Looking to get into sailing would like some advice

garymalmgren · Apr 10, 2020

1st- is it worth it to go to a sailing school to learn or can I pick it up as I go.

Try to find an experienced skipper (who has a boat) and sail and learn in return for putting in the labor on mechanical and shipwright work that will need to be done. Chip in for materials, paint and parts.
You will gain by knowing the skills of sailing and the economics of owning a boat.
Any boat in your area will be hauled out for the winter months. Consider that.

2nd- So I have a option of getting a 76-78 C&C 25 which needs some work fiberglass/engine work
Do not touch it.

gary

sailme88 · Apr 10, 2020

The island of Montreal must have a few boating clubs along the shore. You would be best served locating a club that offers a variety of different boats and the ability to crew them. Eventually, you'd move from crew/deck hand grinder to helmsman... Next step captain.. With the knowledge you'd gain, you would be well positioned to make an educated decision on what boat fits you.

Hunter216 · Apr 10, 2020

Lucky17 said:
Hello everyone I'm looking into getting into sailing on the weekend/ getting a project boat. So I'm just looking for new guy advice.

I have 2 trades in welding and auto mechanic repair so basic maintenance is relative easy to learn.

1st- is it worth it to go to a sailing school to learn or can I pick it up as I go. As I would be on the st Lawrence river in quebec

2nd- So I have a option of getting a 76-78 C&C 25 which needs some work fiberglass/engine work and would like to know where I'd be able to get reliable information/parts.

If theres anything I'm forgetting just point it out TIAView attachment 177324

Welcome

Its not clear from your post if you have never sailed before? If not you might want to consider starting out (when the current crisis is over) differently. You could sign up to crew on a boat on beer can race events, some clubs have an intro to sail deal where you can get out on the water, buy or rent a daysailer type boat etc.

There is a C&C specific group here on SBO

C&C

forums.sailboatowners.com

JRT · Apr 10, 2020

I started sailing with friends in Maine and New Englad and figured I had it good enough. We bought a boat, that was ready to sail and the owner took us out and showed everything worked. We loved it and did pretty well until we got out in conditions over our head. After that my daughter and I took a month longer learn to sail class. It was exactly what we needed to build foundation skills and confidence.

Now the boat, even a boat that you can sail right away will have many projects. I'd say no to that project because I'd rather be sailing sooner then later. Both my boats were ready to sail and had no motor issues and both had plenty of projects to work on.

Ted · Apr 10, 2020

The C&C 25 is a great boat. If you think you can handle the repairs, you'll end up with a boat that performs very nicely. Be aware that bargain boat rarely are but if you enjoy working on boats as many of us do, it's very rewarding. Consider joining the "Email Discussion List" on the cncphotoalbum.com site. There are many owners of the 25 what will gladly share information specific to that model. The website is dedicated to all C&C boats and there is a wealth of information there.

Jim26m · Apr 10, 2020

Do you have ANY boating experience of any type?

What is the asking price for the C&C? Has a surveyor seen the boat and given you a report yet? Do you have pictures of the Fiberglass damage and a description of what's wrong with the engine?

Do you have a lot of free time on your hands? Do you have a significant other that enjoys sailing? Kids?

Does the C&C have sails and are they in good shape? Ditto standing rigging.

Can you afford to buy sails if they are missing/worn out?

Can you afford slip costs and annual haul out and maintenance costs for anything you can't handle?

Do you live on the water and have your own dock?

I ask you these questions because there are many ways to get into sailing. What you are asking about is not an easy route. The advice will be better if everyone knows more about you and the boat you are considering.

dlochner · Apr 10, 2020

The most expensive boat you can buy is a free boat.

They always require time, effort, and money than expected.

Learning to sail will come faster if you are taught the basics in a structured manner. So a basic sailing course would be a good idea. After wards get experience on your boat and other boats and you will be on your way to a lifetime of learning.

Justin_NSA · Apr 10, 2020

We both learned to sail by taking the Red Cross classes. Included classroom and practical sailing and recovery on Sunfish. The Red Cross cutbacks discontinued the classes but our sailing club took the baton and is training new sailors every season. We also hold keelboat classes and members offer their boats for the classes.
Like any sport, starting with good habits is the smartest tack.

rgranger · Apr 10, 2020

When I was 10 y/o, my parents bought me a sailing dingy. The guy who we bought it from, took me out on the lake for about an hour and showed me the basics.... and more importantly what not to do. And then I started sailing. I've read many books on sailing theory and feel I am a better than average sailor. With that said, I also know there is a lot more to learn.

If you were asking me directly, I'd say take the basic keel boat ASA course. You can read the book yourself but going out with an instructor will give your the confidence you need to make your own choices.

I'd also recommend starting with a smaller boat. Not because smaller is easier to sail... actually smaller boats react to mistakes quicker than do larger boats.... but you will learn more easily in a small boat because you can feel the effects of the changes you make to sail trim etc. And when (not if) you screw up... it is much easier to push a small boat off of a sand bar than a 25' behemoth. Lastly, a small boat on a trailer can be worked on at home.

Already mentioned but one of the major expenses on a "free" boat is buying new sails, rigging, motor etc. Similarly if you do decide to go with a smaller boat, the trailer is a major expense as well. On a bigger boat, that sits in the water... you have launch fees, bottom paint etc.

