I am looking for some guidance from anyone who may have transitioned from power boating to sailing. Given the price of fuel it has taken some fun out of the weekend trips. I am sure we will never see $2 a gallon again and it could be $5 a gallon soon. This is why I am considering making the switch however I have no idea what maintenance and operational costs are when it comes to owning a sail boat. And so my research begins. Living in Annapolis I have access to sailing schools and a pretty good inventory of boats for sale. I am interested in something that would be easy enough for one person to handle because the captain (my wife) is not opposed to working on the boat she would just rather not. We are not interested in racing we are cursing types. I would think a boat in the 30 to 35 foot range should give us a nice cozy cabin with enough space to stretch out on a long weekend. Any advice from former power boaters or old sailing salts would be appreciated.
Jumping ship (from power to sail)
- Thread starter dlittlejohn
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Good move but ...
It might be advisable to learn the basics of sailing in a smaller, more responsive sailboat than a 30+ footer. Almost any size will do; from as small as an Optimist or Sunfish up to any center board boat (Lightning, Blue Jay, Snipe, even Colgate 26 etc). As a powerboater you already know something about engines and electrical/plumbing/mechanical stuff, the rest is just learning how to sail. Then choose your boat. I like to think that sometimes less is more in terms of boat size but everyone finds their happy medium. Annapolis is a great sailing port so enjoy.
It might be advisable to learn the basics of sailing in a smaller, more responsive sailboat than a 30+ footer. Almost any size will do; from as small as an Optimist or Sunfish up to any center board boat (Lightning, Blue Jay, Snipe, even Colgate 26 etc). As a powerboater you already know something about engines and electrical/plumbing/mechanical stuff, the rest is just learning how to sail. Then choose your boat. I like to think that sometimes less is more in terms of boat size but everyone finds their happy medium. Annapolis is a great sailing port so enjoy.
Welcome to the chosen race...
No, bur seriously I grew up on sailboats, bought a power boat when I was old enough to borrow money, owned several (progressively bigger) and now, I am back into sailing. I am however having alot of trouble teaching the family to sail on a 30 footer. My advice would to be research dingys and find a good sailing dingy that you can learn to sail on and later use for a dingy. Also, maybe take a Basic Keel Boat Coarse or find a local sailor (should be one or two around Anapolis) that wants some crew during the week after work this summer or on weekends. Good Luck, Gator
No, bur seriously I grew up on sailboats, bought a power boat when I was old enough to borrow money, owned several (progressively bigger) and now, I am back into sailing. I am however having alot of trouble teaching the family to sail on a 30 footer. My advice would to be research dingys and find a good sailing dingy that you can learn to sail on and later use for a dingy. Also, maybe take a Basic Keel Boat Coarse or find a local sailor (should be one or two around Anapolis) that wants some crew during the week after work this summer or on weekends. Good Luck, Gator
New to Sailing
My wife and I were new to sailing last summer. We purchased a 31' 1983 Hunter. We had some guidance and a four hour lesson from a good friend who is an expert. We initially struggled on our own, but by the end of the summer, we felt pretty comfortable. We made numerous mistakes, but we didn't kill or drown anyone. I did sail small sunfish as a kid, so I had some basics. I also am an amateur radio operator and a pilot, so the radio use and navigation was pretty easy. We decided that if we bought a boat, we needed headroom and comfort or forget it. I was also advised to buy something smaller, but I had to sell the Admiral and a smaller boat wasn't going to do that. The nice thing about my older boat which was in pretty good shape is that it required a fair amount of work, so I learned most of the systems during the first summer. My point is you will learn a lot more faster if you buy something a bit older. Your learning curve will be so much faster. Good luck, Greg Weisheipl "SlipAway"
My wife and I were new to sailing last summer. We purchased a 31' 1983 Hunter. We had some guidance and a four hour lesson from a good friend who is an expert. We initially struggled on our own, but by the end of the summer, we felt pretty comfortable. We made numerous mistakes, but we didn't kill or drown anyone. I did sail small sunfish as a kid, so I had some basics. I also am an amateur radio operator and a pilot, so the radio use and navigation was pretty easy. We decided that if we bought a boat, we needed headroom and comfort or forget it. I was also advised to buy something smaller, but I had to sell the Admiral and a smaller boat wasn't going to do that. The nice thing about my older boat which was in pretty good shape is that it required a fair amount of work, so I learned most of the systems during the first summer. My point is you will learn a lot more faster if you buy something a bit older. Your learning curve will be so much faster. Good luck, Greg Weisheipl "SlipAway"
A little experience
Thank you for the advice. I have a little experience, in high school I worked at a yacht club. I started out scraping barnacles and bottom painting then worked my way up to taking people out and qualifying them to rent 19ft Flying Scots from the marina. That was more than a couple of years ago so I would definitely take lessons again.
