I'm trying to stay level headed and not just sign a contract to a new boat after my first visit to the marina. Even though the was my first impulse when I saw that 42' passage on jack stands. It was huge and impreesive. I started out looking for a 34 'but, found the rear cabin a bit closterfobic. I have a family of 4 my wife and 2 boys 21 & 17. I found the 42' passage to be roomy and felt it would serve as a good boat for weekend live aboard on our jaunts to the shore.My questions are this. 1)Is this too much boat for the first boat? My thought is why loose money trading up when you just should get what you want. Should I wait till the season is ending to purchase for better price? My thought is... will the price change if I buy a boat in Florida where the season is all year round. 3)looking for any pros and cons about this boat. Thank you for your help
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
What a nice beach cabin
There's no question that the larger the boat, the higher the learning curve. If you go with a large boat, shell out a few extra bucks and hire someone to teach you how to use it. You *could* learn on your own but your confidence & skill levels will be much higher if you have someone teach you properly. I've seen too many big boats just sit cuz the owners ended up not liking sailing as much as they thought they would. I would bet a lot of that had to do with not really knowing how & getting frustrated. Just a theory. Have fun! LaDonna
There's no question that the larger the boat, the higher the learning curve. If you go with a large boat, shell out a few extra bucks and hire someone to teach you how to use it. You *could* learn on your own but your confidence & skill levels will be much higher if you have someone teach you properly. I've seen too many big boats just sit cuz the owners ended up not liking sailing as much as they thought they would. I would bet a lot of that had to do with not really knowing how & getting frustrated. Just a theory. Have fun! LaDonna
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Chris Gonzales
Bigger can be better...
Mike, After owning 2 25's and one 22' boat I realize I am much more satisfied with my C30 as far as handling on SF bay. My wife and I also enjoy using the boat as a cabin at the marina. I don't feel my experience handling smaller boats has made much difference in being comfortable with the C30 as I feel she is more stable and better to sail in her own right. Thus said, I believe bigger can be better for the sailing experience itself. My suggestion is to be sure you and any significant other(s) be sure you really WANT to sail and spend the time and money necessary to maintain a 40+' boat. You will probably spend 5-10 times more than you can imagine on the boat. If you are totally new to sailing I suggest you take lessons with your wife (and kids if they are going to sail often)on a boat the size you are interested in purchasing and go from there. Chris
Mike, After owning 2 25's and one 22' boat I realize I am much more satisfied with my C30 as far as handling on SF bay. My wife and I also enjoy using the boat as a cabin at the marina. I don't feel my experience handling smaller boats has made much difference in being comfortable with the C30 as I feel she is more stable and better to sail in her own right. Thus said, I believe bigger can be better for the sailing experience itself. My suggestion is to be sure you and any significant other(s) be sure you really WANT to sail and spend the time and money necessary to maintain a 40+' boat. You will probably spend 5-10 times more than you can imagine on the boat. If you are totally new to sailing I suggest you take lessons with your wife (and kids if they are going to sail often)on a boat the size you are interested in purchasing and go from there. Chris
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Guest
Most people get a Sunfish or similar to learn
to sail. Is a 42 too large for someone with no experience? Hell yes. A 19' with a headsail is too large for someone with no experience. It ain't something you learn overnightmor by watching a couple of videos. I'm not trying to crush your dreams, but at least go get ASA certified before taking to the water and putting your own life, as well as others, at risk. I have been sailing for 17 years and I am just now comfortable taking out my C-22 by myself...
to sail. Is a 42 too large for someone with no experience? Hell yes. A 19' with a headsail is too large for someone with no experience. It ain't something you learn overnightmor by watching a couple of videos. I'm not trying to crush your dreams, but at least go get ASA certified before taking to the water and putting your own life, as well as others, at risk. I have been sailing for 17 years and I am just now comfortable taking out my C-22 by myself...
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Dick Vance
Not Just Yet!
