What boat do I want?

[Jim Thomas]

I am a rookie sailor. Learned to sail while going to resorts in Mexico etc but only have used a sunfish and a small hobie cat. I am now looking for a boat to buy since we just bought some lake property on a reservoir and want to have the first sailboat on the lake. I do not want to buy more boat than my limited experience can handle but want something larger than a little sunfish and no hobie since we are over 50 and have bad backs. Any suggestions?

 

[Kevin]

What to buy . . .

If you can keep it in the water, then a Catalina 22 or Catalina Capri 22 would be hard to beat. Inexpensive, and if you do your homework before buying you won't lose much in depreciation. If you need to keep it on a trailer, then maybe a small Precision daysailor with a keel.1. Buy a book or two on surveying sailboats to learn more about what to look for.2. If you plan to get a 22' or similar boat then consider taking ASA or US Sailing certified lessons - the safety instruction, crew overboard recovery, docking and small outboard power handling instruction will make you a lot safer than anything you were likely to have gotten at a resort in the way of lessons.I can provide you with web links if you need them,Best o' Luck, enjoy!Kevin

 

[barb]

which boat?

jim - i'd suggest anything in the 22-25 ft range, if your mooring/dock can handle it. are you planning on overnights? we've had a chrysler 22, a tartan 27 and our current boat is a catalina 25 (our favorite!) it's always nice to have a head and a berth on board. my husband is tall, and the cat 25 is very comfortable, even on longer trips. the size of your waterway and the weather is another factor. we're sailing lake champlain and we need something sturdy that can handle big winds and waves. a more protected waterway won't need as much boat. enjoy!