Thank you for the advice. I have a little experience, in high school I worked at a yacht club. I started out scraping barnacles and bottom painting then worked my way up to taking people out and qualifying them to rent 19ft Flying Scots from the marina. That was more than a couple of years ago so I would definitely take lessons again.
step by step
You are fortunate to live in an area where good sailing schools are available. Sign up for a course or two WITH YOUR WIFE. You indicated that your wife would rather not work on the boat. The best cure for that is get her involved, and then let her play. I suspect that one of the cardinal errors of sailing husbands is hogging the helm. Talk with your wife about it. Before you get gungho about single handing, get experienced sailing as part of a crew. Single handing requires more forethought and organization than working in a crew for the simple reason more than one person allows more than one thing to be done at a time - and sailboats often require you to do more than one thing at a time. I got started singlehanding when my wife went below to tend to children, which meant she was (in theory) available to help if I became overwhelmed. Try that for both you and your wife. Just think, she may need to singlehand to rescue you if you fall in, or more prosaically, if the head calls. My opinion is that two basic factors affect the size of a boat you can singlehand, your skills and the boat's layout. Since economics seems to be part of your decision to upgrade to sails, get to know sailors at your marina. They're generally happy to tell you all about their boat, and often to take you for a sail. Spend a season doing the above and you will develop a better idea what what you want, what it will cost, and how to sail and maintain it. Happy sailing. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
You are fortunate to live in an area where good sailing schools are available. Sign up for a course or two WITH YOUR WIFE. You indicated that your wife would rather not work on the boat. The best cure for that is get her involved, and then let her play. I suspect that one of the cardinal errors of sailing husbands is hogging the helm. Talk with your wife about it. Before you get gungho about single handing, get experienced sailing as part of a crew. Single handing requires more forethought and organization than working in a crew for the simple reason more than one person allows more than one thing to be done at a time - and sailboats often require you to do more than one thing at a time. I got started singlehanding when my wife went below to tend to children, which meant she was (in theory) available to help if I became overwhelmed. Try that for both you and your wife. Just think, she may need to singlehand to rescue you if you fall in, or more prosaically, if the head calls. My opinion is that two basic factors affect the size of a boat you can singlehand, your skills and the boat's layout. Since economics seems to be part of your decision to upgrade to sails, get to know sailors at your marina. They're generally happy to tell you all about their boat, and often to take you for a sail. Spend a season doing the above and you will develop a better idea what what you want, what it will cost, and how to sail and maintain it. Happy sailing. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Dlittlejohn, Congratulations on your decision
You will get lots of good advice from others on this question so all I want to do is advise you in the difference in the mindset between sail boaters and power boaters. Power boaters are more apt to use their boats as a trailer to go from point A to point B (usually a marina or dock and sometimes at anchor). To go somewhere. Sail boaters enjoy the sailing, and though they like to go somewhere too, they frequently go out sailing and never get anywhere. They have a love for sailing. So it's not just like trading the cost of fuel for the free wind, it's changing your mindset, your whole attitude about boating. Take the courses with your wife, and crew with other sailors to find out if it's really what you want to do. If it's not going to be your cup of tea, you should know it before you think about buying a boat. If you and she take to it like I hope you will then come back and get some advice on getting your boat. Happy Sailing Joe S
You will get lots of good advice from others on this question so all I want to do is advise you in the difference in the mindset between sail boaters and power boaters. Power boaters are more apt to use their boats as a trailer to go from point A to point B (usually a marina or dock and sometimes at anchor). To go somewhere. Sail boaters enjoy the sailing, and though they like to go somewhere too, they frequently go out sailing and never get anywhere. They have a love for sailing. So it's not just like trading the cost of fuel for the free wind, it's changing your mindset, your whole attitude about boating. Take the courses with your wife, and crew with other sailors to find out if it's really what you want to do. If it's not going to be your cup of tea, you should know it before you think about buying a boat. If you and she take to it like I hope you will then come back and get some advice on getting your boat. Happy Sailing Joe S