From your post, I assume you and your family have no sailing experience. I know you are anxious to get started and want to learn as quickly as possible. With that in mind, I would pass on the impulse and do two things before buying your first boat: 1) Take courses, beginning with the Basic Keelboat course and moving up to the Coastal Cruising level at least. There is a lot to learn, from sailing basics; sail trim; anchoring & docking; safety procedures; mechanical systems; plumbing; electronics; engine maintenance and minor repair; etc. Even if you have the services of a good yard for normal repairs and maintenance, things do break down while you are out in the boat, away from professional help, most often at very inopportune times! The better you are at DIY and mechanical things the better on a boat as complex as the Passage. 2) Go sailing: You can charter a good sized boat with a captain and take your family for a week so that you can get the feel of how its going to be, having the assurance of an experienced sailor to show you the ropes. You can search and find a boat to charter of the type you want to buy....a real good way to determine if this boat is for you and can be a great vacation. You will also quickly learn if your wife and sons are going to be willing crew. Try to make their first sailing experience as pleasant as possible....first impressions are often critical for new sailors! Go sailing with others. Crewing on someone else's boat is a free way to learn and gain experience. Check for sailing clubs in your area....many boats are always looking for crew, even inexperienced, to help in club races. You will also get to know other sailors and have the opportunity to sail on different boats. A 22'-25' boat can be had used for relatively modest cost. This boat would be a good learner and fun for daysailing or weekending as you learn. A 42 foot boat can be a handful in windy weather or docking/anchoring for even experienced sailors. I started sailing late, about 10 years ago after powerboating all my life, and wanted to learn as fast as possible. I bought a 20' boat; took the ASA Basic Keelboat course and then Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Chartering all in the space of 4 months. A couple of months after that, I bought my Hunter 25.5 which is perfect for my inland lake. I actively club race and sail every chance I get. In addition, I've chartered on the Chesapeake; Pamlico Sound; East and West Coast of Fla and the Keys on boats from 34' to 44'. Even with my accelerated learning program, I would not have felt comfortable regularly coastal sailing a 42 footer with my family until I had at least a couple of years experience and then, very cautiously. Good luck, Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
From your post, I assume you and your family have no sailing experience. I know you are anxious to get started and want to learn as quickly as possible. With that in mind, I would pass on the impulse and do two things before buying your first boat: 1) Take courses, beginning with the Basic Keelboat course and moving up to the Coastal Cruising level at least. There is a lot to learn, from sailing basics; sail trim; anchoring & docking; safety procedures; mechanical systems; plumbing; electronics; engine maintenance and minor repair; etc. Even if you have the services of a good yard for normal repairs and maintenance, things do break down while you are out in the boat, away from professional help, most often at very inopportune times! The better you are at DIY and mechanical things the better on a boat as complex as the Passage. 2) Go sailing: You can charter a good sized boat with a captain and take your family for a week so that you can get the feel of how its going to be, having the assurance of an experienced sailor to show you the ropes. You can search and find a boat to charter of the type you want to buy....a real good way to determine if this boat is for you and can be a great vacation. You will also quickly learn if your wife and sons are going to be willing crew. Try to make their first sailing experience as pleasant as possible....first impressions are often critical for new sailors! Go sailing with others. Crewing on someone else's boat is a free way to learn and gain experience. Check for sailing clubs in your area....many boats are always looking for crew, even inexperienced, to help in club races. You will also get to know other sailors and have the opportunity to sail on different boats. A 22'-25' boat can be had used for relatively modest cost. This boat would be a good learner and fun for daysailing or weekending as you learn. A 42 foot boat can be a handful in windy weather or docking/anchoring for even experienced sailors. I started sailing late, about 10 years ago after powerboating all my life, and wanted to learn as fast as possible. I bought a 20' boat; took the ASA Basic Keelboat course and then Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Chartering all in the space of 4 months. A couple of months after that, I bought my Hunter 25.5 which is perfect for my inland lake. I actively club race and sail every chance I get. In addition, I've chartered on the Chesapeake; Pamlico Sound; East and West Coast of Fla and the Keys on boats from 34' to 44'. Even with my accelerated learning program, I would not have felt comfortable regularly coastal sailing a 42 footer with my family until I had at least a couple of years experience and then, very cautiously. Good luck, Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
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Debra Blatnik
Charter First, then consider used
If you are new sailor, I would suggest chartering with an instructor/captain for a weekend or more. Take everyone in the family. A lot of people never get used to the heeling (tilting of the boat by 10 or more degrees) when underway. Then consider a good quality used boat. Sailboats like cars lose a lot of their value in the first 3 or 4 years. Unlike cars, they can last a long time. (I purchased a 1979 last year. It needed work, but now with the work done....as much as it is ever done....I feel I got a good value for my money. What boat you buy is going to be determined by where you intend to sail. 40 ft is a lot of boat to handle if you've never sailed before. I have some experience and am still getting comfortable docking my 37ft. boat. Best advice = follow your dreams. Because, like the man said, "If you don't have dreams, you have nightmares."
