wanting first sailboat advice

[Penetrater]

Hi their , to be truthfull, this will be my second sailboat, the frist one i bought last year a 1982 hunter 27, but this boat needs far to much replaced ( mast, all rigging, motor ETC>) to make it cost effective so i have decided to scrap her and start again.First off im new to sailing, ok so i havent sailed a day in my life .for the most part i will be sailing on a small lake in oklahoma city just a few miles from my house i have a fishing boat in a weet slip their now. Lake Hefner is a small lake but a good sailing lake with over 250 sailboats in wet slips.the boat would need to be silgle handed most of the time, but i want to be able to have at least 3 others onboard , a boat that can have 6 on board even better.day sailing would be great but i really want to be able to spend the weekends on her also , so a boat that has a head i think would be better.so hear are a few questionsros VRS Cons swing keel or fixedtiller or wheel cant think of any others off hand.i think my budget will be $10,000 Max and would like to be around 6K if posable.im quite handy so fixing and doing maintance i should be able to do myself.one boat that has been sugested was a hunter 25 Thanks and i look forward to your sugestions.

 

[Penetrater]

Hi their , to be truthfull, this will be my second sailboat, the frist one i bought last year a 1982 hunter 27, but this boat needs far to much replaced ( mast, all rigging, motor ETC>) to make it cost effective so i have decided to scrap her and start again.First off im new to sailing, ok so i havent sailed a day in my life .for the most part i will be sailing on a small lake in oklahoma city just a few miles from my house i have a fishing boat in a weet slip their now. Lake Hefner is a small lake but a good sailing lake with over 250 sailboats in wet slips.the boat would need to be silgle handed most of the time, but i want to be able to have at least 3 others onboard , a boat that can have 6 on board even better.day sailing would be great but i really want to be able to spend the weekends on her also , so a boat that has a head i think would be better.so hear are a few questionsros VRS Cons swing keel or fixedtiller or wheel cant think of any others off hand.i think my budget will be $10,000 Max and would like to be around 6K if posable.im quite handy so fixing and doing maintance i should be able to do myself.one boat that has been sugested was a hunter 25 Thanks and i look forward to your sugestions.

 

[novelman17128]

first sailboat

You couldn't go wrong if you buy a 80's, 25' Mac Gregor. Lots of room and when setup with a reef in the main and 3 headsails with a downhaul,70% or smaller, 110 jib and a 140/150 genoa, (or a reefing headsail). Check on how to set it up for singlehanding and safety items. I have articles on each that I can send you if you request it through my e-mail address, novelman@roadrunner.com.Novelman, Duane

 

[novelman17128]

first sailboat

You couldn't go wrong if you buy a 80's, 25' Mac Gregor. Lots of room and when setup with a reef in the main and 3 headsails with a downhaul,70% or smaller, 110 jib and a 140/150 genoa, (or a reefing headsail). Check on how to set it up for singlehanding and safety items. I have articles on each that I can send you if you request it through my e-mail address, novelman@roadrunner.com.Novelman, Duane

 

[Banooma]

Rookie advice

Hi Pene,I'm not sure you really want to have a boat that's big enough for at least 3 passengers while you're singlehanding and still learning how. There are probably many in this forum who have gone your route, and would argue against me, but I would surely take the time to learn how to sail on a little two- or three-person tiller boat with a removable or swing keel. In my opinion, the best argument is that you really learn the ins and outs of sailing, and why certain actions have certain reactions. To me, trying to figure out why the boat is doing something unexpected while also trying to exude confidence to your 3+ crew might be a tall order.I think fixed or swing keel is decision dependent on the depth of the lake. I think in most cases the size boat you buy will determine whether it's got tiller or wheel steering. I think tillers can be more sensitive, and give you a greater appreciation for the mechanics of what's going on (see above).Good luck!

 

[Banooma]

Rookie advice

Hi Pene,I'm not sure you really want to have a boat that's big enough for at least 3 passengers while you're singlehanding and still learning how. There are probably many in this forum who have gone your route, and would argue against me, but I would surely take the time to learn how to sail on a little two- or three-person tiller boat with a removable or swing keel. In my opinion, the best argument is that you really learn the ins and outs of sailing, and why certain actions have certain reactions. To me, trying to figure out why the boat is doing something unexpected while also trying to exude confidence to your 3+ crew might be a tall order.I think fixed or swing keel is decision dependent on the depth of the lake. I think in most cases the size boat you buy will determine whether it's got tiller or wheel steering. I think tillers can be more sensitive, and give you a greater appreciation for the mechanics of what's going on (see above).Good luck!