I agree
It's a different mindset. It's more about being on the water and chillin' than getting to somewhere. We started with a older 30', easy enough to handle and it was roomy enough for 2, but got tight if we took another couple. The wife should have the desire to learn and a desire for a challenge or she will get bored while you are scrambling around. Trophy wives don't seem to like it much till you move into the 50' range. If you find a nice older sailboat and learn for a season or 2, sell it for what you paid and move up. Older quality sailboats sell on condition not model year and don't depreciate like a powerboat.
It's a different mindset. It's more about being on the water and chillin' than getting to somewhere. We started with a older 30', easy enough to handle and it was roomy enough for 2, but got tight if we took another couple. The wife should have the desire to learn and a desire for a challenge or she will get bored while you are scrambling around. Trophy wives don't seem to like it much till you move into the 50' range. If you find a nice older sailboat and learn for a season or 2, sell it for what you paid and move up. Older quality sailboats sell on condition not model year and don't depreciate like a powerboat.
Congratulations!
I've done both all my life and sailing is sooo much more rewarding. It really is all about the mindset. "We are not interested in racing we are cursing types." After a season on the sailboat your cursing days will be over. Tim
I've done both all my life and sailing is sooo much more rewarding. It really is all about the mindset. "We are not interested in racing we are cursing types." After a season on the sailboat your cursing days will be over. Tim
Ditto
Just to reinforce what others have said: take a course with the captain and spend some time learning how to sail. You won't regret it. Three years ago my wife and I celebrated our anniversary by buying a small sailboat (23 Oday), something we'd always wanted to do. We had no sailing experience at all, so we took a weekend sailing school, sailed with the previous owner, read everything we could get our hands on, and spent every spare weekend that summer fumbling around on our boat, learning her quirks and getting experience in all kinds of conditions. We both fell completely in love with sailing. As others have said, sailing is a different mindset compared to power boating. We rarely have a destination on our day sails; instead, we just sail. The experience is completely different from the power boating we have done--more involved, often more intense, more demanding, but much more enjoyable and rewarding. A lot of factors will influence your choice of a boat to buy, but I agree with others who say that there are advantages to learning on a small boat. Our little 23 can be a bit cramped, but we have not regretted the decision to buy small. And after a few seasons with her, we feel much better prepared to move up to a bigger boat. Good luck! Bob
Just to reinforce what others have said: take a course with the captain and spend some time learning how to sail. You won't regret it. Three years ago my wife and I celebrated our anniversary by buying a small sailboat (23 Oday), something we'd always wanted to do. We had no sailing experience at all, so we took a weekend sailing school, sailed with the previous owner, read everything we could get our hands on, and spent every spare weekend that summer fumbling around on our boat, learning her quirks and getting experience in all kinds of conditions. We both fell completely in love with sailing. As others have said, sailing is a different mindset compared to power boating. We rarely have a destination on our day sails; instead, we just sail. The experience is completely different from the power boating we have done--more involved, often more intense, more demanding, but much more enjoyable and rewarding. A lot of factors will influence your choice of a boat to buy, but I agree with others who say that there are advantages to learning on a small boat. Our little 23 can be a bit cramped, but we have not regretted the decision to buy small. And after a few seasons with her, we feel much better prepared to move up to a bigger boat. Good luck! Bob
things you will find
On a power boat, you are going to your destination. On a sailboat, you are already there. Sails last about ten years (or more). Sails for a 30-35' are currently about $1500 to $1800 dollars. Get a diesel, if possible. If you need to do it cheaply, go down to a marina and ask for the names and phone numbers of sailboaters registered there. Then call them ask ask to take you out sailing. 90% of us (or more) sail solo and love the company, and with many sources, ou can pick up a few pointers from each. It isn't that hard to learn that you need to take courses in it. However, as you begin to learn, read, read, read. Remember, if your teacher in school was so good, why did you have a book on the subject too?
