I'll start by saying I'm a complete novice. Although I've sailed on a couple of boats I certainly would be considered a beginner. I hope to purchase my first boat within the next year. My question is simple: What type, size and style boat should I consider?
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Big Question
Chip - Its great that you have decided that its time for a boat. What kind, however is a massively open question. Here are some for you that will help the rest of us advise you: What about sailing turns you on? Is it flying across the waves or hanging at dock? What's teh budget? What sort of physical condition are you in? Everyone can sail, but if you're 6 and a half feet you might not want a boat you don't fit in. Where will you store the boat? Who in your life is likely to go out sailing with you? There are lots of threads you can look up about particular boats people have recommended, but if you don't have a sense of your parameters, you'll go crazy. Justin - O'day Owners'Web
Chip - Its great that you have decided that its time for a boat. What kind, however is a massively open question. Here are some for you that will help the rest of us advise you: What about sailing turns you on? Is it flying across the waves or hanging at dock? What's teh budget? What sort of physical condition are you in? Everyone can sail, but if you're 6 and a half feet you might not want a boat you don't fit in. Where will you store the boat? Who in your life is likely to go out sailing with you? There are lots of threads you can look up about particular boats people have recommended, but if you don't have a sense of your parameters, you'll go crazy. Justin - O'day Owners'Web
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Andy
Research pays
Your questions can be answered with research. There are a number of books with titles like, How to Buy the best Sailboat. If you can't borrow them, buy them. Get on as many boats as possible. Talk to sailors. Almost all want to help newcomers. List your priorities and satisfy yourself as to these before considering the "bells and whistles." (Be very critical and honest about yourself and those who will be sailing with you.)Where you sail and why you sail are the starting points. Take your time and consider carefully. It will save discomfort and money.
Your questions can be answered with research. There are a number of books with titles like, How to Buy the best Sailboat. If you can't borrow them, buy them. Get on as many boats as possible. Talk to sailors. Almost all want to help newcomers. List your priorities and satisfy yourself as to these before considering the "bells and whistles." (Be very critical and honest about yourself and those who will be sailing with you.)Where you sail and why you sail are the starting points. Take your time and consider carefully. It will save discomfort and money.
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Scott Blahnik
I'll second that
I spent over a year sailing without a boat-online! What I did was landmark all the local and regional brokers and marinas, and visit them regularly to see what was available...actually a fun experience. In New Orleans you'll want the Mayer, Blue Skies, Murray, Mid-South, and Turner in Mobile. Good luck, Scott B.
I spent over a year sailing without a boat-online! What I did was landmark all the local and regional brokers and marinas, and visit them regularly to see what was available...actually a fun experience. In New Orleans you'll want the Mayer, Blue Skies, Murray, Mid-South, and Turner in Mobile. Good luck, Scott B.
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Dick McKee
Before you make that investment..
do the research as the others suggested, and then, if your local marina offers it, consider renting a few different sizes and makes. Should give you a good idea about what you like and dont like>....
do the research as the others suggested, and then, if your local marina offers it, consider renting a few different sizes and makes. Should give you a good idea about what you like and dont like>....
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Frank
Research
You can do all kinds of research and get opinions from people that will seem to contradict. But when it is all said and done the best boat is the one your mate will let you buy.
You can do all kinds of research and get opinions from people that will seem to contradict. But when it is all said and done the best boat is the one your mate will let you buy.
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Joe
Learn To Sail, NOW!....
Take some sailing classes at a local College or Yacht club. Become confident singlehanding a small, dingy-class boat. You will be a much more sophisticated buyer by learning the basics. Don't make your first boat a big, expensive mistake. Get something small, trailerable and inexpensive.... Take it out every chance you can so you'll enjoy sailing pure and simple. Soon you'll be able to make a realistic evaluation of your abilities, limitations, needs and budget. Use this time to read up on various boats that interest you, and talk to owners you meet at the marinas. Then.... Go for it!
