Looking to buy my first boat

[alan_21_us]

I need some help here. What should I have as my first boat. Shoal Keel is a must for the Chesapeak Bay. I am conflicted on where to turn and what to buy. I would like a 27 foot as I feel I can handle it myself. I can grow into it and then onto a larger boat in a couple of years.

I have been sailing in a club, but never get to take the reins myself. I think I will be pretty good with more helm time. Any ideas on which way to go....

Alan

[sailingdog]

Do you have any more information about what you're looking for in a boat. A multihull, like a Corsair F24, might also be a good choice for the Chesapeake Bay.

Did you have a specific budget in mind?

Did you want to race at all—then a one-design boat might be a good idea.

What boats have you sailed on that you like?

[alan_21_us]

I have sailed on J 27's recently. I was looking at a watkins 27 with a shoal keel. AS for budget I was thinking about 5000

[kavakava]

We too sail on the Chesapeake, and used to own a Catalina 27. They're readily available for sale, sail well, and there are several Catalina 27 sailing associations around the Bay for cruising and racing comraderie. They'e easily sold if you want to move up.

[alan_21_us]

Thanks for the info on the Cat 27. I will look into it. Have run across any Watkins 27's. I am told good things about them, but everyone has a bias