If you are new sailor, I would suggest chartering with an instructor/captain for a weekend or more. Take everyone in the family. A lot of people never get used to the heeling (tilting of the boat by 10 or more degrees) when underway. Then consider a good quality used boat. Sailboats like cars lose a lot of their value in the first 3 or 4 years. Unlike cars, they can last a long time. (I purchased a 1979 last year. It needed work, but now with the work done....as much as it is ever done....I feel I got a good value for my money. What boat you buy is going to be determined by where you intend to sail. 40 ft is a lot of boat to handle if you've never sailed before. I have some experience and am still getting comfortable docking my 37ft. boat. Best advice = follow your dreams. Because, like the man said, "If you don't have dreams, you have nightmares."
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Eric Lorgus
Know what you want
Mike, With a family of 4, I'm not going to suggest you begin with a Sunfish, although they're a helluva lot of fun. At the same time, I'd agree with your intent to stay level headed and not buy a 42' boat after your first visit to a marina. Others here have made some good points about getting some experience first. I bought my first keel boat 3 seasons ago, a Hunter 28.5. Although a little on the big side for a starter boat, it was an excellent (albeit lucky) choice. At the time, my only previous sailing experience was sailing Sunfishes, which by the way, is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of sailing. I took ASA 101 (basic keelboat) before I went anywhere in my new boat. I also hired a captain for private docking lessons, and spent some time sailing with the previous owner. This year, I moved up to a Hunter 54. At first it seemed an impossibly big boat to handle, but if you've mastered the fundamentals, you quickly realize that they apply equally to a 54 as they do to a 28.5. Here are a few suggestions: 1) If your family has no keelboat experience, DEFINITELY do a charter on a similar-sized boat. I agree 1000% with Debra about heeling -- some people never get used to it, in which case you'll want to look at multihulls instead. 2) You don't need to start with a Sunfish, but I agree with those who suggested you sign up for a basic sailing class. Your wife should come, too. 3) As for buying any boat as a relatively new sailor, beware that your inexperience will not be able to inform you about equipment and features that only experience can instruct you on. If you have any friends who are sailors, enlist their advice. If you decide to start with a 42 foot boat, you won't be the first one who has done that. However, you are going to feel overwhelmed for a while. As someone here mentioned, some boatowners never go anywhere because they either lack the confidence or belatedly realize that it wasn't as romantic as seemed before they bought the boat. 4) If you get a chance, go sailing on a rotten weather day (rainy, cold, windy, miserable). Bring your wife. Ignore how you feel while you're being slogged around -- everyone would rather be somewhere else in bad weather. But the next day, see how you feel. Do you feel good about it, do you feel a sense of pride? If you do, then welcome to the club. If not, sailing may not be for you. As for buying a boat in Florida to save money, you better factor in how you're going to get it to NJ. Are you going to sail it up? How, up the ICW? Do you have that kind of time? Who's going to navigate? Lastly, I'll embrace Debra's advice: "follow your dreams." But keep your eyes open at all times! Eric Lorgus s/v Impulse (83H54) (I should talk with a boat named Impulse!)