Take some sailing classes at a local College or Yacht club. Become confident singlehanding a small, dingy-class boat. You will be a much more sophisticated buyer by learning the basics. Don't make your first boat a big, expensive mistake. Get something small, trailerable and inexpensive.... Take it out every chance you can so you'll enjoy sailing pure and simple. Soon you'll be able to make a realistic evaluation of your abilities, limitations, needs and budget. Use this time to read up on various boats that interest you, and talk to owners you meet at the marinas. Then.... Go for it!
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Dan Ebert
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Charlie Gruetzner
First Boat
Chip, I think Justin has given you some great advice. My first boat was a used Catalina 27and it was a great boat to learn on as well as be able to cruise Long Island Sound. Like everyone said do your research, buy the best you can afford and a boat that won't intimitate you and have FUN Good luck Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
Chip, I think Justin has given you some great advice. My first boat was a used Catalina 27and it was a great boat to learn on as well as be able to cruise Long Island Sound. Like everyone said do your research, buy the best you can afford and a boat that won't intimitate you and have FUN Good luck Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
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Stephen Ostrander
Well said, Frank!
'Cuz if the First Mate ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Chip, check the archives for a similar post about a week or two ago. Lots of good replies there.
'Cuz if the First Mate ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Chip, check the archives for a similar post about a week or two ago. Lots of good replies there.
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Eric Lorgus
Don't do what I did
Chip, I was a wannabe sailor & boatowner for many, many years. Used to go to the Atlantic City Sail Expo every winter, where I drooled over all the sparkling, new boats. They all seemed beyond my price range, so I just kept thinking about it. I wanted a boat big enough to have a cabin with head & galley, but small enough to singlehand. From my browsing at the boat shows, that looked to be in the 27-30' range. For new boats, that was about $80,000+. After years of dreaming, I finally decided to look at used boats, and began by answering ads & going to see the boats. One thing led to another, and within 3 months I found & bought my first boat, a 1987 Hunter 28.5. After I bought the boat, then I took a basic keelboat sailing class. I know the conventional wisdom is to do it the other way around. If you have friends with boats, learn as much as you can from them. Sailing classes and day rentals are good ideas, too. But if you're really serious, don't waste too much time studying and researching. There are a lot of good, inexpensive used sailboats out there, so many, that I'm sure there's one to fit anybody's budget. The important thing is to take action. Sailing is a lot of fun, and is incredibly relaxing. I only wish I had started sooner. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
Chip, I was a wannabe sailor & boatowner for many, many years. Used to go to the Atlantic City Sail Expo every winter, where I drooled over all the sparkling, new boats. They all seemed beyond my price range, so I just kept thinking about it. I wanted a boat big enough to have a cabin with head & galley, but small enough to singlehand. From my browsing at the boat shows, that looked to be in the 27-30' range. For new boats, that was about $80,000+. After years of dreaming, I finally decided to look at used boats, and began by answering ads & going to see the boats. One thing led to another, and within 3 months I found & bought my first boat, a 1987 Hunter 28.5. After I bought the boat, then I took a basic keelboat sailing class. I know the conventional wisdom is to do it the other way around. If you have friends with boats, learn as much as you can from them. Sailing classes and day rentals are good ideas, too. But if you're really serious, don't waste too much time studying and researching. There are a lot of good, inexpensive used sailboats out there, so many, that I'm sure there's one to fit anybody's budget. The important thing is to take action. Sailing is a lot of fun, and is incredibly relaxing. I only wish I had started sooner. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Eric has a good idea
While you're researching and trying to nail down the kind of boat you want, join the local sailing club or tack your name on the "Want to Crew" board at the local marinas. You'll get plenty of opportunities to sail on a variety of boats, learning what you like & don't like about each. It will not only teach how to sail better, but will help you in the decision making process much better than we could! Have fun along the way!! LaDonna
While you're researching and trying to nail down the kind of boat you want, join the local sailing club or tack your name on the "Want to Crew" board at the local marinas. You'll get plenty of opportunities to sail on a variety of boats, learning what you like & don't like about each. It will not only teach how to sail better, but will help you in the decision making process much better than we could! Have fun along the way!! LaDonna
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Kurt
Go to the boat shows
