Soon-to-be colleagues - My wife and I are selecting your first boat and could really use your help! Pls read on if you can share your experience. We'll sail out of Milwaukee (north of Chicago), will probably moor the boat. I have sailed dinghys, windsurfers, catamarans extensively but this will be my first large boat. We'll sail for a year or two nearby, then we want to venture to the north (northern edge of the Great Lakes) - so the boat needs to handle rough weather. We want something comfortable (my wife) and that performs (me). We're looking at 25 to 30 ft, probably full keel. Willing to spend for the right boat . . . but we probably don't want to pay for anything newer than 1978 or so. Not sure about inboard vs. outboard or tiller vs. wheel. There are plenty of Catalinas, Irwins, Columbias, Hunters, etc. etc. to choose from. I have sailed and looked at a few boats, but it would take me years to accumulate the experience that you (and the other members of this discussion group) have. If you were in my shoes and selecting your first boat, what boats would you be leaning towards? Looking back on when you bought your first boat . . . is there anything you know now that you wish you had known then? Thanks in advance for your help
Share Your Experience - need help selecting a boat
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isn't that complicated
particularly for a first boat which if you enjoy sailing, you'll likely sell to upgrade shortly or, conversely, if you don't like sailing, simply sell. Choice of boat is a very personal decision. Whatever you end up selecting, make sure you have a well-recommended surveyor thoroughly inspect it before closing and with a boat of the 70's vintage, expect to have lots of maintenance and repair work ahead of you If you don't already know, check out the Milwaulee YC and the South Shore YC, either of which are comprised of many good people from whom you can learn lots and get experience as crew on members' boats during the racing season.
particularly for a first boat which if you enjoy sailing, you'll likely sell to upgrade shortly or, conversely, if you don't like sailing, simply sell. Choice of boat is a very personal decision. Whatever you end up selecting, make sure you have a well-recommended surveyor thoroughly inspect it before closing and with a boat of the 70's vintage, expect to have lots of maintenance and repair work ahead of you If you don't already know, check out the Milwaulee YC and the South Shore YC, either of which are comprised of many good people from whom you can learn lots and get experience as crew on members' boats during the racing season.
Any Particular Reason for Full Keel?
How hard a criteria is that? You will eliminate about 85 percent of the boats from that era. What was the thought behind that? Give us some feedback and we might be able to hone in a bit more on recommendations. I know west coast boats more, like Columbia and Cal 34's which are great boats if maintained, but they may not be right for you. What kind of budget range (leave 20% for repair/updating)? Rick D.
How hard a criteria is that? You will eliminate about 85 percent of the boats from that era. What was the thought behind that? Give us some feedback and we might be able to hone in a bit more on recommendations. I know west coast boats more, like Columbia and Cal 34's which are great boats if maintained, but they may not be right for you. What kind of budget range (leave 20% for repair/updating)? Rick D.
Don't go smaller than 30
It's awfully hard to sell to upgrade, particularly an older boat. Get a boat you want to keep. My friend started with an oday 34; I started with a 27 and had to struggle to sell it to upgrade to a pearson 323. Start big.
It's awfully hard to sell to upgrade, particularly an older boat. Get a boat you want to keep. My friend started with an oday 34; I started with a 27 and had to struggle to sell it to upgrade to a pearson 323. Start big.
seems familiar
This thread was around a week or so ago. Check the archives. What is the weather like up there, the majority of the time, that you plan to sail? If light airs and not a lot of waves, go with a light boat, otherwise heavy.
This thread was around a week or so ago. Check the archives. What is the weather like up there, the majority of the time, that you plan to sail? If light airs and not a lot of waves, go with a light boat, otherwise heavy.
