Hopeful sailor

[d_p]

I have a simple question. I am completely obsessed with sailing, even though I have never been on a sailboat. I grew up powerboating, but have spent a lot of time on beaches and islands and truly enjoy the culture and attitude of sailors. I hope to be one some day. I can't imagine another way to get such a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I am planning to buy a sailboat in the next two (2) to three (3) years (learning to sail, or at least be familiar with sailboats between now and then). I just don't feel that I know enough about different boats and their qualities and traits to make an informed decision. There are so many different types of boats and different opinions on the subject, one just beginning to research could easily feel overwhelmed with it all. A little background..... I am married with no children and am a professional (therefore i'll only be sailing on the weekends, at least for now). The only real "have-to" qualities is that it must contain a shower and roomy cockpit. I am not interested in a trailerable boat. I'm not really the type of guy to ease into anything (i.e. buy a small boat now and upgrade as I become more comfortable). I am not intimidated by boats and am very comfortable on the water. Whatever I buy, will be kept in the water and lived aboard on weekends, and will hopefully suit my needs for several years. I will be sailing in the gulf of mexico and will probably not be spending much time very far offshore on this boat. I just need something that is comfortable for my wife and I (maybe a couple friends) and that would be a good boat to learn on. Speed is the least of my concerns. Getting somewhere fast is not why I want to become a sailor. I'm sure I left out a lot of pertinent information, so any questions or suggestions would be truly appreciated. Sorry this post is so long, but I get excited talking about this.

[maestro]

knowing that you'll need a very forgiving boat, one that has the room you need for a weekend I can think of a number of boats that would fit the bill.

Catalina 27 (many out there, huge owner's group)
O'Day 28 (tons of room, good coastal cruiser)
Beneteau First 28.5
Cape Dory 26D (full keel, beautiful IMHO)
Tartan 27 (older boat but a classic)

[FrankLanger]

During my limited experience in the Gulf of Mexico I was surprised at how many very shallow areas there are there, so boat with a deep fin keel could be a real problem. Although a shoal keel does not perform quite as well as a fin keel in my opinion, I think it would be a very good choice for the Gulf of Mexico, to avoid running aground. If you agree, that will limit your choices of boats.

Also, in looking for good, affordable boats, I have been surprised at the number of boats in the 30 foot range that don't have showers, which you listed as a requirement, so you will have to look carefully.

Depending on size of boat you choose, some have very good cabin size and amenities at the expense of cockpit space (which creates a bit of a challenge when entertaining friends), or they have a larger cockpit but less space below.

Good luck in your search.

Frank.

[max-on]

Are you looking for new or used / what is your price range? Space is relative to each person. Some people, for a couple, would be comfortable on a 28-30 ft / say 6,000 lbs displacement boat, others would need a minimum of 42 ft / 20,000 lbs displacement volumous dock condo where actual sailing is a second or third priority in the design, space and volume being first. I would say look for something in the 28-34 ft / 6000-10,000 lbs displacement (which is a relative term also - don't beleive 100% the published specs), which is a wide range in boat-talk. Big enough to be comfortable, but not too big that you're intimidated to take it out in 25 kts of wind with you and your wife. We have given this same question a lot of thought, contact me via email if you wish.

[d_p]

Thanks to everyone for replying so far. I am not necessarily looking for a new boat, as I have always been drawn to the classic looks of older boats. I do need whatever boat I choose to be solid and fairly low maintenance. Since I'll only be sailing on weekends, I don't want to spend all my time working on the boat (although I am handy and would enjoy doing most maintenance and jobs myself). As far as size goes, I would like to a boat that is smaller, but not cramped feeling. I do not want a "dock-condo." Its main function will be as a sailboat, it's just that speed isn't my priority. I would like my wife and I to not feel as if we are always on top of each other, but I don't want to lose her below deck either. I was hoping to spend around $10,000, but would possibly go up to around $20,000 if necessary. Does all this seem reasonable? If not, I may need some help in finding a better direction for my plan.