Pardon my ignorance

[raphael1978]

Hello Hunter owners!

I am new to this forum, and also a novice in sailing too. I live in the Tampa Bay area, and recently have become obsessed with the beauty & functionality of a 1977 Hunter 30'. I'm getting to a point in my life (note I'm still a baby @ 32 yrs.) where I want more challenges and notable life experiences. I have a few friends & acquaintances that have sailed their entire lives, so I do have access to guidance and "sound" advice. I'm impulsive by nature, so I have to slow myself down and do major research before I get in too deep in anything extravagant, such as purchasing a sailboat (w/ little to no experience of boat ownership, maintenance, financial obligations, etc.)
The lifestyle that a sailboat offers sounds out of this world, but I have a distinct feeling that I'm not being realistic as to the commitment necessary to making this the dream worthy experience that I'm currently thinking of. I plan on visiting a few local marinas to speak with people who are fervent sailors and signing up for sailing lessons too. I would like to speak to boat owners so I can pick their brain about all yearly expected labor, costs, dangers, etc.
I like working with my hands and I have access to a machine shop (I work in manufacturing for the motorcycle industry - racing bottom end components - crank, rods, clutch baskets, etc.) and again, I have access to friends who are very skilled in labor. I would work on it myself, and not pay someone to do it, unless it is necessary and beyond my capabilities.

Any pointers on what I should keep an eye out for? How often does the boat have to be lifted for cleaning, painting, barnacle removal, etc. during the year? I am in Florida, so the boat would be in the water yr. round. Motor work and electricity I have that covered. What can I expect in regards to sails, lines, lifesaving equipment, bilge pump repairs if needed, mast upkeep, slip costs, fuel, and other related items that I may not be aware of. Again, I don't know anything, and I'm just recently teaching myself the proper terminology for all things sailing related. Excuse the ignorance =)

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any help!

 

[Ed Schenck]

Welcome aboard! You have the found the best website for chasing and then working on your dream. You will probably be overwhelmed with advice and counsel. A really good starting point would be to follow a post called "Boats are expensive": http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=118438 .

The 1977 H30 is a Cherubini designed Hunter. We have our own little forum of bigots under "Forums" and then "Hunter Owner Forums". There are a lot of H30 owners on here with years of experience. Then you can read the Owner's Reviews under Boat Info for more about any model of Hunter. And, of course, this is really Sailboatowners.com so you have access to tons of info on many different brands.

 

[Honeyman]

Your own mechanical skills, those of friends, and access to tools and machine shop will serve you very well. Doing your own work is a huge money saver. Quality bottom job will last you 3-5 years in your area if, 1) you USE your boat and don't let it just sit! 2) Dive on it yourself, preferably w/scuba tank and clean bottom, shaft, propeller, and change zincs monthly till you figure out if you can go longer. Other than ongoing expenses like slip and insurance, I found over the years that most other expenses are manageable if you buy a "well founded" boat. Fuel is negligable(sp), sails and running rigging should last years and years, standing rigging will usually last 10-15-20 years, depending on use and environment. Once "little" projects like holding tanks and toilets, fresh water pumps, battery capacity and charging, cooking systems are worked out, they usually hold up for many years with proper maintenance. SO MUCH of it depends with what you START WITH. A 1977 Hunter 30 if well kept, should have had lots of upkeep and upgrades and if "well founded" could be a wonderful boat. If it has sat neglected in a slip for years, unused, full of water, sails and rigging rotten/rusted, interior moldy and rotten, diesel unstarted, batteries long dead...you get the picture. As Ed said, this the best place on the web for info. Sailing is a wonderful lifestyle especially where you can enjoy it year round. Aside from Hurricane worries, Tampa is a wonderful area to sail out of. Best of luck.

 

[raphael1978]

Ed & Honeyman, thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate the advice and will continue to read more on the subject matter. Best regards.