Hello, everyone! I have been researching sailboats for what seems like months now, trying to pick a suitable boat for my area to learn to sail on. Barnegat Bay is treacherous and choppy, with strong tidal currents, but shallow (4') in many places. I want to try and avoid anything likely to get tossed around, and I'd like a nice smooth ride, but I also need to avoid shoals and shallow spots - and what I've been reading means there's a compromise in there. This weekend, I am looking at a 1982 Catalina 25' (swing keel/poptop) and from the photos it looks as though its current owner had a little love affair going on, as the boat has everything restored and sparkling. I am also looking at a 26' Laguna with a fixed keel (3'6") that the current owner (just the second owner of this 1988 boat) has been, until this season, a conscientious owner, but who hasn't had a chance to maintain it because power/water was cut at his marina due to some on going bulkheading project and he tells me he's frustrated at not being able to keep it pristine. So, even though the boats are of different ages, the older boat may "show" better. And, I don't want to be swayed by a pretty salon table and shiny fiberglass. Long story short - if there is anyone who might give me an idea of how these two boats will handle; and an opinion on which one would be a better fit for a beginner, I would greatly appreciate the advice. Personally, at this point, I am leaning towards the Laguna - because I have been told (not sure if everything I hear is true) that the weight of the keel will be better in my Bay for handling the turbulence and pointing upwind.
Any comments here would be helpful.
Thank you! Mary & Joseph
Any comments here would be helpful.
Thank you! Mary & Joseph