D Swanson · Apr 10, 2020

Welcome aboard. You have chosen a great place to solicit advice. There are a lot of knowledgeable folks on SBO (way more than myself), but nevertheless, here are my .02. Take a sailing course to get started and whenever you can, crew on other people's boats. Get to know some sailors. Participating in racing can be a great way to learn a LOT. I agree with all the posters who say a free boat is never cheap. I also recommend looking around for a boat that is ready to sail, because, simply put... it's a lot more rewarding to be sailing than sanding. The boat is just the first step, sails, rigging, etc... are super important and can be a lot more $$$ than the initial purchase. A LOT MORE. And of course.... slip & storage fees, insurance, registration, etc... all add up. There are a lot of competitively priced boats out there and a patient, well informed buyer holds the best hand. On the other hand, C&C's are well built and fun to sail.

Kings Gambit · Apr 10, 2020

Welcome to the forum!
By my observation, if you wish to learn sailing and to actually go sailing, acquiring a project boat first and making it sail worthy is definitely the long way around. You may or may not actually arrive anytime soon. Buying a fixer-upper by opportunity to join the sailing world is not what I’d recommend. BTW, I’ve owned 5 boats along the way, two “fixer-uppers”, one in probably worse shape than the C&C you picture.

As for Diesel engine parts, it depends on the engine. Find the local distributor for that brand. Shipyards and local riggers are the best places I’ve found for information about repair/replacement for the hull and rigging. A boat that old will need its standing rigging replaced. Probably a custom job. I’d guess at least $2, 000 USD.That’s just the beginning

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Crazy Dave Condon · Apr 10, 2020

As a former dealer, you are getting good advice. Just a few thoughts.
First start small like a trailerable. Second determine what you want to do with the boat looking at boats that fits the needs. .
Third, if a significant other, include them on your venture.
Forth, there are no stupid questions as I already asked them before you like many others have too. They don’t call me Crazy for nothing.

Benny17441 · Apr 10, 2020

Try to learn in the boat that you ultimately will like to sail. While it is true that small boats 17 to 22' are good boats to learn how to sail be aware that they are usually tender, very responsive and sometimes unforgiving requiring more work to operate. Larger boats are usually a more stable platform allowing the operator more time to react to changes making them more comfortable and perhaps safer. I would consider production boats from 24 to 28' a better boat to learn. Usually buying a boat for short term use entails a loss of money so purchasing the right size boat from the start is a better option.

dlochner · Apr 10, 2020

Crazy Dave Condon said:
As a former dealer, you are getting good advice. Just a few thoughts.
First start small like a trailerable. Second determine what you want to do with the boat looking at boats that fits the needs. .
Third, if a significant other, include them on your venture.
Forth, there are no stupid questions as I already asked them before you like many others have too. They don’t call me Crazy for nothing.

This is really solid advice. Small boats are more responsive than larger heavier boats, this accelerates the learning process and makes you more sensitive to sail trim, heeling and all the nuances in sailing a boat.

A few years ago I crewed on J35, the crew consisted of people who learned on small boats and those who came to sailing later and on larger boats. It was easy to tell the difference, the small boat crew didn't have to be told when to move their weight, they did it quickly and intuitively, the other crew had to be told.

A small trailerable boat like an O'Day Daysailor or a Flying Scot or any of a number of others can be bought cheaply. This will be a learning boat and as you learn you will no doubt contribute the boat's patina of use. After a couple of seasons and some more time on the water you'll have a better idea what you want. Sell or give away the boat and buy the cruising boat you want.

In Montreal there should be a lot of Tanzer 22s. These are a bit heavier and have a cabin, but there are great sailing boats and a nice balance between a larger heavier boat and trailer sailor. I sailed on for close to 20 years.

capta · Apr 10, 2020

Very few folks come out ahead on a "project" boat, unless they are professionals in the field. You will end up putting more money into the "project" than a boat in good shape would cost you and not enjoy the sailing time that you would have on the better boat while you are toiling away on the "project". Never mind what your time is worth.
That said, I do know a few people who much prefer to work on a boat than sail it. If you are one of those, then disregard the above.
As for learning to sail I posted my advice on that to "Planning to learn all I can" on this forum a few minutes ago.
I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it does come from someone with more than 5 decades of professional experience in this field.

rgranger · Apr 10, 2020

Crazy Dave Condon said:
They don’t call me Crazy for nothing.

True!
We have our reasons

rgranger · Apr 10, 2020

dlochner said:
This is really solid advice. Small boats are more responsive than larger heavier boats, this accelerates the learning process and makes you more sensitive to sail trim, heeling and all the nuances in sailing a boat.

A few years ago I crewed on J35, the crew consisted of people who learned on small boats and those who came to sailing later and on larger boats. It was easy to tell the difference, the small boat crew didn't have to be told when to move their weight, they did it quickly and intuitively, the other crew had to be told.

A small trailerable boat like an O'Day Daysailor or a Flying Scot or any of a number of others can be bought cheaply. This will be a learning boat and as you learn you will no doubt contribute the boat's patina of use. After a couple of seasons and some more time on the water you'll have a better idea what you want. Sell or give away the boat and buy the cruising boat you want.

In Montreal there should be a lot of Tanzer 22s. These are a bit heavier and have a cabin, but there are great sailing boats and a nice balance between a larger heavier boat and trailer sailor. I sailed on for close to 20 years.

I e sailed at a zero 22

They are nice and capable of long distance cruising

dlochner · Apr 10, 2020

rgranger said:
I e sailed at a zero 22
They are nice and capable of long distance cruising

Foiled by auto correct again?

Justin_NSA · Apr 10, 2020

dlochner said:
Foiled by auto correct again?

It looks like he was mugged by auto correct!