Came across this web page while doing my daily search and learning process on sailing.........I grew up on a lake and spent many a day sailing small dingy's and sunfishes but have not been on the water in my adult years (now 38).............I have two sons who are 13 and 9 and real water babies............living in Central Florida and have reached a point in my life that I can afford big boy toys.......i am interested in owning my own sailboat............i will be taking a one week course in January "hopefully" learning all the basics for bareboating..........have been studying Coast Guard books for months now and I am beginning the education process towards ultimately purchasing my first "live aboard" to enjoy on weekends and holidays with my sons............so I am posting this for any input the experienced would like to share with a soon to be rookie...........Thanks in advance for your responses..............Jeffrey
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Tom Ehmke
Welcome Aboard, Jeffrey
I know that I can say on behalf of all who use and enjoy this site, get in touch and stay in touch!!. You'll find sailors with all kinds of interests and expertise here, all willing to share what they know with you. Don't hesitate to ask. We all scan the forums looking for someone to talk to about our boats, their care and maintenance, sailing stories (and you will find some very interesting sailing stories here), plans for upgrades, repairs, etc. Again, welcome aboard!! Tom Ehmke ODay 272 tooth'n'nail
I know that I can say on behalf of all who use and enjoy this site, get in touch and stay in touch!!. You'll find sailors with all kinds of interests and expertise here, all willing to share what they know with you. Don't hesitate to ask. We all scan the forums looking for someone to talk to about our boats, their care and maintenance, sailing stories (and you will find some very interesting sailing stories here), plans for upgrades, repairs, etc. Again, welcome aboard!! Tom Ehmke ODay 272 tooth'n'nail
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Jeffrey
Thanks for the warm welcome
I have learned in my short time of exploring the world of sailing that sailors are alot like campers (the hobby I shared with my sons when they were younger).........salt of the earth poeple who love and respect the beauty that is the waters we enjoy......Thanks for the welcome and advice.........I will make it a part of my daily routine to checkin and say hello
I have learned in my short time of exploring the world of sailing that sailors are alot like campers (the hobby I shared with my sons when they were younger).........salt of the earth poeple who love and respect the beauty that is the waters we enjoy......Thanks for the welcome and advice.........I will make it a part of my daily routine to checkin and say hello
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Greg aboard 'BlueBerry'
welcome aboard.
I've been sailing for almost 25 years, and i still come to sites like this. I especially like this one, since i have a new-to-me boat and can learn a great deal from the folks who have already experienced things that I am seeking out. Whether it is to get information, or to give it, stop in frequently. Oh, and don't forget there is an owner's directory too if you like. And did i happen to mention, there are a lot of folks here who just LOVE their Hunters!!
I've been sailing for almost 25 years, and i still come to sites like this. I especially like this one, since i have a new-to-me boat and can learn a great deal from the folks who have already experienced things that I am seeking out. Whether it is to get information, or to give it, stop in frequently. Oh, and don't forget there is an owner's directory too if you like. And did i happen to mention, there are a lot of folks here who just LOVE their Hunters!!
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Bill O'Donovan
Bonding with kids
There was a touching story (and several responses) posted here last week about the opportunity to bond with one's children through sailing. Go back to the home page and under the Archives rail type in "sailing therapy." If you sailed dinghys and Sunfishes as a boy, you'll be delightfully surprised how much easier it is to sail the bigger boats. Just be glad you're getting back into it at 38 instead of 48. And you'll find plenty of support and supprises on the Hunter Owners Web site, which is rich with commentary, information, frustration, exhiliration. Commence yachting!
There was a touching story (and several responses) posted here last week about the opportunity to bond with one's children through sailing. Go back to the home page and under the Archives rail type in "sailing therapy." If you sailed dinghys and Sunfishes as a boy, you'll be delightfully surprised how much easier it is to sail the bigger boats. Just be glad you're getting back into it at 38 instead of 48. And you'll find plenty of support and supprises on the Hunter Owners Web site, which is rich with commentary, information, frustration, exhiliration. Commence yachting!
I read "Live Aboard"!
