Capri Omega vs O'Day Javelin

deepblueme · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

First I want to say I really enjoy the time I "waste" here while I should be working I have learned so much about what I don't know and that is even after spending a year sailing around the Bahamas, Well I guess I should say motoring mostly. It was on a 65 ft sloop rig dive boat.

So my ?? is which of these boats should I buy?
For the next couple of years I will be sailing on the lakes in Colorado and a yearly trip to Lake Powell to work on my skills.

I want a boat that will teach me to be a real sailor instead of just a deck hand and that my Admiral in training (she finally gave me the go ahead) will enjoy learning on, we may even try alittle racing.

Thanks for all the advice on all the topics over the last couple of years.

poltergeist · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

I think both the Javelin and the Omega would be great starter boats. They certainly are big enough for the two of you, and could accomodate another adult or two in cozy circumstances. With a sloop rig, you'll learn most of the sail handling skills you'll need if and when you decide to move up. Both are simple to rig and launch, so you'll spend more time sailing. You should be able to pick up either one for $750 to $1500, sail it and sell it a couple of years from now for what you put into it.

Go for it!

Kurt

bobmcgov · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

You prolly know this: Sailingtexas lists a Javelin for sale in Denver. You might also check Craigslist Ft.Collins -- there has been an ad for months for a $650 boat that I THINK is a Chrysler Buccaneer18 or Mutineer15 (here). Few details, and the dude never returned my phone calls. But if it is a Chrysler dinghy, that's a (slightly aggressive) option. Denver area has an active fleet, with lots of regional races.

Capri 15 is a nice boat to play on, racy but manageable. Bigger options are the Thistle or Lightning, both highly-regarded one-designs. If you want all the features of a big racing sloop in a towable size, you might look for a boat with spinnaker. (I hope to launch my Bucc 18 chute first time this weekend, before Wyoming's water gets any colder. Cuz we ARE going swimming. But I'd rather flip the Bucc than a real boat.)