Hi all, I am new to sailing but already addicted. I live in Cleveland, OH about 10 minutes from the lake and have been powerboating a lot with friends' boats, but never owned my own. I am now looking to buy a boat and looking for advice. I have a wife and two kids; a five year old daughter and two year old son. Lake Erie is a rough lake because of the chop and I wouldn't want anything smaller than 22 feet or so. I would rather have something in a marina because I would use it more often. I want to get a daysailor for short cruises. My wife wants something we can use for long weekends... So now I need to buy a 29 foot boat or more for over $25,000 instead of $5,000 for a daysailor (for REALLY old boats). Here's where I need your advice: During net searches I found a company called SailTime that basically acts as a timeshare for a sailboat. They have 2 "slots" per day, one from 10:00AM - 6:00PM and another from 6:00PM - 10:00AM. You get at least 7 slots per month and if there are any openings you reserve them 24 hours in advance at no cost. The cost is $400 per month and they take care of all fees including docking, gas, maintenance, insurance, etc. The boat is a new Hunter 33. There are 6 other users of the boat that I will want to meet before signing on but it sounds pretty good. $400 a month is pretty awesome considering the docking and maintenance and stuff for the boat would be around $300 a month. So what do you guys think?
Looking for advice on SailTime... anyone?
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Just wanted to add I did a search in forums and saw a thread on this from 2004. The minuses seemed to be that I wouldn't be able to use the boat at the last minute which is a valid point. Also people pointed to sailing clubs to join and use their boats instead. That is not an option in our area. Even though Cleveland is on Lake Erie, all the major boat stuff is an hour and a half away on the west side of the lake... that is not an option for me. I will probably go there for the Harbor North sailing school but that's it... Charters are just way too much money and for me, money is an object unfortunately... Anyway, just wanted to add that. I won't be reading the responses during the day because I am only on internet usually at night, but will check tomorrow for helpful replies.
Just wanted to add I did a search in forums and saw a thread on this from 2004. The minuses seemed to be that I wouldn't be able to use the boat at the last minute which is a valid point. Also people pointed to sailing clubs to join and use their boats instead. That is not an option in our area. Even though Cleveland is on Lake Erie, all the major boat stuff is an hour and a half away on the west side of the lake... that is not an option for me. I will probably go there for the Harbor North sailing school but that's it... Charters are just way too much money and for me, money is an object unfortunately... Anyway, just wanted to add that. I won't be reading the responses during the day because I am only on internet usually at night, but will check tomorrow for helpful replies.
How Long is the Contract?
Up there I think you can look at it more like $800 each sailing month with the payments spread out over the whole year. For about the same amount at the end of the year one you can have your day sailer that you can drag anywhere you want to go sailing. That being said. If you can get out of the contract in a year or so it does sound like a pretty good deal.
Up there I think you can look at it more like $800 each sailing month with the payments spread out over the whole year. For about the same amount at the end of the year one you can have your day sailer that you can drag anywhere you want to go sailing. That being said. If you can get out of the contract in a year or so it does sound like a pretty good deal.
SailTime
Of all the sailboat sharing operations, SailTime is certainly the best. From your description of your situation, it sounds like a great option. It will provide you with an entry into sailing at a reasonable cost and without a lot of the risk and obligation. If your concerns are about SailTime itself, forget about it, they are a first class operation. I hope it works out that your kids enjoy sailing, that could turn into being your biggest stumbling block!
Of all the sailboat sharing operations, SailTime is certainly the best. From your description of your situation, it sounds like a great option. It will provide you with an entry into sailing at a reasonable cost and without a lot of the risk and obligation. If your concerns are about SailTime itself, forget about it, they are a first class operation. I hope it works out that your kids enjoy sailing, that could turn into being your biggest stumbling block!