Jeffery: I read in your message "Live Aboard". I must presume that you are going to live aboard and the boys are going to visit on the weekends and holidays! This is a great way to be with your children (as long as they like it). I suppose if they do not care for it you can always do they same things that landlubber families do. I only say this because I have two children (now grown) one loves it and the other likes it but can leave it. It is a good way to get them away from the TV and video games stuff. If you can get them to go along for YOUR ride you won't be sorry.
Jeffery: I read in your message "Live Aboard". I must presume that you are going to live aboard and the boys are going to visit on the weekends and holidays! This is a great way to be with your children (as long as they like it). I suppose if they do not care for it you can always do they same things that landlubber families do. I only say this because I have two children (now grown) one loves it and the other likes it but can leave it. It is a good way to get them away from the TV and video games stuff. If you can get them to go along for YOUR ride you won't be sorry.
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Guest
Did the same thing....
Two and a half years ago, I bought a 1972 O'Day 23, with the hopes of sailing, "camping" and fishing with my twin 13 year olds. We have had a blast everr since then! We even trailered it from Atlanta to Pensacola this past spring for a week and had a blast down there! As we were sailing in some great wind this past Saturday, the guys were telling me again how much fun they had in Pensacola, and asked if we were going to sail to the Bahamas like I talked about when we bought the boat! I had to explain that I thought we might charter one to go to the Bahamas, but I was ready to do some planning! The 23 is just big enough for the three of us to spend a few nights on, fishing, sailing, etc. Additional room would be great, and would certainly be attractive for trips of more than a night or two. Some thoughts: Don't try to teach them everything you know about sailing, as fast as you want to! A little at a time will keep them interested! Make sure you tell them that bigger boats are suppose to be faster, and then show them that you can keep up with them if you trim your sails perfectly! Make sure you do what they want to do. If they want to row around in the dingy all day, let them, and then talk them into sailing more the next day! Let them make "spills" and drop crumbs, within reason. As "relaxed" as I try to be, they still give me a hard time about trying to keep the boat so clean! Best wishes to you and your family!
Two and a half years ago, I bought a 1972 O'Day 23, with the hopes of sailing, "camping" and fishing with my twin 13 year olds. We have had a blast everr since then! We even trailered it from Atlanta to Pensacola this past spring for a week and had a blast down there! As we were sailing in some great wind this past Saturday, the guys were telling me again how much fun they had in Pensacola, and asked if we were going to sail to the Bahamas like I talked about when we bought the boat! I had to explain that I thought we might charter one to go to the Bahamas, but I was ready to do some planning! The 23 is just big enough for the three of us to spend a few nights on, fishing, sailing, etc. Additional room would be great, and would certainly be attractive for trips of more than a night or two. Some thoughts: Don't try to teach them everything you know about sailing, as fast as you want to! A little at a time will keep them interested! Make sure you tell them that bigger boats are suppose to be faster, and then show them that you can keep up with them if you trim your sails perfectly! Make sure you do what they want to do. If they want to row around in the dingy all day, let them, and then talk them into sailing more the next day! Let them make "spills" and drop crumbs, within reason. As "relaxed" as I try to be, they still give me a hard time about trying to keep the boat so clean! Best wishes to you and your family!