Mike, With a family of 4, I'm not going to suggest you begin with a Sunfish, although they're a helluva lot of fun. At the same time, I'd agree with your intent to stay level headed and not buy a 42' boat after your first visit to a marina. Others here have made some good points about getting some experience first. I bought my first keel boat 3 seasons ago, a Hunter 28.5. Although a little on the big side for a starter boat, it was an excellent (albeit lucky) choice. At the time, my only previous sailing experience was sailing Sunfishes, which by the way, is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of sailing. I took ASA 101 (basic keelboat) before I went anywhere in my new boat. I also hired a captain for private docking lessons, and spent some time sailing with the previous owner. This year, I moved up to a Hunter 54. At first it seemed an impossibly big boat to handle, but if you've mastered the fundamentals, you quickly realize that they apply equally to a 54 as they do to a 28.5. Here are a few suggestions: 1) If your family has no keelboat experience, DEFINITELY do a charter on a similar-sized boat. I agree 1000% with Debra about heeling -- some people never get used to it, in which case you'll want to look at multihulls instead. 2) You don't need to start with a Sunfish, but I agree with those who suggested you sign up for a basic sailing class. Your wife should come, too. 3) As for buying any boat as a relatively new sailor, beware that your inexperience will not be able to inform you about equipment and features that only experience can instruct you on. If you have any friends who are sailors, enlist their advice. If you decide to start with a 42 foot boat, you won't be the first one who has done that. However, you are going to feel overwhelmed for a while. As someone here mentioned, some boatowners never go anywhere because they either lack the confidence or belatedly realize that it wasn't as romantic as seemed before they bought the boat. 4) If you get a chance, go sailing on a rotten weather day (rainy, cold, windy, miserable). Bring your wife. Ignore how you feel while you're being slogged around -- everyone would rather be somewhere else in bad weather. But the next day, see how you feel. Do you feel good about it, do you feel a sense of pride? If you do, then welcome to the club. If not, sailing may not be for you. As for buying a boat in Florida to save money, you better factor in how you're going to get it to NJ. Are you going to sail it up? How, up the ICW? Do you have that kind of time? Who's going to navigate? Lastly, I'll embrace Debra's advice: "follow your dreams." But keep your eyes open at all times! Eric Lorgus s/v Impulse (83H54) (I should talk with a boat named Impulse!)
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Mike
Time share
All good advice. One other idea you might try is to time share on a sailboat. We did it for a season and it was great. Under the program we used, we paid $1000, which gave us access to a Catalina 22 for I think 8 pre-scheduled days (which we picked through a lottery with the other participants), and the ability to take the boat out any other day we wanted if it were free for $20. Included in the deal were enough lessons to ensure that the owner (a local yacht dealer) was satisifed that you weren't a danger to yourself or others. You just showed up at the dock and the boat was fueled, the sail covers were off, and ready to go. When you came back, you docked, furled the main, made sure that the jib wouldn't blow overboard, and left. No hose-down, clean up, waxing, painting, insurance, dock fees, storage fees or maintenance. If the downside to this deal is not immediatly apparent (its not your boat!), then maybe it is too soon for you to buy. There are a couple of places near me in Conn. that offer similar deals; check it out.
All good advice. One other idea you might try is to time share on a sailboat. We did it for a season and it was great. Under the program we used, we paid $1000, which gave us access to a Catalina 22 for I think 8 pre-scheduled days (which we picked through a lottery with the other participants), and the ability to take the boat out any other day we wanted if it were free for $20. Included in the deal were enough lessons to ensure that the owner (a local yacht dealer) was satisifed that you weren't a danger to yourself or others. You just showed up at the dock and the boat was fueled, the sail covers were off, and ready to go. When you came back, you docked, furled the main, made sure that the jib wouldn't blow overboard, and left. No hose-down, clean up, waxing, painting, insurance, dock fees, storage fees or maintenance. If the downside to this deal is not immediatly apparent (its not your boat!), then maybe it is too soon for you to buy. There are a couple of places near me in Conn. that offer similar deals; check it out.
