How small is too small?

[kjsailingSpring]

I'm thinking of buying a Hunter 25 for weekend sailing off the Atlantic City, NJ coast. Is this too small? My gut tells me to stay above 27'. Can anyone advise?

Thank you kindly!

[CuriousGeorge]

That entirely depends on your intended use of the boat, and your experience.

If you're just getting started with sailing, something smaller will be easier to handle, maintain, and much less of a headache if you decide it's not for you. It's a smaller initial investment, and so on. Perhaps a trailer sailor would be a good starter.

Since you suggest a Hunter 25 I assume you're not ever planning on heading offshore, which means a smaller boat of that type might be well suited provided you are comfortable inside if you plan on weekending, and that it has a good cockpit layout as most of your time will be spent there.

Regards,

George

[Dave A]

I would also take into account others who may go with you, namely your wife. Is she a sailor or are you just praying that she likes it. If you take her out in a floating "pup tent" she will quickly vote no. I have had some experience with this and I would say, go with the largest your comfortable with, both financially and in sailing comfort. Just my opinion, most importantly get out on the water and enjoy.

[kjsailingSpring]

Thank you for the feedback. I do plan to go coastal cruising, never offshore, and just for the weekends. I have found a Hunter 27 that I believe I'll purchase. I am just learning and will be sailing alone much of the time. The coastal cruising I'll do is in the South Jersey area. Sound safe enough for a beginner?

Thanks much for any input.

[eryka]

Since you're basically weekending, you have the option to simply not go out if the weather is going to be bad. Given that, I agree with George, its okay to go for a small, light boat. Easier to handle physically and financially.

[sailingdog]

One thing to be aware of... the New Jersey coastline can be pretty unfriendly in bad weather. If you're in a Hunter 27, you'll need to be very aware of the weather, as many of the harbors are difficult to enter in bad conditions.