The actual basics and mechanics of sailing are pretty simple to learn. The advice about taking a sailing course is most defintely the place to start, because once you've got that under your belt, you can really make an educated decision about where to go from there. For years and years, ever since I was a little boy, I dreamed of sailing and owning a sail boat but I always put it off until "tomorrow." Then about four years ago I was at a wedding in Connecticut and we took a little boat out onto Long Island sound. It was quite comical actually; four or five of us in tuxedoes with bottles of champaign, bobbing out on the water. But something happened to me out there on the waves.The farther we got away from land, the more relaxed I got. It was then I first realized I belonged out on the water (I was about 36 at the time). Within a month I bought a used Capri 14.2, but it was already late autumn and too late to sail it so until next spring, so it sat in my backyard under tarps until the spring. All that winter I stared out the kitchen window at it wondering if I would ever be able to figure out how to rig it and sail it. The idea really intimidated me! I was certain I had made a big mistake. I'd never get that boat to sail for me. Early that next year my wife and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary in the BVI and I sailed a little Laser there every day for a week. It was my first experience with sailing single-handed (I'd read a number of how-to books though) and I did quite well. Sure I pitched into the water a couple of times, but that was a great learning experience too. I found it quite intuitive to sail. From there, the move to the 14.2 was no big deal. My wife and I fumbled with the the rigging and had a tough time getting her out on the water at first few times, but after the first two or three attempts, we were really quite proficient. With three seasons under our belts, we were down right comfortable with every aspect of sailing her. We loved evey minute of the process! By that time the sailing bug had bit us hard and we decided to make sailing a family endeavor so we moved up to a Catalina 310 this summer with enough room for two small children and a dog. We still keep the 14.2 on the lake and sail the 310 down on the bay. The jump from the 14.2 to the 310 was a bit of a leap at first. But the same basic principals apply. We took two ASA sailing courses on the Chesapeak before we took delivery on the 310 and by the end of the summer we were doing quite well with the her. The bigger boats are actually easier to sail (but they're harder to motor and navigate). My advice: take a sailing course and you'll build up a lot of confidence. Yes, there's still a lot of learning we have ahead of us. But that's part of the fun; the challenge is LEARNING something new. I guess my point is this; if you explore the waters and find you really love sailing, then go with your gut. When you see the boat(s)you like, you'll know it. It's just like getting married. You'll know when its time. It's a great deal of fun, a lot of work and a learning process all the way. But the effort put in is more than compensated for by the returned pleasure! Go to the shows, find the boat you like, take a sailing course and go for it! Don't be scared, just do it. But do it smart.
The actual basics and mechanics of sailing are pretty simple to learn. The advice about taking a sailing course is most defintely the place to start, because once you've got that under your belt, you can really make an educated decision about where to go from there. For years and years, ever since I was a little boy, I dreamed of sailing and owning a sail boat but I always put it off until "tomorrow." Then about four years ago I was at a wedding in Connecticut and we took a little boat out onto Long Island sound. It was quite comical actually; four or five of us in tuxedoes with bottles of champaign, bobbing out on the water. But something happened to me out there on the waves.The farther we got away from land, the more relaxed I got. It was then I first realized I belonged out on the water (I was about 36 at the time). Within a month I bought a used Capri 14.2, but it was already late autumn and too late to sail it so until next spring, so it sat in my backyard under tarps until the spring. All that winter I stared out the kitchen window at it wondering if I would ever be able to figure out how to rig it and sail it. The idea really intimidated me! I was certain I had made a big mistake. I'd never get that boat to sail for me. Early that next year my wife and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary in the BVI and I sailed a little Laser there every day for a week. It was my first experience with sailing single-handed (I'd read a number of how-to books though) and I did quite well. Sure I pitched into the water a couple of times, but that was a great learning experience too. I found it quite intuitive to sail. From there, the move to the 14.2 was no big deal. My wife and I fumbled with the the rigging and had a tough time getting her out on the water at first few times, but after the first two or three attempts, we were really quite proficient. With three seasons under our belts, we were down right comfortable with every aspect of sailing her. We loved evey minute of the process! By that time the sailing bug had bit us hard and we decided to make sailing a family endeavor so we moved up to a Catalina 310 this summer with enough room for two small children and a dog. We still keep the 14.2 on the lake and sail the 310 down on the bay. The jump from the 14.2 to the 310 was a bit of a leap at first. But the same basic principals apply. We took two ASA sailing courses on the Chesapeak before we took delivery on the 310 and by the end of the summer we were doing quite well with the her. The bigger boats are actually easier to sail (but they're harder to motor and navigate). My advice: take a sailing course and you'll build up a lot of confidence. Yes, there's still a lot of learning we have ahead of us. But that's part of the fun; the challenge is LEARNING something new. I guess my point is this; if you explore the waters and find you really love sailing, then go with your gut. When you see the boat(s)you like, you'll know it. It's just like getting married. You'll know when its time. It's a great deal of fun, a lot of work and a learning process all the way. But the effort put in is more than compensated for by the returned pleasure! Go to the shows, find the boat you like, take a sailing course and go for it! Don't be scared, just do it. But do it smart.