more
I assume you don't know much so...there is a webpage called Carl's Sail Calculator. Find it. Read the whole page and take notes, like in high school. You will find out about motion comfort, speed, etc. You compare boats! It is one fantastic page. Second, Google "How to buy a sailboat." Third. The library should have books on the subject. Do a search of your local library. If you have questions, email me at tho52mas@aim.com
I assume you don't know much so...there is a webpage called Carl's Sail Calculator. Find it. Read the whole page and take notes, like in high school. You will find out about motion comfort, speed, etc. You compare boats! It is one fantastic page. Second, Google "How to buy a sailboat." Third. The library should have books on the subject. Do a search of your local library. If you have questions, email me at tho52mas@aim.com
How we selected our boat
The following link outlines the features we were looking for in a boat. http://www.sailingseadragon.com/DesirableCharacter.htm And well Sea Dragon fit the list. Garner
The following link outlines the features we were looking for in a boat. http://www.sailingseadragon.com/DesirableCharacter.htm And well Sea Dragon fit the list. Garner
One more opinion
After a lot of research and membership in a club where we sailed a variety of boats, we decided we wanted/needed to buy a 30 ft Catalina because: - It was the right size for comfortable weekending; -- It could be sailed in rougher waters, typical of our area; --- We were comfortable with that size; ---- We wanted a keel boat; ----- Catalinas are what the brokers call "good in-and-out boats," meaning that when we were ready to move up, it would be easy to sell. ------ And, it was within our budget. At the time I liked the older Catlinas better than the Hunters and other production boats I was familiar with. So we ended up buying a 37 Hunter cutter, much bigger and better boat than anticipated, and the initial price was about the same. The biggest question was whether or not we could handle a 37 foot boat comfortably, and we found we could. What we found in looking hard for the perfect boat was that the demand for Catalina 30s outstripped the supply here, and they were overpriced or in poor condition. We found one of the 37 Cherubini models that had been meticulously maintained, and on the market for a year. I still think the Catalina 30 would be a practical and fun first keel boat, but the Hunter 37 is much safer, easier to sail, and an all-around better boat. Like the fella said, buy bigger. That way you don't have to move up. regards Sanders s/v Good News
After a lot of research and membership in a club where we sailed a variety of boats, we decided we wanted/needed to buy a 30 ft Catalina because: - It was the right size for comfortable weekending; -- It could be sailed in rougher waters, typical of our area; --- We were comfortable with that size; ---- We wanted a keel boat; ----- Catalinas are what the brokers call "good in-and-out boats," meaning that when we were ready to move up, it would be easy to sell. ------ And, it was within our budget. At the time I liked the older Catlinas better than the Hunters and other production boats I was familiar with. So we ended up buying a 37 Hunter cutter, much bigger and better boat than anticipated, and the initial price was about the same. The biggest question was whether or not we could handle a 37 foot boat comfortably, and we found we could. What we found in looking hard for the perfect boat was that the demand for Catalina 30s outstripped the supply here, and they were overpriced or in poor condition. We found one of the 37 Cherubini models that had been meticulously maintained, and on the market for a year. I still think the Catalina 30 would be a practical and fun first keel boat, but the Hunter 37 is much safer, easier to sail, and an all-around better boat. Like the fella said, buy bigger. That way you don't have to move up. regards Sanders s/v Good News
Don't Rush
Don't rush into buying a boat and be careful not to buy a boat that is nothing but trouble. You don't want to be out on a boat on the great lakes and have constant problems or worse stuck at the dock needing repairs. Go for a at least 30 ft full keel boat and try and find some one moving up to a bigger boat and has taken care the boat he is selling. So many to choose going to be hard recommend which one to buy, make it fun and look at a lot of boats to see what is out there. Nick
Don't rush into buying a boat and be careful not to buy a boat that is nothing but trouble. You don't want to be out on a boat on the great lakes and have constant problems or worse stuck at the dock needing repairs. Go for a at least 30 ft full keel boat and try and find some one moving up to a bigger boat and has taken care the boat he is selling. So many to choose going to be hard recommend which one to buy, make it fun and look at a lot of boats to see what is out there. Nick
Well...
30 feet minimum inboard diesel wheel or tiller is your own preference full keels are much smaller for their LOA than a fin Fins are faster & more than adequate for your sailing waters A Catalina 30 is a great first boat but why no newer than a 1978? Condition is everything so be willing to pay for the best maintained & best kept specimen. Boats under 30 feet are significantly harder to sell in the future so a 30+ is a better choice. A boat in top condition is the fastest selling boat! I'm anal retentive about cleanliness and maintenance & every one of my boats has sold to the first looker and for top dollar. Be ready to pounce, on a top condition boat, as they truly are 1 percenters meaning only one percent of boats are kept in top condition. You'll be up against seasoned veterans, who know how and what to buy, so have the pen and checkbook ready! Good boats sell FAST and buying a top condition boat is PRIORITY & rule #1....