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Ron
No...not too big
Is a Cadillac too big to learn to drive in? Maybe you should get a Volkswagon to learn in. Sailing is sailing is sailing. I did the two-footitis and lost a bunch of $$$$$. The real question is, are you afraid of a 42 foot boat?? My wife learned to sail on our 37 ft boat and has NO problems. She does the out-of -the-slip and into-the-slip while I work the lines. I think LaDonna is right on the mark as far as getting some good training, though. My wife was taught by an ASA instructor while I waited on the dock. As for costs, if you are mechanical you'll save a bunch of money and get the job done right. If not, you'll spend a bunch of money and hope you get the job done right. I have yet to hear of anyone buying a boat and then trading down for a smaller one. But, how many trade up?? As for the Sunfish; I owned one for three weeks once before trading up to a Hobie Cat. Took me forever to dump that Sunfish. Did I lose money; only 70%...And if you REALLY want to see your wife hate something, put her on a Sunfish for an afternoon. You can forget the sailing dream after that. If you like the Passage 42 and can afford it, buy it. Then you can sit in the cockpit with a cool drink and watch people getting baked in the hot sun on their...."Sunfish." Ron/KA5HZV
Is a Cadillac too big to learn to drive in? Maybe you should get a Volkswagon to learn in. Sailing is sailing is sailing. I did the two-footitis and lost a bunch of $$$$$. The real question is, are you afraid of a 42 foot boat?? My wife learned to sail on our 37 ft boat and has NO problems. She does the out-of -the-slip and into-the-slip while I work the lines. I think LaDonna is right on the mark as far as getting some good training, though. My wife was taught by an ASA instructor while I waited on the dock. As for costs, if you are mechanical you'll save a bunch of money and get the job done right. If not, you'll spend a bunch of money and hope you get the job done right. I have yet to hear of anyone buying a boat and then trading down for a smaller one. But, how many trade up?? As for the Sunfish; I owned one for three weeks once before trading up to a Hobie Cat. Took me forever to dump that Sunfish. Did I lose money; only 70%...And if you REALLY want to see your wife hate something, put her on a Sunfish for an afternoon. You can forget the sailing dream after that. If you like the Passage 42 and can afford it, buy it. Then you can sit in the cockpit with a cool drink and watch people getting baked in the hot sun on their...."Sunfish." Ron/KA5HZV
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Tim Schaaf
big boat with sailing dinghy?
If you go ahead and get the 42 footer, why not get a sailing dinghy as a tender? Then, you will get all the benefits of the big boat, and as you get more and more comfortable with it, you and the family can learn alot about sailing in the dinghy. You might even get a Tinker inflatable, since it can also be your liferaft. The Tinker, being an inflatable, is quite light on the water, and its sensitivity will teach you lots about sailing. I know that mine has taught me quite a few subtleties! Everyone's point of view has merit. Theoretically, it is better to start small, but there is lots to be said for getting the boat you want, as long as you know enough to know that it IS the boat you want! Friends and charters will help you decide. A MUST......GET LESSONS, and make sure that everyone whom you hope enjoys sailing, gets lessons, too. Lots of people never get comfortable sailing, because they have no confidence in their abilities, and thus never really feel safe. Good luck.
If you go ahead and get the 42 footer, why not get a sailing dinghy as a tender? Then, you will get all the benefits of the big boat, and as you get more and more comfortable with it, you and the family can learn alot about sailing in the dinghy. You might even get a Tinker inflatable, since it can also be your liferaft. The Tinker, being an inflatable, is quite light on the water, and its sensitivity will teach you lots about sailing. I know that mine has taught me quite a few subtleties! Everyone's point of view has merit. Theoretically, it is better to start small, but there is lots to be said for getting the boat you want, as long as you know enough to know that it IS the boat you want! Friends and charters will help you decide. A MUST......GET LESSONS, and make sure that everyone whom you hope enjoys sailing, gets lessons, too. Lots of people never get comfortable sailing, because they have no confidence in their abilities, and thus never really feel safe. Good luck.
