Two-Person Trailerable Sailboat

[GoLikeaFish]

I'm in the process of learning to sail and am trying to gather all of the information I can on the best way to go about learning. I will be taking classes soon and, though I have visions of sailing a 35'+ yacht off into the sunset, the overwhelming consensus of the experienced sailors out there is to start small and 'just get on the water and make mistakes.'

I'm thinking about buying something like a used laser, sunfish or hobie cat ($5000 range). The perfect boat would comfortably accommodate two people; fit on a trailer; be easy to launch; not take much more room in my driveway than a car, and be suitable for an afternoon on the San Francisco bay.

Any suggestions?

[sailingfool]

Great starter boat - Rhodes 19. www.rhodes19.org Consider only the keel option, they're reasonably stiff and ready for the Bay. I would think those other boats you mentioned would be much toowet to use of an afternoon in San Francisco, wetness and cool air don't go together very well unless you invest in the likes of dry suits.

[primerate84]

Also try a Flying Scot. I owned one for 15 years and it is a great boat to learn to sail. It also is very stable and has built in flotation. The large cockpit will allow you to get four on board comfortably. Its a 19 footer and easy to haul on a trailer. My trailer had a release in the center and the boat easily slipped into the water; same on loading. Its a fractional rigged sloop with a spinnaker. You should be able to get a used one for anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 with the trailer. Good luck.