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Barrie McDonald
Buy a Hunter Now, Bigger the better
Bill, My wife and i purchased a Hunter Legend 37 last year in order to take our daughter and her friends cruising for weekends and on holidays. The 37 has 2 large cabins, one forward and one aft. Its a perfect setup. Along with great sailing stability and speed this Hunter has the "Fun Pack" Entertainment Center, ,T.V., VHS Movies, C.D. Player to keep young minds occupied while at anchor or dread the thought bordem. Usually they are having way too much fun and by sundown are pretty well worn out by all the fresh air, often or not its my wife and I watching the movie. Go to the Hunter sight for boat reviews by owners and you can see all their models with cabin layouts and of course reviews by owners. We had an Ericson 29 for 8 years, but this Hunter is just a great boat. My friends call it my "Condo " on the water. Have fun. Barrie
Bill, My wife and i purchased a Hunter Legend 37 last year in order to take our daughter and her friends cruising for weekends and on holidays. The 37 has 2 large cabins, one forward and one aft. Its a perfect setup. Along with great sailing stability and speed this Hunter has the "Fun Pack" Entertainment Center, ,T.V., VHS Movies, C.D. Player to keep young minds occupied while at anchor or dread the thought bordem. Usually they are having way too much fun and by sundown are pretty well worn out by all the fresh air, often or not its my wife and I watching the movie. Go to the Hunter sight for boat reviews by owners and you can see all their models with cabin layouts and of course reviews by owners. We had an Ericson 29 for 8 years, but this Hunter is just a great boat. My friends call it my "Condo " on the water. Have fun. Barrie
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Rick Webb
A Good Place To Learn More
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a great place to learn all about boating. It is also a great place to volunteer. I heard this weekend that the training you can get for free is worth more than $9,000 if you could even find it all in one place. Being a member is good for a discount with many insurance companies and is a better deal than Seatow by far. Even if you do not join it is a good place to get a safety class. I do not know about the laws in Florida but it may even be required for the boys to operate the boat.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a great place to learn all about boating. It is also a great place to volunteer. I heard this weekend that the training you can get for free is worth more than $9,000 if you could even find it all in one place. Being a member is good for a discount with many insurance companies and is a better deal than Seatow by far. Even if you do not join it is a good place to get a safety class. I do not know about the laws in Florida but it may even be required for the boys to operate the boat.
Welcome aboard
It sounds like you are well on your way. When you get your boat, you might want to consider keeping it at the Kennedy Point Marina up in Titusville. The yacht club there is a VERY active group of sailors with broad interests and they're a good bunch. In addition, the Indian River (especially north of Titusville) is a great area for cruising and gunkholing. The only problem is that you will need a boat with a shallow draft, which excludes just about anything over 30 feet. A water-ballast Hunter 260 or possibly an older wing-keel Hunter 25.5, 29 or 29.5 might be the way to go. Before buying, try to sail as many different boats as you can first to see what you like. Every boat has its quirks. When you find a boat you like, have it surveyed if you can afford it. At the very least, have the bottom checked for blisters. A little blistering is to be expected, but extensive blistering means expensive, time-consuming repairs, and you'd rather be sailing, right? There used to be a yacht club in Port Canaveral, but I haven't been there in about 7 years, and I seem to recall that they were more into ocean racing than cruising. Happy sailing and keep in touch. Peter H23 "Raven"
It sounds like you are well on your way. When you get your boat, you might want to consider keeping it at the Kennedy Point Marina up in Titusville. The yacht club there is a VERY active group of sailors with broad interests and they're a good bunch. In addition, the Indian River (especially north of Titusville) is a great area for cruising and gunkholing. The only problem is that you will need a boat with a shallow draft, which excludes just about anything over 30 feet. A water-ballast Hunter 260 or possibly an older wing-keel Hunter 25.5, 29 or 29.5 might be the way to go. Before buying, try to sail as many different boats as you can first to see what you like. Every boat has its quirks. When you find a boat you like, have it surveyed if you can afford it. At the very least, have the bottom checked for blisters. A little blistering is to be expected, but extensive blistering means expensive, time-consuming repairs, and you'd rather be sailing, right? There used to be a yacht club in Port Canaveral, but I haven't been there in about 7 years, and I seem to recall that they were more into ocean racing than cruising. Happy sailing and keep in touch. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Rob R.
Refreshing...
Jeffrey - good to hear about your methods of getting re-aquainted with sailing. You are headed in the right direction. You seem to have (what I would call) the right attitude towards the sport, which is to learn all you can in advance, respect the sport, and then get your feet wet. Too many people on my lake just dive in without looking first, and then badmouth the sport because they never learned enough about it in the first place. Simply buying a boat is not a ticket to the waters... I wish they were more of your mindset. Good luck in your endeavor - my dad used to take my flying with him when I was a kid, and I will have warm memories of that as long as my memory holds out! Best Regards, Rob
Jeffrey - good to hear about your methods of getting re-aquainted with sailing. You are headed in the right direction. You seem to have (what I would call) the right attitude towards the sport, which is to learn all you can in advance, respect the sport, and then get your feet wet. Too many people on my lake just dive in without looking first, and then badmouth the sport because they never learned enough about it in the first place. Simply buying a boat is not a ticket to the waters... I wish they were more of your mindset. Good luck in your endeavor - my dad used to take my flying with him when I was a kid, and I will have warm memories of that as long as my memory holds out! Best Regards, Rob
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Frank / MD / H260
Wanting to share the good times...