Here's my two cents...
There are definite advantages to a big boat, not the least of which are the feeling of security under way and the abundance of room below deck. However, I'm sure you know that there ARE drawbacks, especially if you are inexperienced. Here are a few: Basic chores like sail trimming and handling will require more effort and skill because sails, lines etc are bigger. Unless the boat is set up for shorthanding sailing (roller furling headsail and mainsail, all lines led to cockpit, powered winches, autopilot, etc.) you will need at least one other able body aboard, and probably more. Operating and maintenance costs are also higher on a bigger boat, and these costs are NOT proportional to length. My suggestion would be to crew on (or charter) a couple of boats of different sizes (including yur Hunter 420) to get a feel for what to expect. Try to go out when the weather is really crappy to see how miserable things can get. Try preparing a meal under way in less than perfect weather. You will find, for example, that all boats, regardless of size, get equally stuffy belowdecks when you batten down to keep out or rough water. Most things also choose the worst time to break or go wrong. Once you have honestly considered the potential problems, pitfalls and expenses AND you are prepared to deal with them, AND you have developed your skill and experience level to where you have realistic confidence in your ability and that of your crew...get a boat that you are comfortable with. Otherwise you will soon become disillusioned and will sell for pennies on the dollar while cursing the day you ever laid eyes on the boat. Good luck! Peter H23 "Raven"
There are definite advantages to a big boat, not the least of which are the feeling of security under way and the abundance of room below deck. However, I'm sure you know that there ARE drawbacks, especially if you are inexperienced. Here are a few: Basic chores like sail trimming and handling will require more effort and skill because sails, lines etc are bigger. Unless the boat is set up for shorthanding sailing (roller furling headsail and mainsail, all lines led to cockpit, powered winches, autopilot, etc.) you will need at least one other able body aboard, and probably more. Operating and maintenance costs are also higher on a bigger boat, and these costs are NOT proportional to length. My suggestion would be to crew on (or charter) a couple of boats of different sizes (including yur Hunter 420) to get a feel for what to expect. Try to go out when the weather is really crappy to see how miserable things can get. Try preparing a meal under way in less than perfect weather. You will find, for example, that all boats, regardless of size, get equally stuffy belowdecks when you batten down to keep out or rough water. Most things also choose the worst time to break or go wrong. Once you have honestly considered the potential problems, pitfalls and expenses AND you are prepared to deal with them, AND you have developed your skill and experience level to where you have realistic confidence in your ability and that of your crew...get a boat that you are comfortable with. Otherwise you will soon become disillusioned and will sell for pennies on the dollar while cursing the day you ever laid eyes on the boat. Good luck! Peter H23 "Raven"
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Larry Watkins
42 too big?
Mike; You will be putting you and your family, and others, at risk for injury or worse if you take that 42 footer out without knowing what you are doing. Wind and water are extremely powerful forces and shouldn't be fooled with. The wind and sea doesn't bear you any ill will, it just doesn't care about you or your family. You should, and reign in your impulses until you KNOW HOW TO SAIL! Without knowledge, your first times will be stressful with a lot of yelling and bad feelings, which is the opposite of what sailing is supposed to be. Think about it, would you go out with someone on a big boat who had no experience? Larry W. Larry W.
Mike; You will be putting you and your family, and others, at risk for injury or worse if you take that 42 footer out without knowing what you are doing. Wind and water are extremely powerful forces and shouldn't be fooled with. The wind and sea doesn't bear you any ill will, it just doesn't care about you or your family. You should, and reign in your impulses until you KNOW HOW TO SAIL! Without knowledge, your first times will be stressful with a lot of yelling and bad feelings, which is the opposite of what sailing is supposed to be. Think about it, would you go out with someone on a big boat who had no experience? Larry W. Larry W.
