What to buy...

[sailaway78]

Choosing a boat

I agree with most of what has been said. But the size of the boat has a lot to do with your personal preferences. The smaller the boat, the less provisions you can carry, fewer creature comforts and less comfortable ride. I have been in the middle of the gulf in a 39 foot boat, and had to look up to see the tops of the waves, 8 to 10 footers, and was very comfortable. I have been in smaller boats in four foot seas, and grabbing for a life jacket. Also how many bodies are you planning on having aboard. Keep in mind that if you have another person with you, the need for nearly everything doubles. More years ago than I care to remember, I sailed a Chrysler 22 from Corpus Christi to the Yucatan and back. In those days I wasn't a very good sailor, and was young, stupid and bullet proof. AND LUCKY So a two week vacation, is doable on a 22. It's just a matter of how much comfort you expect, and how big are your cajones. Or if there small, how young and stupid you are.

 

[Ctskip]

One of the most important things is to use your head.

Buy a boat that you can afford to keep. A larger boat will require a slip,dock/ mooring. Big dollars along with insurance. A smaller boat you'll be having a trailer and need a place to store it. Along with a vehicle to tow it. Registeration and insurance. Smaller boats on a trailer need to have a vehicle to haul it from launch to driveway and back. Stepping a mast is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a simple task. It requires forethought and muscle. Older boats need work, newer boat require less work. Notice, they all need work. Isn't a boat out there that doesn't need work. Something, even if it's just to make it "yours". It's all a labor of love.
As with any boat the cost goes up with it's size. Be patient and sail/crew on as many boats as you can. What is comfortable for you, might not be comfortable for someone else. Head room is always a factor in any boat you chose. Having a head is also a factor, along with storage for provisions. The size and make have little to do with the enjoyment factor. I've had my best sailing experience on a 16 ft Hobie Cat. Find what your needs are along with you crews needs and go from there. Good luck and keep us posted.

Keep it up,
Ctskip

 

[Hermit Scott]

Boat

I bought my boat 2 months ago. I bought the biggest boat I could afford. Craigs list has a lot of great deals right now for people that like projects in Kemah. Especially if you are not scared of fiberglass work.
I had never even been on a sailboat before, but you sail on it to get you somewhere, AND you also have to live on it. So the more room you have the better.
In my opinion a boat OVER 30' is one that could potentially take you across the ocean comfortably. A heavy 32' would be ok, a 35' even better. The displacement of the boat is the single most important factor, but there are many things that make a boat sea friendly. The heavier the better. IF I had my choice of any boat it would probably be a 35' or 36'. Something that is big enough inside to be comfortable, can carry enough weight in gear and supplies and is heavy enough to be safe at sea and plow through the waves. At that length you can still single hand it, which is the only reason I wouldn't choose a longer boat with more than one mast. That is if money were of little consequence.
I have to humbly disagree with buying a starter boat. Because shortly after you have starated, you will want something else, so why not buy as close to what as you think you will want as you can.
By the way my goal is to live on my boat for extended periods and sail from Corpus Christi to the Bahamas. I don't want to be disagreeable but I have never understood buying a starter anything; to me it's like getting a starter wife. Because believe me, you will soon feel married to that boat!