What to Look for in (Almost) First Sailboat (Used)

[jimmcgee]

Ok. The condo issue is interesting, but if the lady won't go, I can't either.

One of the best things we did when considering getting into sailing was to do a weekend "learn to sail" course in Annapolis (ASA 101). I'd already learned the basics from a sailing friend and was hooked but I wasn't sure if it would be right for my wife. I sold it as a three day bed & breakfast weekend.

The school put us on different boats and for two days we split time between the classroom and sailing around Annapolis in daysailers. It got her comfortable with sailing and got her on board with getting a boat.

One thing I've learned is that you always think you need more boat than you do. We started with a Catalina 22 and moved to a Catalina 30. We spend most weekends aboard spring through the fall on Barnegat Bay. Walking around boat shows we were convinced that we'd eventually be moving up to a 38. After eight years with the 30 I really don't feel the need to go bigger.

If you're spending weekends aboard adding the amenities typically found on bigger boats makes a difference. For us that included a dockside water hookup, extra storage, some galley upgrades, a nice stereo and a TV. After all this is your home away from home.

Something we've discovered is my wife usually feels a little off the first one or two weekends we're on the boat in the spring. Then she adjusts and she's fine the rest of the season. Sipping Coke or Ginger Beer alleviates her symptoms better than anything else we've found. Get real ginger beer like Barritts or Saranac that's made from ginger root.

Best of luck with your search

 

[goofeyfoot]

Am looking at a 31 foot DuFour. Year is 2001

Would like to hear your thoughts about that.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[Jackdaw]

Am looking at a 31 foot DuFour. Year is 2001

Would like to hear your thoughts about that.

Thanks.

Michael

Dufour is a proper (French) name, the company is named after its founder. So don't capitalize the F.

Unlikely a 2001 Dufour 31. The 31 was one of their original models starting in the early 70s. Stopped in the 80s.

 

[Kings Gambit]

If this is a tiller boat [as I note from the specs of the Dufour 31] I'd say consider carefully if planning on outtings with a lady friend also new to sailing. Tiller boats are often preferred around this size range for the racer types; they're great fun. But for a long trip in moderate or higher conditions they can tax the 'ole arm muscles. [I know, people have sailed around the world using tillers. So, please don't beat me up too much here.] A wheel is overwhelmingly preferred by the "Admirals" I've known and are better at accepting autopilot.

 

[goofeyfoot]

Ok. This one had a wheel. Don't know whether that was an add on maybe?

 

[Meriachee]

Not likely. While there are notes elsewhere of the modification having been undertaken, it's not something that would be taken lightly, or, likely after some serious consideration.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Ok. This one had a wheel. Don't know whether that was an add on maybe?

Tiller boats are sometimes retrofitted to wheel steering. My 1979 Pearson 30 was a tiller boat that had been retrofitted to a wheel as a "gift" from the girlfriend of the guy who owned it before me. I might not have been "encouraged" to buy it if it had still been a tiller boat. One problem was that to fit the quadrant the rudder post had to be exposed. On the P-30 the original sheathing around the rudder post had to be cut and a stuffing box installed to prevent water from entering at that point. The stuffing box has to be serviced periodically to keep water from sliding into the bilge when sailing on following seas. So, if you look for something similar you'll know if it's been modified. Also, the surveyor would know and likely the owner as well.

 

[goofeyfoot]

Well I was on the boat. And it is a wheel. But on reflection it was very far aft. Making me think that the wheel was an add on. Whether the Mfgr did it or someone else, I couldn't say.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Ok. This one had a wheel. Don't know whether that was an add on maybe?

Edson makes a conversion kit for the Dufour 31.

http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/pdfs/S-619.pdf
http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/

 

[goofeyfoot]

Ok well that helps. But man, that wheel post is way back. You can just stand behind the wheel. But you can't sit, except to the side of the wheel.

So is that a problem?

Thanks.

Michael

 

[Kings Gambit]

Ok well that helps. But man, that wheel post is way back. You can just stand behind the wheel. But you can't sit, except to the side of the wheel.

So is that a problem?

Thanks.

Michael

It my opinion, yes-- consider moving on. Also, the present owner, if he's the one who did the conversion, might wish to pad the sale price to cover the cost of it; so, watch out for that if you go forward with it. The conversion could reduce the resale market by excluding folks who still want the original design, especially if it's uncomfortable to use for extended periods b/c it requires standing to get the vision. Not having to sit side-wise for long periods is one reason why folks like wheels, but you'd still like to sit occasionally behind it.

 

[goofeyfoot]

Yep. I will steer clear of that boat.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Yep. I will steer clear of that boat.

Try starting here. There are several boats for sale in your PR in Oriental, NC listed by yachtworld.com, including Hunters and Catalinas. I'm partial to Pearsons, Cals, and Ericsons, however.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1977/Pearson-323-2908606/Oriental/NC/United-States#.VuXMXtJdW-g

 

[goofeyfoot]

Looking for something around 1990 or newer.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Looking for something around 1990 or newer.

OK, here's your boat!

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2003/Hunter-306-2833370/Washington/NC/United-States#.VuXYwtJdW-g

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6189

 

[goofeyfoot]

Saw that last week and a guy already has it under contract. It is like new condition.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Saw that last week and a guy already has it under contract. It is like new condition.

Aw, too bad. Good values don't last long. Spring time is coming so there will be increasing interest among buyers, etc. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Some brokers will take back up offers if you're ready to "pull the trigger."

 

[goofeyfoot]

Yep. I don't feel too bad because everyone keeps telling me that Hunters don't perform well in the water.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[Justin_NSA]

What does "perform well" mean to you? Fast? Stable? Able to point high? Be your own judge. What you need will determine the type of boat fits you.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Yep. I don't feel too bad because everyone keeps telling me that Hunters don't perform well in the water.

Thanks.

Michael

Well, they float. Forgive me, but it might take a newbie a few years at but a few weekends per year of sailing to ever notice performance differences/issues between boat A and boat B. It depends on how you intend on using it and ultimately do use it. A Hunter is just as capable as any if your main thrust is to steam down the ICW to marinas or protected anchorages, or ditz about in 5-8 kt winds so your lady friend is not too freaked-out over heeling. I doubt anyone knows what type of boat he or she really wants until looking for their second one. It's not something one can "armchair." Geeze Louise!