You need to do the math
We sail out of Harbor North and a year ago at a marina event listened to the Sailtime "pitch." As you might expect there was discussion afterwards and the consensus was, it is a good plan for those who it was a good plan for. In other words, it is very individual. Does their product meet your need, cost-time-whatever? The 33 is very adequate for Lake Erie as would be a 29. Our H27 rode the 15 knot NE wind and waves last Sunday very well although it was work. A friend with a 23 knew it was prudent to stay at the dock. As for western Lake Erie being too far away. At HN there are many who live in Columbus, Cleveland Metro,and the former owner of our boat drives from Youngstown to Catawba Island. Again, all the decisions are personal. If you come over to Harbor North stop by. Andy "Baroque"
We sail out of Harbor North and a year ago at a marina event listened to the Sailtime "pitch." As you might expect there was discussion afterwards and the consensus was, it is a good plan for those who it was a good plan for. In other words, it is very individual. Does their product meet your need, cost-time-whatever? The 33 is very adequate for Lake Erie as would be a 29. Our H27 rode the 15 knot NE wind and waves last Sunday very well although it was work. A friend with a 23 knew it was prudent to stay at the dock. As for western Lake Erie being too far away. At HN there are many who live in Columbus, Cleveland Metro,and the former owner of our boat drives from Youngstown to Catawba Island. Again, all the decisions are personal. If you come over to Harbor North stop by. Andy "Baroque"
For what it's worth...
I berth my Hunter 33 (1981 model) at the SailTime marina in Austin. I've met many of the sailors (including owners) that are participating in the program and they are pleased with the program. Something I've noticed is that the boats are often sitting at the dock. I know that they are "full" yet the share holders are not getting out on the water that much so if you want to sail more than the program guarentees I think you will have that opportunity. I would have gotten into the program myself but they do not allow dogs aboard
.
I berth my Hunter 33 (1981 model) at the SailTime marina in Austin. I've met many of the sailors (including owners) that are participating in the program and they are pleased with the program. Something I've noticed is that the boats are often sitting at the dock. I know that they are "full" yet the share holders are not getting out on the water that much so if you want to sail more than the program guarentees I think you will have that opportunity. I would have gotten into the program myself but they do not allow dogs aboard
.Actually
It's not the length of the boat, but the weight of the boat for the hull, that will determine the ride against the waves. A boat that is % based heavy boat will resist the waves (plow through more then ride over). AKA...my boat is a 8 ton boat but is also 37'. A boat that is 5 tons but in the lower 20's will resist the waves better then mine. So, I wouldn't say a 20' boat can't sail the lake on a windy day. Now, as for the time sharing idea...I think that's a great idea for most. I'm at my dock every weekend and we have about 300 boats at my marina. On a busy day, maybe 15 of those boats will leave the dock, so many people buy a boat thinking they are going to use it a lot and most don't use it much at all. You also don't have to worry about maintanence either and that's hugh time and monitary relief. Now if you have dreams of taking vacations on a boat and also have time and money for maintaining a boat, then I would say buy one. Note: As you can tell, it just seems like a waste to me to see so many boats hardly ever used. I think sharing is great for everybody. It reduces slip rates because the more people share a boat, the less demain for slips. The boats get maintained by professionals. The owners don't get strapped with something that they can't wait to sell down the road. Owning a boat is great for people like me who can't stand to be away from the dock or sailing for more then 5 days or people who have a ton of money and the cost doesn't bother them a bit.
It's not the length of the boat, but the weight of the boat for the hull, that will determine the ride against the waves. A boat that is % based heavy boat will resist the waves (plow through more then ride over). AKA...my boat is a 8 ton boat but is also 37'. A boat that is 5 tons but in the lower 20's will resist the waves better then mine. So, I wouldn't say a 20' boat can't sail the lake on a windy day. Now, as for the time sharing idea...I think that's a great idea for most. I'm at my dock every weekend and we have about 300 boats at my marina. On a busy day, maybe 15 of those boats will leave the dock, so many people buy a boat thinking they are going to use it a lot and most don't use it much at all. You also don't have to worry about maintanence either and that's hugh time and monitary relief. Now if you have dreams of taking vacations on a boat and also have time and money for maintaining a boat, then I would say buy one. Note: As you can tell, it just seems like a waste to me to see so many boats hardly ever used. I think sharing is great for everybody. It reduces slip rates because the more people share a boat, the less demain for slips. The boats get maintained by professionals. The owners don't get strapped with something that they can't wait to sell down the road. Owning a boat is great for people like me who can't stand to be away from the dock or sailing for more then 5 days or people who have a ton of money and the cost doesn't bother them a bit.
Become a SailTime Member
Hi there I am working with SailTime Florida and I am delighted to see the positive response about SailTime from around the country. Feel free to call me for more info. 813-298-0431. SailTime started 3 years ago on a resevoir lake in Austin, TX. There are now 30 locations in the USA ,one in Canada, 3 in England and 1 in Holland. SailTime uses new Hunters (33 and 36) and keeps them for a five year period. What is really special about SailTime is that being a SailTime member is exactly like owning your own new boat in your local waters - w/o the hassle and expense. There is no long term commitment and you will be assigned to a specific boat which you will treat as your own. See www.sailtime.com for more info OR call me! For an initiation fee of $1,000,a $1,5000 security deposit and the first month's fee (around $495)YOU can be sailing a new Hunter 33 with $40,000 of exta options on it.
