapolis so should be able to hook up with some sail boater people to help with what boat to get. I think once you decide what kind of sailing you will be doing that 30 to 35 is a good size,what size power boat did you have or want to have and newer or older,how much repairing do you want to do. Get something easy to sail,everyone thinks sailboats are a lot of work but that's not true,the newer Hunters with roller jib and main are almost self sailing,I am kidding. The boat you decide to buy will decide whether you and your other half will love or hate it. So go spend a year sailing around with different boats as many as you can,go shoot the breeze at the marina with sailboaters and pick their brain, talk to owners of newer sailboats and older boats but don't listen to racers if you are not into racing which is a lot of fun for some,racers will tell you to buy a boat for racing. Take some sailing lessons on a sailboat to help with the learning,most of all don't rush into a great deal on a boat until you learn more about sailing and sailboats,so many choices of boats and keep asking questions here. I went from Hobie Cats to a 29 hunter and now own a 36 hunter and check out some used 356/36 hunters they are a great cruising boat easy to sail and lots of room. Nick
 
Mulf

Mulf

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Dec 2, 2003
400
Hunter 410 Chester, MD (Kent Island)
If your wife is hesitant...

I strongly suggest getting her to sign up for a course with Womanship in Annapolis. All women instructors and women students, and their motto is NO YELLING. Second best thing I ever ever talked her into (after getting her to marry me). Really gave her the confidence needed to enjoy the process, not just ride along.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Dlittlejohn, If you come to the upper bay I will gladly give you

a tour of our thirty foot two person boat. Very comfortable for two, ok for three if they are very good friends. More than 3 just for day trips. Never go out alone mostly with Nancy(wife).
 
D

dlittlejohn

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Apr 15, 2008
3
none none -
Thanks to everyone

Thank you to everyone for the advice and encouragement. We are looking forward to talking a course this summer; it should be a lot of fun.
 
K

Ken

Race your way to experience

A good way to sail a variety of boats and hone your skills, novice or pro, is to go racing. There are always boats looking for another hand and many more that would take you along if you asked to go! If there are groups in your area like ours, its a very relaxed race, all types of boats ... and skippers and is really just another excuse to "keep em off the docks". Google "Tacoma windseekers"
 
B

bffatcat

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Jun 8, 2004
853
Pearson 26W Marblehead
from power to sail

From the sound of it you havent done much or any sailing. Your talking about switching for economy reasons. Sailboats are not cheap. maintenece is high Keeping a sailboat trouble free takes some know how, I suggest that you and your partner try to crew on a boat for a month. See if you like it. Its very different from motorboating. Ive been sailing for over 50 years many of my friends have motor boats. Ive been on em. I dont like em. But most people that own motor boats dont care for sailing, its slow and a lot more work. One more thing my wife likes sailing Im lucky. Most women dont they prefer powerboats go find out or your gonna be doin a lot of singlehanding.
 
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