On a power boat, you are going to your destination. On a sailboat, you are already there. Sails last about ten years (or more). Sails for a 30-35' are currently about $1500 to $1800 dollars. Get a diesel, if possible. If you need to do it cheaply, go down to a marina and ask for the names and phone numbers of sailboaters registered there. Then call them ask ask to take you out sailing. 90% of us (or more) sail solo and love the company, and with many sources, ou can pick up a few pointers from each. It isn't that hard to learn that you need to take courses in it. However, as you begin to learn, read, read, read. Remember, if your teacher in school was so good, why did you have a book on the subject too?
dlittlejohn
What size power boat did you have... and waters did you motor around? I would find the coast guard auxillary and take the Basic Seamanship course... if you plan on sailing in the ocean... take the Navigation course they offer. The classes are very cheap... and you will meet many people and a good place to network to get your questions answered. Yes, it is all about the mindset... most sailors are "Type B". If you don't get to the destination... its no big deal... you had fun trying. There are times I don't want to leave the mooring! From what you are saying... 30' would be the minimum to be comfortable for you and your wife. There are "A LOT" of used boats out their. Take your time deciding on the one for you. Look at many boats. The process could take a couple of years. I would advise to find a good broker to help you in your search... he can weed out the ones you will be wasting your time on. Find a good surveyor before you purchase. These names will pop up at marinas, yatch clubs and the coast guard auxillary courses. In the mean time... find a small boat "for 2" (with a jib) to lean to sail on. Good Luck.
What size power boat did you have... and waters did you motor around? I would find the coast guard auxillary and take the Basic Seamanship course... if you plan on sailing in the ocean... take the Navigation course they offer. The classes are very cheap... and you will meet many people and a good place to network to get your questions answered. Yes, it is all about the mindset... most sailors are "Type B". If you don't get to the destination... its no big deal... you had fun trying. There are times I don't want to leave the mooring! From what you are saying... 30' would be the minimum to be comfortable for you and your wife. There are "A LOT" of used boats out their. Take your time deciding on the one for you. Look at many boats. The process could take a couple of years. I would advise to find a good broker to help you in your search... he can weed out the ones you will be wasting your time on. Find a good surveyor before you purchase. These names will pop up at marinas, yatch clubs and the coast guard auxillary courses. In the mean time... find a small boat "for 2" (with a jib) to lean to sail on. Good Luck.
sailing school
J/world located on Eastport might be the top sailing school for keelboat whether you are a beginner or want to learn to cruise or race.I used to sail Hobie cat and windsurfs and took their classes in 97,they even helped us how to sail our new boat (H27)the first time we were on the water.
J/world located on Eastport might be the top sailing school for keelboat whether you are a beginner or want to learn to cruise or race.I used to sail Hobie cat and windsurfs and took their classes in 97,they even helped us how to sail our new boat (H27)the first time we were on the water.
Go fast
Before you buy, take the "mindset" comments to a more practical level. How do you feel about going 7 or 8 knots when the boat/crew is performing at their absolute best? And, this involves considerably more work than pushing the throttle lever forward. You'll go faster, of course, on a multihull but at greater expense. You really should spend some time aboard to see if going slow would be enjoyable. As has been said, there are a lot of boats for sale out there. It won't be all that easy to re-sell a boat soon after finding out sailing really isn't your cup of grog.
