1)Boat 2)Insurance 3)Slip 4)Seatow What else?

[dgbenner]

Are there any other costs (naturally besides repairs) that I should consider before getting a 27' or so sailboat?

Especially suited for a noobie? (see I mentioned SeaTow)

[CrazyRu]

Haul out, bottom paint, new standing rigging, new running rigging, new sails, motor maintenance and, eventually, new motor, batteries maintenance and, eventually, new batteries, replacing those leaking ports, replacing this rotted panel, time to dive to clean the bottom, where is my zinc? running to westmarine to buy a new zinc, diving to replace it. wrong size, westmarine again, spent $100 on solar panel, diving to replace the zinc, O, my...dropped the zinc,weekend is over, can't sleep all week, there is corrosion going, hiring a diver to replace the zinc...
Resting, friends are invited for barbecue, wine-check, vegies-check, steak - check, all is good, oh, my, out of gas, running to home depot for refuel, spent $50 on LED lights...
the solar panel and lights are never installed.

[Brezzin]

After reading CrazyRu reply
Get Beer.

[dgbenner]

Ya, CrazyRu's response is pretty much straight up "Beat Poet" style.

[dgbenner]

Along the same lines, great quote Dave:

-An adventure is never fun while your having it.

Almost like writers don't like to "write", but enjoy "having written."

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by CrazyRu

Haul out, bottom paint, new standing rigging, new running rigging, new sails, motor maintenance and, eventually, new motor, batteries maintenance and, eventually, new batteries, replacing those leaking ports, replacing this rotted panel, time to dive to clean the bottom, where is my zinc? running to westmarine to buy a new zinc, diving to replace it. wrong size, westmarine again, spent $100 on solar panel, diving to replace the zinc, O, my...dropped the zinc,weekend is over, can't sleep all week, there is corrosion going, hiring a diver to replace the zinc...
Resting, friends are invited for barbecue, wine-check, vegies-check, steak - check, all is good, oh, my, out of gas, running to home depot for refuel, spent $50 on LED lights...
the solar panel and lights are never installed.

May be that is why I have a sail-share boat. No headache and all However, thee bad part is I can't name my boat.

[JKCatalina310]

I would recommend Boat US over SeaTow but that is me. They are a significant boat lobbyist and you get money back from money spent at WestMarine (like $15 for every $200). All for only $125 a year.

I would also add ginger beer and dark rum for Dark and Stormies.

On a serious note, when you go to look at the boat read this post first. Then get a clear list from the seller of the equipment to come with the boat. A common "trick" is to show a well stocked boat but when you take ownership all of those inflatable life jackets, life slings, hand held VHF, etc. have been removed and replaced with cheap equipment. I would seriously expect to spend $1,000 on equipment within the first month of being on the water.

[EJO]

hey why SeaTow or USBoat? If your engine doesn't work, SAIL

[JKCatalina310]

Originally Posted by EJO

hey why SeaTow or USBoat? If your engine doesn't work, SAIL

One good reason is that when you run aground, both will help you. Depending on your area, sailing might not work to get you back to your slip/mooring to be able to affect repairs.

[dgbenner]

Exactly. The exact words: "when I run aground" is a phrase I have in my head. It will be a matter of time. Also sailing without a motor into a tricky marina and into a slip is not an experience I'd like to have early in my sailing career.

Thanks JK for the USBoat tip as well as advice about equipment. And what a great thread about the Inspection Tips. Thanks!