You'll have a good time and you'll learn all you need to know in a 2 day sailing course, and then read everything that you get your hands on. My only advise is to watch the weather and respect it. If it doesn't look nice, don't go out. Period. After you've gotten a little experience, go out on a gusty day, experiment and learn. As far as a boat... just don't rush it and buy the one that makes you dream.
You'll have a good time and you'll learn all you need to know in a 2 day sailing course, and then read everything that you get your hands on. My only advise is to watch the weather and respect it. If it doesn't look nice, don't go out. Period. After you've gotten a little experience, go out on a gusty day, experiment and learn. As far as a boat... just don't rush it and buy the one that makes you dream.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Happy to have you here!
Sounds like you're on your way. Good luck! As far as advice, I'd look at something like the Catalina 30, depending on your budget. Lots of room, can be had for a bargain and a decent sailing boat. When you get farther into the process, be sure to ask your questions here - there's a wealth of knowledge on these sites! LaDonna
Sounds like you're on your way. Good luck! As far as advice, I'd look at something like the Catalina 30, depending on your budget. Lots of room, can be had for a bargain and a decent sailing boat. When you get farther into the process, be sure to ask your questions here - there's a wealth of knowledge on these sites! LaDonna
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Dick Vance
Great Idea, Jeffrey!
Hi Jeffrey, Welcome to HOW! Nothing beats sailing with the kids! You and your boys are going to have a great time together, not only sailing and weekending, but tinkering around the boat and teaching them to sail. I'd recommend getting a good mid-sized boat that will handle some coastal work as well as gunkholing around the bays and Indian River. Look through the "Boats" section of HOW for data on each boat, being sure to read the Owner Reviews. As pointed out already, shoal draft would be a big plus! Enjoy the boys and the boat! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Hi Jeffrey, Welcome to HOW! Nothing beats sailing with the kids! You and your boys are going to have a great time together, not only sailing and weekending, but tinkering around the boat and teaching them to sail. I'd recommend getting a good mid-sized boat that will handle some coastal work as well as gunkholing around the bays and Indian River. Look through the "Boats" section of HOW for data on each boat, being sure to read the Owner Reviews. As pointed out already, shoal draft would be a big plus! Enjoy the boys and the boat! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
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Jeffrey
Thank you for all your encouragments
This has turned out to be a great experience so far and I want to thank you all for your kind words. I have read each reply to my sons and we are even more eager to "get some water underneath us". This site has provided me with alot of information (maybe even info overload.....LOL) but in the long run I believe it will pay off. I have posted another question regarding sailing schools and any advice would be appreciated. Also, I am taking the Coast Guard Boat Safety class tomorrow and probably going to sign up for the auxillary at the same time. Again thank you all for everything and as always "keep the water below you".
This has turned out to be a great experience so far and I want to thank you all for your kind words. I have read each reply to my sons and we are even more eager to "get some water underneath us". This site has provided me with alot of information (maybe even info overload.....LOL) but in the long run I believe it will pay off. I have posted another question regarding sailing schools and any advice would be appreciated. Also, I am taking the Coast Guard Boat Safety class tomorrow and probably going to sign up for the auxillary at the same time. Again thank you all for everything and as always "keep the water below you".
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dave
steve colgate/captiva
not only a great sailing school but terific vacation spot for the rest of your family while you are learning on a 26 foot boat beautiful area and the best local school near you good luck and have fun dave
not only a great sailing school but terific vacation spot for the rest of your family while you are learning on a 26 foot boat beautiful area and the best local school near you good luck and have fun dave
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