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Joe
Kurt's story is beautiful.....
.... because of the way he was able to realize a dream and share it with his family. The sailboat simply allows us to interact with nature in a creative and satisfying way.
.... because of the way he was able to realize a dream and share it with his family. The sailboat simply allows us to interact with nature in a creative and satisfying way.
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Kurt
Well said Joe!
You are so right Joe! Interacting with nature in a creative way is in fact the entire thrill of sailing. Sahring with others is the second thrill. I've found that my love of sailing is matched only by my love for other sailors. In sailing, I finally found a community of pears I enjoying spending time with! There's a book out right now called The Best American Travel Wrting 2000. Go to the book store and read the first story called Boat Camp. It will make you smile.
You are so right Joe! Interacting with nature in a creative way is in fact the entire thrill of sailing. Sahring with others is the second thrill. I've found that my love of sailing is matched only by my love for other sailors. In sailing, I finally found a community of pears I enjoying spending time with! There's a book out right now called The Best American Travel Wrting 2000. Go to the book store and read the first story called Boat Camp. It will make you smile.
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Erik-Capri 18
Recommend small boat
I agree with the posts that recommend buying a small, trailerable daysailer. Get proficient with the small boat (and some instruction) before you make any big purchases. When you get to be a satisfactory sailor, then you can decide what kind of sailing (daysailing, overnighting, racing, coastal cruising, etc.) you want to do and choose an appropriate boat. You may want to stick with a small boat for awhile. There are many used daysailers out there in the 14-17 ft range. Many are less than $3000. If you eventually want a larger boat, you can sell the small one for about what you paid for it or keep it (which is what many do). Sometimes it's nice to be able to just sail, without all the hassles of getting the *big* boat ready.
I agree with the posts that recommend buying a small, trailerable daysailer. Get proficient with the small boat (and some instruction) before you make any big purchases. When you get to be a satisfactory sailor, then you can decide what kind of sailing (daysailing, overnighting, racing, coastal cruising, etc.) you want to do and choose an appropriate boat. You may want to stick with a small boat for awhile. There are many used daysailers out there in the 14-17 ft range. Many are less than $3000. If you eventually want a larger boat, you can sell the small one for about what you paid for it or keep it (which is what many do). Sometimes it's nice to be able to just sail, without all the hassles of getting the *big* boat ready.
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Joe
Thanks, Kurt...
... I'll pick the book up tomorrow. It seems this thread has provided a glimpse into the sailor's soul. Well, the recreational sailor's soul at least! Most folks I meet in my work pick up quickly on my sailing karma. I've taken many first-timers out, just as a friend first took me out 25 years ago, hoping they can share a small sense of the joy sailing gives me. And if they do,well....., then they have had a glimpse into my soul. This spiritual need to share seems pervasive among us sailors, don't you think. Or is it simply a fifty-something characteristic? Thank's again.
... I'll pick the book up tomorrow. It seems this thread has provided a glimpse into the sailor's soul. Well, the recreational sailor's soul at least! Most folks I meet in my work pick up quickly on my sailing karma. I've taken many first-timers out, just as a friend first took me out 25 years ago, hoping they can share a small sense of the joy sailing gives me. And if they do,well....., then they have had a glimpse into my soul. This spiritual need to share seems pervasive among us sailors, don't you think. Or is it simply a fifty-something characteristic? Thank's again.