 

[Ross]

I think that a boat should be large enough to be forgiving of

novice mistakes. A sailing course or three is essential in any case. Passengers should be added one at a time and should be able to be helpful. When you are learning to sail you don't need meat ballast. Sometimes even experienced sailors don't have enough hands and will welcome an extra useful hand. You don't need to be concerned about yourself ,your boat , and three useless passengers all at the same time. Just remember that people weigh about 150 pounds on average so adding 6 people with all their stuff and some food could add a half ton to the boat. If they are all in the cockpit the boat will be down by the stern quite a bit.

 

[Ross]

I think that a boat should be large enough to be forgiving of

novice mistakes. A sailing course or three is essential in any case. Passengers should be added one at a time and should be able to be helpful. When you are learning to sail you don't need meat ballast. Sometimes even experienced sailors don't have enough hands and will welcome an extra useful hand. You don't need to be concerned about yourself ,your boat , and three useless passengers all at the same time. Just remember that people weigh about 150 pounds on average so adding 6 people with all their stuff and some food could add a half ton to the boat. If they are all in the cockpit the boat will be down by the stern quite a bit.

 

[sailaway78]

More Rookie Advice

You might want to consider something really small to learn on. Such as a Flying Scott, a Laser or many of the others in this range. While not suited for weekends or many passengers, these will teach you a tremendous amount about sailing, and when you flip one over, which you will, just pull it back over and go one. They are a ball to sail, no motor of any kind needed, reasonably in expensive, and fairly plentiful. You could sail one of these for a season,learn a tremendous amount about sailing, decide how much boat you actually want, and more than likely get your money back if and when you decide to sell it.

 

[sailaway78]

More Rookie Advice

You might want to consider something really small to learn on. Such as a Flying Scott, a Laser or many of the others in this range. While not suited for weekends or many passengers, these will teach you a tremendous amount about sailing, and when you flip one over, which you will, just pull it back over and go one. They are a ball to sail, no motor of any kind needed, reasonably in expensive, and fairly plentiful. You could sail one of these for a season,learn a tremendous amount about sailing, decide how much boat you actually want, and more than likely get your money back if and when you decide to sell it.

 

[biorapper]

Buy an old hobie 16 or sunfish...

to start, learn, and see if you like it.The hobie is still one of my fav boats. It's no big deal if you flip it...it's fast, fun, and frugal (I got mine for 550$). Once you get a feel for a small boat it will help you sail any other.Novelman's advice is good too. Any mac up to the 1994's (i think thats the last year of the pure sailor, but not sure, might be a couple years later...) are great sailers and pretty forgiving. They are alot of sailing per penny. I got mine for 8,900 and have been all over the southeast...fresh and salt water...[most]don't wanna be out too far from the coast though, but that is true for most people in most trailor sailors! The mac's, being relatively light, are easy on the pocket to trailor as well!

 

[biorapper]

Buy an old hobie 16 or sunfish...

to start, learn, and see if you like it.The hobie is still one of my fav boats. It's no big deal if you flip it...it's fast, fun, and frugal (I got mine for 550$). Once you get a feel for a small boat it will help you sail any other.Novelman's advice is good too. Any mac up to the 1994's (i think thats the last year of the pure sailor, but not sure, might be a couple years later...) are great sailers and pretty forgiving. They are alot of sailing per penny. I got mine for 8,900 and have been all over the southeast...fresh and salt water...[most]don't wanna be out too far from the coast though, but that is true for most people in most trailor sailors! The mac's, being relatively light, are easy on the pocket to trailor as well!