30 feet minimum inboard diesel wheel or tiller is your own preference full keels are much smaller for their LOA than a fin Fins are faster & more than adequate for your sailing waters A Catalina 30 is a great first boat but why no newer than a 1978? Condition is everything so be willing to pay for the best maintained & best kept specimen. Boats under 30 feet are significantly harder to sell in the future so a 30+ is a better choice. A boat in top condition is the fastest selling boat! I'm anal retentive about cleanliness and maintenance & every one of my boats has sold to the first looker and for top dollar. Be ready to pounce, on a top condition boat, as they truly are 1 percenters meaning only one percent of boats are kept in top condition. You'll be up against seasoned veterans, who know how and what to buy, so have the pen and checkbook ready! Good boats sell FAST and buying a top condition boat is PRIORITY & rule #1....
This works for us
Test sail boats buying the most you can afford, sail safely, and have best comfort aboard as possible. Take your time in finding the right boat. The previous owners attention given a sailboat is a very important factor. A boat that has actively sailed, been loved and cared for receiving upgrades is a big plus. A new boat is also a possibility? The market has good buys for the wise shopper. Look not just at the picture profile cut in the Sun. Or the lore of impluse. Examine the design, hull, systems, engine, sails, rigging, hardware and history as well as cushions, berths and window shade treatments. Your crew will have opinions. Respect them. There is so much more homework to sailboat buying than picking the name! We moved from a Catalina 30 to a Catalina 34 and are very pleased. Best of Luck, for in search of the right boat you can learn about sailing.
Test sail boats buying the most you can afford, sail safely, and have best comfort aboard as possible. Take your time in finding the right boat. The previous owners attention given a sailboat is a very important factor. A boat that has actively sailed, been loved and cared for receiving upgrades is a big plus. A new boat is also a possibility? The market has good buys for the wise shopper. Look not just at the picture profile cut in the Sun. Or the lore of impluse. Examine the design, hull, systems, engine, sails, rigging, hardware and history as well as cushions, berths and window shade treatments. Your crew will have opinions. Respect them. There is so much more homework to sailboat buying than picking the name! We moved from a Catalina 30 to a Catalina 34 and are very pleased. Best of Luck, for in search of the right boat you can learn about sailing.
From experience
I sailed and cruised L Mich out of Racine for 25 years. I would echo what others have said - get 30 ft or bigger. You already know how to sail, so you will find these boats easy once you adjust to their larger mass. A fin keeler will work great for you and certainly any of the boats you mention, in good condition, will work great for the lake. I would avoid anything with more than 5 ft draft as water is getting thinner there all the time. Most of the lake is not great for anchoring, so most of your cruising will be in marinas which means nice showers and electricity will be readily available so you will not need a shower or hot water on board. Wheel or tiller really does not matter, though I find the wheel more comfortable underway and it is 5 hours between most ports heading north. Diesel is better than gas, though, while some will disagree, I would buy a boat with gas. Avoid an outboard on L Mich. Avoid any diesel that is not 3 cylinders or more to get a quieter ride under power, which, when cruising, you will be using half the time. I would also consider a Yacht club. SSYC is very nice with a lot of friendly people. MYC a little higher class. don't rule out Racine Yacht Club 20 miles to the south. I highly recommend going to Racine Riverside and see what their brokers can do. Tell them Trav'ler sent you. Both brokers are good, straight up guys.
I sailed and cruised L Mich out of Racine for 25 years. I would echo what others have said - get 30 ft or bigger. You already know how to sail, so you will find these boats easy once you adjust to their larger mass. A fin keeler will work great for you and certainly any of the boats you mention, in good condition, will work great for the lake. I would avoid anything with more than 5 ft draft as water is getting thinner there all the time. Most of the lake is not great for anchoring, so most of your cruising will be in marinas which means nice showers and electricity will be readily available so you will not need a shower or hot water on board. Wheel or tiller really does not matter, though I find the wheel more comfortable underway and it is 5 hours between most ports heading north. Diesel is better than gas, though, while some will disagree, I would buy a boat with gas. Avoid an outboard on L Mich. Avoid any diesel that is not 3 cylinders or more to get a quieter ride under power, which, when cruising, you will be using half the time. I would also consider a Yacht club. SSYC is very nice with a lot of friendly people. MYC a little higher class. don't rule out Racine Yacht Club 20 miles to the south. I highly recommend going to Racine Riverside and see what their brokers can do. Tell them Trav'ler sent you. Both brokers are good, straight up guys.