Hi there I am working with SailTime Florida and I am delighted to see the positive response about SailTime from around the country. Feel free to call me for more info. 813-298-0431. SailTime started 3 years ago on a resevoir lake in Austin, TX. There are now 30 locations in the USA ,one in Canada, 3 in England and 1 in Holland. SailTime uses new Hunters (33 and 36) and keeps them for a five year period. What is really special about SailTime is that being a SailTime member is exactly like owning your own new boat in your local waters - w/o the hassle and expense. There is no long term commitment and you will be assigned to a specific boat which you will treat as your own. See www.sailtime.com for more info OR call me! For an initiation fee of $1,000,a $1,5000 security deposit and the first month's fee (around $495)YOU can be sailing a new Hunter 33 with $40,000 of exta options on it.
Let SailTime Pay for your New Hunter
SailTime has two types of members - Owner/Members (who buy the boat and lease it to SailTime for 5 years)and Members. Both have the same access to the boat. Each boat has 8 memers total. The same members stay on the same boat and trat it like their own. If you qualify for the loan and put 20% down SailTime will pay you $60,000 ($1,000 for 60 months) for a 33 regardless of the # of members on the boat. YOU will not put yopur hand in your pocket for the next 5 years, SailTime will pay ALL the normal costs of operating theboat such as insurance, slip fees, winterizing, bottom jobs, engine costs etc. YOU SAIL....period. Need more info? email jtwomey@sailtime.com
SailTime has two types of members - Owner/Members (who buy the boat and lease it to SailTime for 5 years)and Members. Both have the same access to the boat. Each boat has 8 memers total. The same members stay on the same boat and trat it like their own. If you qualify for the loan and put 20% down SailTime will pay you $60,000 ($1,000 for 60 months) for a 33 regardless of the # of members on the boat. YOU will not put yopur hand in your pocket for the next 5 years, SailTime will pay ALL the normal costs of operating theboat such as insurance, slip fees, winterizing, bottom jobs, engine costs etc. YOU SAIL....period.
Need more info? email jtwomey@sailtime.comJerry, What Is Owed After Five Years?
Twenty percent down... what's that, about $25K? Then $60K over the next five years. Based on those numbers what would be a likely outstanding balance at the end of five years?
Twenty percent down... what's that, about $25K? Then $60K over the next five years. Based on those numbers what would be a likely outstanding balance at the end of five years?
SailTime instant access
For those who are not too sure about SailTime's scheduling access. Our scheduler is as close to owning your own boat as you can get without owning your own boat. We provide instant reservations within 24 hours if the boat is not booked...just click and go...we offer reservations up to a year in advance and they can range from an afternoon up to a week long. Even with a week on the calendar several months out you can still book time in the current month. It really is as if you own your own boat without the headaches. Did I mention the ability to sail (with proper skill levels) at any SailTime base.
For those who are not too sure about SailTime's scheduling access. Our scheduler is as close to owning your own boat as you can get without owning your own boat. We provide instant reservations within 24 hours if the boat is not booked...just click and go...we offer reservations up to a year in advance and they can range from an afternoon up to a week long. Even with a week on the calendar several months out you can still book time in the current month. It really is as if you own your own boat without the headaches. Did I mention the ability to sail (with proper skill levels) at any SailTime base.
fees?
Are there any other fees such as maintenance fees, dues, etc.? If not, sounds like a great deal. Heck I'm paying almost that for a slip. The only downsides I see is that you'd have to completely load and unload everytime you get on or off the boat, last minute changes in plans or if you suddenly decide to spend the night at a local anchorage. But, then you could be easily sailing much more boat than you would normally be able to afford. What a decision - what does your magic 8-ball say?
Are there any other fees such as maintenance fees, dues, etc.? If not, sounds like a great deal. Heck I'm paying almost that for a slip. The only downsides I see is that you'd have to completely load and unload everytime you get on or off the boat, last minute changes in plans or if you suddenly decide to spend the night at a local anchorage. But, then you could be easily sailing much more boat than you would normally be able to afford. What a decision - what does your magic 8-ball say?
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