 

[texastom]

Try boats in the 22' - 25' range

I started with a 1978 23' Oday with a swing keel. It's a great boat to learn on and not a bad weekender, if you are into camping like conditions. It's a little heavier than a Catinlia 22'. There are not many of them around but I saw one for sale here in Kemah last year. They can be trailered so if you found one in a anotner state or city you can probably get it to Okla. City without much trouble. I sold mine to a guy in Port Arthur, TX and he and so friends sailed it from Kemah to Port Arthur out in the Gulf! It's a good boat but I wouldn't advise doing that.As the others have said, you'll learn more about sailing on a smaller boat as they react quicker to change. Anything shorter than 25' is going to have a tiller. I'd also suggest taking a basic sailing course if one is avaiable in your area. If not, I know there are courses offered on Lake Texoma which isn't too far from you. Good Luck and enjoy sailing.TomS/V At Last

 

[texastom]

Try boats in the 22' - 25' range

I started with a 1978 23' Oday with a swing keel. It's a great boat to learn on and not a bad weekender, if you are into camping like conditions. It's a little heavier than a Catinlia 22'. There are not many of them around but I saw one for sale here in Kemah last year. They can be trailered so if you found one in a anotner state or city you can probably get it to Okla. City without much trouble. I sold mine to a guy in Port Arthur, TX and he and so friends sailed it from Kemah to Port Arthur out in the Gulf! It's a good boat but I wouldn't advise doing that.As the others have said, you'll learn more about sailing on a smaller boat as they react quicker to change. Anything shorter than 25' is going to have a tiller. I'd also suggest taking a basic sailing course if one is avaiable in your area. If not, I know there are courses offered on Lake Texoma which isn't too far from you. Good Luck and enjoy sailing.TomS/V At Last

 

[shemandr]

Try these

Pearson 26. Very forgiving. Good sailor. Fixed keel -draft less than 4 ft, I think. Nice accomodations for a weekend. orRanger 23 or 26. A bit more on draft on the 26' Both good sailors and weekend capable. You will learn to sail.I wouldn't want a swing keel - but if you don't have the depth to get into anchorages or your marina, you may need a swing keel.Look at what others are sailing on your lake - it probably works.All of these are outboard auxillary. Nothing wrong with that. All can be found for under $10,000 and sometimes for more like $5,000. There is no reason for you to not have a sailboat suitable for your needs.Get in there!

 

[shemandr]

Try these

Pearson 26. Very forgiving. Good sailor. Fixed keel -draft less than 4 ft, I think. Nice accomodations for a weekend. orRanger 23 or 26. A bit more on draft on the 26' Both good sailors and weekend capable. You will learn to sail.I wouldn't want a swing keel - but if you don't have the depth to get into anchorages or your marina, you may need a swing keel.Look at what others are sailing on your lake - it probably works.All of these are outboard auxillary. Nothing wrong with that. All can be found for under $10,000 and sometimes for more like $5,000. There is no reason for you to not have a sailboat suitable for your needs.Get in there!

 

[Stillraining]

If by chance

you run across a San Jaun 24 take a look at it. It is a true 70's IOR racer with a nice cabin, not striped, it is a little tender ( meaning caries a lot of sail fo it's size )so maybe more boat then you need right now but it will walk away from most every thing on the lake but cats. 4,000 to 12,000 depending on condition. I sure loved mine.

 

[Stillraining]

If by chance

you run across a San Jaun 24 take a look at it. It is a true 70's IOR racer with a nice cabin, not striped, it is a little tender ( meaning caries a lot of sail fo it's size )so maybe more boat then you need right now but it will walk away from most every thing on the lake but cats. 4,000 to 12,000 depending on condition. I sure loved mine.

 

[Jadedcrew]

Small Sailboats

There are quite a few in the 22 to 26 foot range. Look for Catalina 22-25, Laguna (Balboa)22-24, Hunter 23-25, US Yacht 22-25, Venture/Macgregor 22-26. There are others but they are rarer, Pearson, C&C. These will all have tiller steering, will have swing or fixed keels. The fixed keels will be 4' draft or less. They will also all have a galley, and a head (usually a porta poti).

 

[Jadedcrew]

Small Sailboats

There are quite a few in the 22 to 26 foot range. Look for Catalina 22-25, Laguna (Balboa)22-24, Hunter 23-25, US Yacht 22-25, Venture/Macgregor 22-26. There are others but they are rarer, Pearson, C&C. These will all have tiller steering, will have swing or fixed keels. The fixed keels will be 4' draft or less. They will also all have a galley, and a head (usually a porta poti).