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Gary Jensen
Great Choice
I LOVE the 42!!!!! It sails easily tracks well and is very forgiving!!!!I have lost $$$$$ by moving up. Each time it galls me to pay the sales tax and loose on depreciarion. I went from 27 to 36 to the 380 and am now looking at a 42....If you really want it--------then go for it. If its over your head handeling then you and your sons can crew on some racing teams and you can ask a skipper to sail with you on your new boat a few times (till you feel secure)....THAT SHOULD DO IT!!!!!I hope you are looking at the two cabin model!!!
I LOVE the 42!!!!! It sails easily tracks well and is very forgiving!!!!I have lost $$$$$ by moving up. Each time it galls me to pay the sales tax and loose on depreciarion. I went from 27 to 36 to the 380 and am now looking at a 42....If you really want it--------then go for it. If its over your head handeling then you and your sons can crew on some racing teams and you can ask a skipper to sail with you on your new boat a few times (till you feel secure)....THAT SHOULD DO IT!!!!!I hope you are looking at the two cabin model!!!
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Russell Egge
We did it, but a word of caution
Ok so for us it was a 376, but we took the plunge without any experience. Has it worked out, yes, but there have been issues. I travel during the week so my wife took the Coast Guard class. Well worth the time and effort. We then took friends, and most importantly a professional instructor out in our boat to teach us. Saftey has to be No.1 or you will be making a mistake. Learn to handle the boat at the dock (slow is good, slower is better) and get the feeling for the boat under power first. (slowly remember there isn't a brake like a car) Now comes sailing. Start out in low winds <10knots and with a reef or two in to learn for yourself what the instructor told you. Move up from there, sail with knowledgable friends when ever possible on your boat. Go slow, respect the boat and rememberthree keys. 1. Reef the first time you ask yourself if you should reef. If you arn't willing to be the only boat with a reef in you need to start with a smaller boat. 2. Learn how to handle your boat at the docks. Wind, current and a lack of brake make this a challange. (Most boats don't back up straight so simply putting the boat in reverse won't have the effect you might expect. 3. Get instructions as you go. After you have been out a few times, hire the instructor for another day, the progress you make is worth the cost. And remember that when she heals to 40 degrees you have up to much sail up and reef. Russell Egge S/V Allie Kat
Ok so for us it was a 376, but we took the plunge without any experience. Has it worked out, yes, but there have been issues. I travel during the week so my wife took the Coast Guard class. Well worth the time and effort. We then took friends, and most importantly a professional instructor out in our boat to teach us. Saftey has to be No.1 or you will be making a mistake. Learn to handle the boat at the dock (slow is good, slower is better) and get the feeling for the boat under power first. (slowly remember there isn't a brake like a car) Now comes sailing. Start out in low winds <10knots and with a reef or two in to learn for yourself what the instructor told you. Move up from there, sail with knowledgable friends when ever possible on your boat. Go slow, respect the boat and rememberthree keys. 1. Reef the first time you ask yourself if you should reef. If you arn't willing to be the only boat with a reef in you need to start with a smaller boat. 2. Learn how to handle your boat at the docks. Wind, current and a lack of brake make this a challange. (Most boats don't back up straight so simply putting the boat in reverse won't have the effect you might expect. 3. Get instructions as you go. After you have been out a few times, hire the instructor for another day, the progress you make is worth the cost. And remember that when she heals to 40 degrees you have up to much sail up and reef. Russell Egge S/V Allie Kat
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Debra Blatnik
Big boats easier to sail, hard to handle under pwr
Having sailed sunfish as a kid, I actually find that sailing a big boat is easy. Getting away from the dock or into a slip can be a challenge, but sailing a 37 is relaxing. Sailing a Sunfish or a Hobbie cat is exciting, but not relaxing. Whatever you do, if you haven't sailed, get training. Either on the boat you end up buying or on a charter boat. Unless you are going to live full-time on a boat, they don't need to be too big.