Before you buy, take the "mindset" comments to a more practical level. How do you feel about going 7 or 8 knots when the boat/crew is performing at their absolute best? And, this involves considerably more work than pushing the throttle lever forward. You'll go faster, of course, on a multihull but at greater expense. You really should spend some time aboard to see if going slow would be enjoyable. As has been said, there are a lot of boats for sale out there. It won't be all that easy to re-sell a boat soon after finding out sailing really isn't your cup of grog.
...just to add
First of all congratulations, you have come to a great web site for guidance and ideas. I agree that basic instruction WITH wife is a must. I did the basic keel boat course (American Sailing Assoc.)with my wife years ago and it was money well spent. They have lots of experience dealing with all levels of skills and most importantly with couples...versus learning sailing with a friend. If you still have the passion for sailing after this course, I would try to find and join a club that has many different boats to day sail on. Spending as much time increasing your skills and sailing different boats will really help you formulate your "likes asnd dislikes" before making your first purchase. Hope this helps and good luck.
First of all congratulations, you have come to a great web site for guidance and ideas. I agree that basic instruction WITH wife is a must. I did the basic keel boat course (American Sailing Assoc.)with my wife years ago and it was money well spent. They have lots of experience dealing with all levels of skills and most importantly with couples...versus learning sailing with a friend. If you still have the passion for sailing after this course, I would try to find and join a club that has many different boats to day sail on. Spending as much time increasing your skills and sailing different boats will really help you formulate your "likes asnd dislikes" before making your first purchase. Hope this helps and good luck.
All of the comments given here are excellant.
The discussions about speed are most worthy of consideration. When Nancy and I go for a pleasure drive in the car we take to the back roads and poke along and enjoy the scenery. We despise the interstates because you can go from place to place quickly and not see anything. Power boating is much like interstate driving you can get from here to there but not see much along the way. When you are sailing you have time to study the world around you. You will watch the cloud shadows move across the water and the changes in the wind /wave patterns. You will have time to watch the birds without scaring them away. You will also have to weather the storms that you could simply out run with a powerboat. You will no longer have to option of running over to St. Michaels for lunch and be home by early afternoon. That will be an all day trip in a sail boat and you may decide to anchor in a quiet cove for the night and go home the next day.
The discussions about speed are most worthy of consideration. When Nancy and I go for a pleasure drive in the car we take to the back roads and poke along and enjoy the scenery. We despise the interstates because you can go from place to place quickly and not see anything. Power boating is much like interstate driving you can get from here to there but not see much along the way. When you are sailing you have time to study the world around you. You will watch the cloud shadows move across the water and the changes in the wind /wave patterns. You will have time to watch the birds without scaring them away. You will also have to weather the storms that you could simply out run with a powerboat. You will no longer have to option of running over to St. Michaels for lunch and be home by early afternoon. That will be an all day trip in a sail boat and you may decide to anchor in a quiet cove for the night and go home the next day.
i jumped too
i made the jumped too and will never go back, i am also hard headed, i bought a 30 oday and a yr later it is still floating , it is a blast............ i have run it a ground once and had to learn to heel it over .......... but it was all in a lifetime of learning, so do what your heart tells too........... and have a blast.............. after a yr i have learned something every time we go out.... which is every weekend, i also look and read these posts, i have learned a ton of info from the guys on here ............... and i would like to thank them for there advice..... thanks stick and sharon "lunatack"
i made the jumped too and will never go back, i am also hard headed, i bought a 30 oday and a yr later it is still floating , it is a blast............ i have run it a ground once and had to learn to heel it over .......... but it was all in a lifetime of learning, so do what your heart tells too........... and have a blast.............. after a yr i have learned something every time we go out.... which is every weekend, i also look and read these posts, i have learned a ton of info from the guys on here ............... and i would like to thank them for there advice..... thanks stick and sharon "lunatack"
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