small sailboats

sailingforever · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006

I want to buy a smallish cheap sailboat this year.
I'm not really sure what is good so I hope someone knows.
I'll be sailing on lakes and bays and probably with one to 3 people would work nicely.
I need to be able to right it by my self and stuff

sailing obsessed Hannah Blanchard

RCR · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006

I am in your same situation so I don't have much advice, other than that people are telling me to buy a Sunfish or similar boat. I am going to tomorrow to look at a few and hopefully buy one. Good luck on your sailing!

sailingforever · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006

well, my parents say that a sunfish is too big and heavy for me.
I am thinking about a yacht tender sort of boat

Jim H · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006

If you can, find out what small sailboats are used in the local sailing classes and racing fleets. Last summer our son got started in an Optimist class and had a great time, and he could move on to racing them if he wanted. The same club had Lasers, Vanguard 15s, Lidos and Thistles.

You might have no interest in racing, but there are two big pluses for buying a boat that is used in a local fleet. First, you'll be more likely to find a good one in used shape, as well as parts and sails from others. Secondly, you'll have an easier time selling it later if it's a known boat and others are thinking of joining the fleets.

The small sailboats around here that are "really cheap" are the one-of-a-kind ones that sit on Craigslist for week after week. Hard to find parts for, hard to sell later.

Have fun!

Jim H

jhnblngr · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006

its a little like dating. if shes a good looking boat (girl) to you, go for it. if you find yourself thinking about how to sell it later, (break off the relationship) keep moving along till you find the one thats right for you.

captsuz · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008

Okay, Sailingforever~
There are MANY cheap sailboats out there! Most of the really cheap one's come with a price though.....all the things you will have to buy for it because it's going so cheap. BEWARE. If you're interested in fixer-uppers, then GO for it! A couple suggestions though. Try to buy a boat with flotation compartments between the deck and the hull so you can right-it easily and have some security if you get swamped. Sunfish is about as simple and easy as they come, you do have to have about 100 lbs. to right it by yourself. But that will not be enough room for 3. There are MANY great sailors out there in the 14-15' range that are GREAT for lakes and bays. Check out sailing camps or collegiate racing clubs to find good cheap boats as well as Craig's List, eBay and sailboatlistings.com! Good Luck! FIRST YOU MUST SAIL A SMALL BOAT!

Lostmt · #7 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008

This thread is almost 3 years old. I would think they have found what they are looking for by now.

captsuz · #8 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008

Okay Bonno! Still haven't found what I'm looking for!