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Kurt
We could start a whole new thread Joe.
We could call it "The Joy of sailing or why do you sail?" I agree with your basic premise. For me, sailing is a very spiritual experience as well. It's fun and exhilerating, a little bit dangerous and always exciting, but mostly it's a very peaceful and soul-satisfying endeavor. I know that no matter what mood I'm in, an afternoon out on the water will improve it. And once I'm back on land, allI do is dream about getting back out again. Doesn't matter the size of the boat either. I got myself one of those sit-atop Ocean Kyaks that I paddle around the bay and go surfing with in the ocean. It works wonders for my soul as well. As long as there's no engine involved, I feel in touch with nature and consequently God and myself as well. It's why I don't care for power boats very much. A quote from the story "Boat Camp" will explain: "But what a thing a boat is under sail. The power, every bit of it, provided by a force you can't see, the invisible, infinite molecules of air, manipulated with ropes and cloth and muscle." If that's not magical, then I don't know what is. And like you, I agree that the joy of sailing is only magnified by the number of people you can share it with. It's like a little chappel out on the water.
We could call it "The Joy of sailing or why do you sail?" I agree with your basic premise. For me, sailing is a very spiritual experience as well. It's fun and exhilerating, a little bit dangerous and always exciting, but mostly it's a very peaceful and soul-satisfying endeavor. I know that no matter what mood I'm in, an afternoon out on the water will improve it. And once I'm back on land, allI do is dream about getting back out again. Doesn't matter the size of the boat either. I got myself one of those sit-atop Ocean Kyaks that I paddle around the bay and go surfing with in the ocean. It works wonders for my soul as well. As long as there's no engine involved, I feel in touch with nature and consequently God and myself as well. It's why I don't care for power boats very much. A quote from the story "Boat Camp" will explain: "But what a thing a boat is under sail. The power, every bit of it, provided by a force you can't see, the invisible, infinite molecules of air, manipulated with ropes and cloth and muscle." If that's not magical, then I don't know what is. And like you, I agree that the joy of sailing is only magnified by the number of people you can share it with. It's like a little chappel out on the water.
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R.W. Landau
wow , I thought I was the only one
For 5 years my wife has said that I have a problem with my desire to be on the water. I am glad to know there are others out there that if they are not on water that it is all they think about! r.w.landau
For 5 years my wife has said that I have a problem with my desire to be on the water. I am glad to know there are others out there that if they are not on water that it is all they think about! r.w.landau
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Al Sandrik
Chip
The best advice I can give is this, get out on the water every time you possibly can and on every type of boat that you can. Folks have mentioned local sailing clubs and putting your name up in the marina. Also check out your area for sailing classes in the community college, adult eduction classes, sailing schools or maybe UNO. After you've spent some time on several types of boats make your decision based on what your goals are. If you want to sail in many differing locations without wanting to actually sail there, get a trailorable boat. If you just want to cruise the lake on weekends, a 24-28' footer might be nice. If you want to race, that's a whole different story, maybe a J boat. The point is until you know yourself and what you envision for your immediate sailing future I wouldn't buy quite yet. Take some time, most sailors are happy to take someone out and let them experience their boats. When I was in college I sailed on a lot of my professor's boats, and it was a very good experience. Most of all get out on the water!
The best advice I can give is this, get out on the water every time you possibly can and on every type of boat that you can. Folks have mentioned local sailing clubs and putting your name up in the marina. Also check out your area for sailing classes in the community college, adult eduction classes, sailing schools or maybe UNO. After you've spent some time on several types of boats make your decision based on what your goals are. If you want to sail in many differing locations without wanting to actually sail there, get a trailorable boat. If you just want to cruise the lake on weekends, a 24-28' footer might be nice. If you want to race, that's a whole different story, maybe a J boat. The point is until you know yourself and what you envision for your immediate sailing future I wouldn't buy quite yet. Take some time, most sailors are happy to take someone out and let them experience their boats. When I was in college I sailed on a lot of my professor's boats, and it was a very good experience. Most of all get out on the water!
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