New to Forum and need opins

[tonyj54]

Hi all,

I'm returning to sailing after more than thirty years off-water, and I need some opinions. I'm looking to purchase something in the 25-foot range to get back into the groove, then in a few years move on up to full-time live-aboard as I get closer to retiring. Going to see a Cal 25 sloop next week. Needs lots of TLC but hull, mast, boom, and standing rigging appear to be in good condition to broker. What should I be on the lookout for when I see her? I will be moving her to Jax for a short(hopefully) yard period, where I'll do painting, etc., then into slip near my home for few years. Anyone around jax or North Florida interested in exchanging info, let me know. We live just North of Downtown Jax, and I work afternoons.

Thanks, and hope to hear from you all soon.

following seas,
tonyj

[k1vsk]

My first suggestion is to absolutely, under no circumstances, ever take the word of the broker unless he is your best freind or close relative. I hate generalities but this one comes closer to being true than virtually any other.
As far as which boat, that's usually a personal preference and most other folks would tell you quality and maintenance trumps brand name anytime.

[sailingdog]

Tony-

Welcome to Sailnet. A good resource would be to get Don Casey's book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" as it will have a decent checklist of what to look for. Do take a look at any boat you might be interested in before you do anything else. If the boat appears to be in reasonable shape, the make an offer, subject to survey and sea trial.

Just curious as to why you're looking at 25' boats, rather than say a 30-35' boat that could be used as both a daysailor and a liveaboard. It might take you a few years to get all the customization of preparing the boat for full-time liveaboard use—this way you'd be learning on the same boat you'll be living/cruising on, and be able to outfit it gradually, over time, rather than just trying to sell the 25' boat and the buy and outfit a second boat. Just a thought.

[Ishmael]

Depending on budget, of course, don't we all hate that one?, I saw a nice Pearson-365 in Jax just a couple of weeks ago. Looked it over briefly. A 1980 it appears to be in very good condition. Owner was asking $33K but again - that is ask.

[tonyj54]

Was thinking of something in the 25-foot range so that I can re-learn and sharpen sailing- and single-handing skills. Will eventually end up somewhere in the 45-foot range for liveaboard, as that appears to be the break-point for fees and restricted dockages, or am I being told incorrectly? Also, budget does come into it, but not my major concern at the moment. Having said that, I can't go out and spend $100k, either.

Following Seas,
tonyj

Those that dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible-TEL