Boat / Owner's Criteria
Lots of interesting advice so far. Budget $$$ number would help more than the 1978 vintage issue. Our 1st boat was a 1978 shoal draft Hunter 25 with a 9.9 outboard and tiller on Chesapeake Bay; a little tender, not much interior room. The next boat was a new 1986 Hunter 28.5 deep keel, inboard two cyl diesel, wheel steering (been in storms and line squalls to 50 knots obviously with no sail up)sails beautifully & still competative. Some of the boats I've raced and crewed include outboard powered fin keel Catalina 27; Fin keel O'Day 28; an O'Day 34 fin keel;fin keel C&C 34; shoal draft Hunter 34;a full keel Alberg 35; a full keel/centerboard Bristol 40; and a centercockpit full keeled Bristol 47.7. I'd look for inboard Diesel power, at least 7,000 lb displacement, probably a minimum 28'(because that's where you get enough interior room and headroom). Shoal draft isn't necessary where you want to sail and would be more tender and have less pointing ability than the fin keel. The larger heavier and maybe older full keel boats like the Alberg would be an excelent choice,if you can find one in decent condition in your price range, as would the Catalina 30. IMHO, two vs three cylinder Diesel isn't really an issue, but a well maintained Diesel is your best bet. It's unlikely the rough weather issue would be a deciding factor as a novice crew could have trouble handling any boat in questionable conditions; assume you'd take down all sail and motor; again 7.000lb minimum displacement and 28' min length. It's a little easier for two people to get the sails down faster on a boat that size vs those with bigger mainsails. Add a decent roller furler for easier handling of the headsail. It's going to be a buyer's market for awhile, given the declining economic siituation, so you may see some well cared for used boats available. Good Luck.
Lots of interesting advice so far. Budget $$$ number would help more than the 1978 vintage issue. Our 1st boat was a 1978 shoal draft Hunter 25 with a 9.9 outboard and tiller on Chesapeake Bay; a little tender, not much interior room. The next boat was a new 1986 Hunter 28.5 deep keel, inboard two cyl diesel, wheel steering (been in storms and line squalls to 50 knots obviously with no sail up)sails beautifully & still competative. Some of the boats I've raced and crewed include outboard powered fin keel Catalina 27; Fin keel O'Day 28; an O'Day 34 fin keel;fin keel C&C 34; shoal draft Hunter 34;a full keel Alberg 35; a full keel/centerboard Bristol 40; and a centercockpit full keeled Bristol 47.7. I'd look for inboard Diesel power, at least 7,000 lb displacement, probably a minimum 28'(because that's where you get enough interior room and headroom). Shoal draft isn't necessary where you want to sail and would be more tender and have less pointing ability than the fin keel. The larger heavier and maybe older full keel boats like the Alberg would be an excelent choice,if you can find one in decent condition in your price range, as would the Catalina 30. IMHO, two vs three cylinder Diesel isn't really an issue, but a well maintained Diesel is your best bet. It's unlikely the rough weather issue would be a deciding factor as a novice crew could have trouble handling any boat in questionable conditions; assume you'd take down all sail and motor; again 7.000lb minimum displacement and 28' min length. It's a little easier for two people to get the sails down faster on a boat that size vs those with bigger mainsails. Add a decent roller furler for easier handling of the headsail. It's going to be a buyer's market for awhile, given the declining economic siituation, so you may see some well cared for used boats available. Good Luck.
