need advice on buying my first sailboat

[Russ20636]

Aloha all,I am having my (latest) midlife crisis at 55 and am looking to buy an older ('74-'85) 30 footer (+/-) with the thought in mind of cruising all the major Hawaiian Islands...AFTER I re-learn how to sail - it's been 35 years since sailing with friends out of Newport Harbor, CA. In the interim, coastal Kauai will be my playground/training water. To further complicate matters I have multiple sclerosis, and although still ambulatory after 20 years, my legs are definitely not what they used to be. My friend and neighbor is an old salt that is looking forward to our "mission" and will be my mentor on the water. It goes without saying I need a reliable boat (and cannot afford a new one), and one that is capable of handling Hawaiian waters. I am looking for advice in any form, even recommendations for a different boat. Any help will be most appreciated. Mahalo!Live aloha,Russ

 

[Mike]

Aloha Russ

I wa on Kauai last year and my daughter and I took a trip to nawiliwili harbor. I liked it there. Why don't you ask around with the people who sail out of there and see what they recommend? I have dreams abouty doing what you are going to do. I hope you have lots of safe fun while your doing it!

 

[Calif. Ted]

Russ, I would recommend a "cruise

or "confidence" course at either ASA or US Sailing school. Websites are : http://www.american-sailing.com/index.phphttp://www.ussailing.org/It's a good way to relearn old skills and sail some boats. I was able to go on a 1 week cruise in San Juans that included ASA cert to Bareboat, most food etc. for $995/ person. Try taking a class somewhere near you, some "sailing clubs" have good programs also.A lot of gear has changed since '85 and newer boats have more features in less boat length generally.A lot of things about newer boats make them a little easier for old guys like us, furling systems, not as much wood outdoors to maintain,wheel steering, lines lead aft so you don't have to get out of the cockpit as much etc.

 

[Don K.]

Dockage Availability

You live there and you should know but I heard there is a shortage of slips in the Islands and some skippers sailed from California and could not find a slip when they arrived there.