Having sailed sunfish as a kid, I actually find that sailing a big boat is easy. Getting away from the dock or into a slip can be a challenge, but sailing a 37 is relaxing. Sailing a Sunfish or a Hobbie cat is exciting, but not relaxing. Whatever you do, if you haven't sailed, get training. Either on the boat you end up buying or on a charter boat. Unless you are going to live full-time on a boat, they don't need to be too big.
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Gordon Myers
Listen to your heart not the nay's
There are a lot of questions your post did not address. Such as past boating experience (none, some, power only, ect.), also your health, athletic ability and possible your occupation (engineer, airplane pilot, ect.). We (husband & wife) had extensive powerboat experience, but out 1st sailboat was a new P-42 in 1994. I am self-taught but have an aeronautical engineering / flying background. I was single handling the boat before the end of the summer. We now have a 450 and will be living on it full time, by years end. Don't listen to negative thoughts of others, but do use good common sense. Everything in life is a risk, but life with out risk is not living, it's just existing. Remember sailboats are "safe" in harbors, but sailboats were not built to remain in harbors. Bottom line, if you and your wife can afford it and are willing to pay the price (not only in money, but in education & dedication to become good sailors) then go for it.
There are a lot of questions your post did not address. Such as past boating experience (none, some, power only, ect.), also your health, athletic ability and possible your occupation (engineer, airplane pilot, ect.). We (husband & wife) had extensive powerboat experience, but out 1st sailboat was a new P-42 in 1994. I am self-taught but have an aeronautical engineering / flying background. I was single handling the boat before the end of the summer. We now have a 450 and will be living on it full time, by years end. Don't listen to negative thoughts of others, but do use good common sense. Everything in life is a risk, but life with out risk is not living, it's just existing. Remember sailboats are "safe" in harbors, but sailboats were not built to remain in harbors. Bottom line, if you and your wife can afford it and are willing to pay the price (not only in money, but in education & dedication to become good sailors) then go for it.
W
Warren
Too Big?
Too Big?...there is a boat in my marina with the name "Size Does Matter". Keep some things in mind: You will have a hard time "single handing" a 42' boat. Even an experienced sailor would agree with that. You will have much more fun with a 30' boat. When you cruise on a boat you must learn to "live small & travel light"...it can be fun. Good Lucl!
Too Big?...there is a boat in my marina with the name "Size Does Matter". Keep some things in mind: You will have a hard time "single handing" a 42' boat. Even an experienced sailor would agree with that. You will have much more fun with a 30' boat. When you cruise on a boat you must learn to "live small & travel light"...it can be fun. Good Lucl!
C
Chris Hyland
Do it, BUT
Mike, If you can afford it, and the boat meets your needs, buy it! My wife and I started sailing this year and started out with a new 2001 Catalina 36. Here's the BUT. We hired a captain for delivery and lessons on our boat. I can't tell you how great it is to learn on your own boat. Also you'll have 4 students for the same money. That's a bargin. I'll never forget Capt'n Paul.. The first time I attempted to dock into a slip (16knot winds on the port beam) Capt'n paul says at the height of concentration " I bet I couldn't get a BB up your Butt!" It broke the ice a little... But he was right.... So I say do it... We jumped directly into a 36 and have never regretted it. Regards, Chris
Mike, If you can afford it, and the boat meets your needs, buy it! My wife and I started sailing this year and started out with a new 2001 Catalina 36. Here's the BUT. We hired a captain for delivery and lessons on our boat. I can't tell you how great it is to learn on your own boat. Also you'll have 4 students for the same money. That's a bargin. I'll never forget Capt'n Paul.. The first time I attempted to dock into a slip (16knot winds on the port beam) Capt'n paul says at the height of concentration " I bet I couldn't get a BB up your Butt!" It broke the ice a little... But he was right.... So I say do it... We jumped directly into a 36 and have never regretted it. Regards, Chris
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