Our experiance
I learned to sail on a 27'Corsair trimaran.From what I know it's one of the fastest boats out there.We've crossed Lake Michigan in 8' foot waves when larger full keeled boats stayed at the marina. Definitely a very wet rough crossing.When I bought my own boat it was a 1973 Catalina 22.it was a great first boat.It wasn't very often I stayed on shore because of the weather.There seems to be a fair number of days when there is hardly any breeze accross all of Lake Michigan.There has been more than once we've had to motor all the way. We've had our 1981 25 Oday for about three years now .We were amazed by how much bigger everything was by only going three feet longer.The cockpit holds four adults with out a whole lot of room to spare.We paid $5500 ,and probably spent another 2 grand in new upholstery ,electronics,autpilot and safety gear. We stayed at this size for several reasons; I wanted to be able to take my boat home at the end of the year.There always seems to be something I want to change or improve .Having it home is a huge plus.I can keep the batteries charged with out taking them out. iSecond i didn't want to have to wait for the privilage of paying someone $400 to lift my boat off of a cradle and place it in the water.Paying someone $150 to step the mast doesn't do much for me either! Third I didn't want to pay for winter storage ,around Milwaukee that figure starts at about $700. As far as actually sailing our boat ,here are some of my thoughts; Most of my sailing is alone.The size isn't so big that I can't see everything I need to.I always make sure that all my anchor rodes and dock lines are ready to be deployed .Unlike most people who sail by themselves ,I don't have all my lines led aft ,YET! Compared to our friend's mid eighties 27'C&C ,our Oday is much smoother in bigger waves. Roller furling has been a big help .Our Oday has a shoal draft with a swinging center board.I realize this is a compromise.There are times that I really would prefer a full keel .Not so much when I'm trying to get it back on the trailer. With the lake level dropping ,launching has to be a little more carefully planned out. Mooring out of South Shore ,for us was a no brainer compared to McKinley. If you decide to go with a mooring here ,get in touch with me first! There is most assuredly a snake in the grass! I hope this helps
I learned to sail on a 27'Corsair trimaran.From what I know it's one of the fastest boats out there.We've crossed Lake Michigan in 8' foot waves when larger full keeled boats stayed at the marina. Definitely a very wet rough crossing.When I bought my own boat it was a 1973 Catalina 22.it was a great first boat.It wasn't very often I stayed on shore because of the weather.There seems to be a fair number of days when there is hardly any breeze accross all of Lake Michigan.There has been more than once we've had to motor all the way. We've had our 1981 25 Oday for about three years now .We were amazed by how much bigger everything was by only going three feet longer.The cockpit holds four adults with out a whole lot of room to spare.We paid $5500 ,and probably spent another 2 grand in new upholstery ,electronics,autpilot and safety gear. We stayed at this size for several reasons; I wanted to be able to take my boat home at the end of the year.There always seems to be something I want to change or improve .Having it home is a huge plus.I can keep the batteries charged with out taking them out. iSecond i didn't want to have to wait for the privilage of paying someone $400 to lift my boat off of a cradle and place it in the water.Paying someone $150 to step the mast doesn't do much for me either! Third I didn't want to pay for winter storage ,around Milwaukee that figure starts at about $700. As far as actually sailing our boat ,here are some of my thoughts; Most of my sailing is alone.The size isn't so big that I can't see everything I need to.I always make sure that all my anchor rodes and dock lines are ready to be deployed .Unlike most people who sail by themselves ,I don't have all my lines led aft ,YET! Compared to our friend's mid eighties 27'C&C ,our Oday is much smoother in bigger waves. Roller furling has been a big help .Our Oday has a shoal draft with a swinging center board.I realize this is a compromise.There are times that I really would prefer a full keel .Not so much when I'm trying to get it back on the trailer. With the lake level dropping ,launching has to be a little more carefully planned out. Mooring out of South Shore ,for us was a no brainer compared to McKinley. If you decide to go with a mooring here ,get in touch with me first! There is most assuredly a snake in the grass! I hope this helps
Choosing The Right Boat
Well maybe since I sail inland waters, away from the Great Lakes, that I am not qualified to recommend a boat. But, I have sailed Lake Erie and been in two big storms on the water there. The main thing I learned was one word< "RESPECT". I learned from the History Channel, the other night, that the Great Lakes are considered to be the most dangerous waters on the planet to navigate on ...... more so than the ocean because the conditions can change so quickly, especially on Lake Erie. So, what ever boat you decide on, keep this in mind ........ is she sound, & safe enough, to handle what may come up while I;m out there with no shoreline in sight? And, since you new at this, and again in whatever boat you decide on, get a marine survey done to ensure that she is sound and safe enough to go out there. There's an old saying that "Boats are a hole in the water in which you throw money !", buying a bad boat will make it come true ! A marine survey may be a good investment in the overall deal. Hope this helps !!!! May You Have Smooth Sailing on Warm Breezes !!!! Bob Burns=Rascal.
Well maybe since I sail inland waters, away from the Great Lakes, that I am not qualified to recommend a boat. But, I have sailed Lake Erie and been in two big storms on the water there. The main thing I learned was one word< "RESPECT". I learned from the History Channel, the other night, that the Great Lakes are considered to be the most dangerous waters on the planet to navigate on ...... more so than the ocean because the conditions can change so quickly, especially on Lake Erie. So, what ever boat you decide on, keep this in mind ........ is she sound, & safe enough, to handle what may come up while I;m out there with no shoreline in sight? And, since you new at this, and again in whatever boat you decide on, get a marine survey done to ensure that she is sound and safe enough to go out there. There's an old saying that "Boats are a hole in the water in which you throw money !", buying a bad boat will make it come true ! A marine survey may be a good investment in the overall deal. Hope this helps !!!! May You Have Smooth Sailing on Warm Breezes !!!! Bob Burns=Rascal.
first cruising boat
Most of the bases have been covered so I will try to contribute what Ive learned in over 50 years of cruising and racing. Fin Keel or full Keel are equally safe unless your going to round cape horn where a full keel would be the better choice fin keels are faster and roomier, full keels are heavier and track straighter, They have less room They are also tenderer (not previously mentioned) The one opinion I can give you is this. Get a well built boat from a quality maker: Bristol, C&C, Islander Pearson, Tartan. to name a few. Get a structurally sound boat. An older structurally sound fiberglass boat even if its been neglected can be cleaned up to good condition. And finally contrary what others have said dont buy A boat with an old gas engine unless your a top notch ignition man and mechanic. Because just when you need the gas engine the most its not gonna start. Enuf Said Good luck
Most of the bases have been covered so I will try to contribute what Ive learned in over 50 years of cruising and racing. Fin Keel or full Keel are equally safe unless your going to round cape horn where a full keel would be the better choice fin keels are faster and roomier, full keels are heavier and track straighter, They have less room They are also tenderer (not previously mentioned) The one opinion I can give you is this. Get a well built boat from a quality maker: Bristol, C&C, Islander Pearson, Tartan. to name a few. Get a structurally sound boat. An older structurally sound fiberglass boat even if its been neglected can be cleaned up to good condition. And finally contrary what others have said dont buy A boat with an old gas engine unless your a top notch ignition man and mechanic. Because just when you need the gas engine the most its not gonna start. Enuf Said Good luck
*box i agree with the size thing
i have a 27' santana that seems right for me any bigger and i'd have trouble i single hand for the most part and you have to be comfortable with that and setting up and breaking down are a big factor for me also .mine lives on a trailer when i'm not sailing and i can do that myself also other than that the its big enough to spend several days on and can handle just about anything so thats something to keep in mind give the santana's a good look their very well made and can be picked up for not much money and most of them i've seen have been well maintained
i have a 27' santana that seems right for me any bigger and i'd have trouble i single hand for the most part and you have to be comfortable with that and setting up and breaking down are a big factor for me also .mine lives on a trailer when i'm not sailing and i can do that myself also other than that the its big enough to spend several days on and can handle just about anything so thats something to keep in mind give the santana's a good look their very well made and can be picked up for not much money and most of them i've seen have been well maintained
Singlehanded sailing is NOT limited to smaller
boats. many of us with 30 to 37 ft. and larger boats regularly singlehand. Don't let that be a limitation for you.
boats. many of us with 30 to 37 ft. and larger boats regularly singlehand. Don't let that be a limitation for you.
I agree with others
who have mentioned the full keel issue. Full keels are not generally associated with performance (especially in light wind) and roominess. However, it so happens that there was a full keel Gozzard design called Bayfield that was manufactured in the Great Lakes. As a result there are a fair number available in your area. I sailed on a 36' and it was a beautiful, strong, heavy boat. I never sailed a 32', but here's an example: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1715914&ybw=&units=Feet¤cy=USD&access=Public&listing_id=11424&url= I know nothing about this particular boat. At least two 36' Bayfields have sailed from Canada to cruise extensively in the Caribbean: http://www.boatus.com/cruising/littlegidding/archivelog.asp http://www.wind-borne.com/index.htm
who have mentioned the full keel issue. Full keels are not generally associated with performance (especially in light wind) and roominess. However, it so happens that there was a full keel Gozzard design called Bayfield that was manufactured in the Great Lakes. As a result there are a fair number available in your area. I sailed on a 36' and it was a beautiful, strong, heavy boat. I never sailed a 32', but here's an example: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1715914&ybw=&units=Feet¤cy=USD&access=Public&listing_id=11424&url= I know nothing about this particular boat. At least two 36' Bayfields have sailed from Canada to cruise extensively in the Caribbean: http://www.boatus.com/cruising/littlegidding/archivelog.asp http://www.wind-borne.com/index.htm
Stu is right..
Stu's right, I normally sail my 36 footer solo, and even with guests aboard, I still normally sail her solo so they can relax. I honestly feel that a boat over 30' but below 42' is easier to single hand than boats under 30'....
Stu's right, I normally sail my 36 footer solo, and even with guests aboard, I still normally sail her solo so they can relax. I honestly feel that a boat over 30' but below 42' is easier to single hand than boats under 30'....
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