Very New To Sailing looking at a boat want input

[jhgriff]

I am just getting started learning how to sail. I have a lake nearby and a boat is listed for sale. The boat is a 1980 Lancer 28 with shore power and a diesel engine. It is a shoal draft and said to have good sails. I would be greatful of any input.

[Joel73]

If you are a little more specific with what you want to know then you will get good answers... otherwise it's a guessing game on our part.

Four words: Get a marine survey! Much like buying a house and getting it inspected before purchase... you would want to get a marine survey before purchasing the boat. This will give you a starting point and an exact value of the boat in question.

Good luck and welcome to Sailnet!

[jhgriff]

Ok, maybe this will help. I am looking for a boat that is large enough for me the wife and 9 year old to stay on for a night or weekend. That will not overwhelm me while I am learning more about sailing. Performance is not that big a deal at this stage of my sailing life. The boat that I am looking at is under 10k. I would spend more but for the lake I would be sailing on it may not help.

[djodenda]

Where will you be sailing?

[jhgriff]

Local lake near Nashville Tn.

[Joel73]

I would say that a Lancer 28 would be plenty big for you, your wife and son for overnight and weekend trips. You could even go with something in the 25-27 range and still have plenty of room. My wife and i sail a 1987 Pearson 27 and it's plenty of boat for us at the moment. 10K for a 1980 L28 seems low but i'm not sure about these boats so i don't know where to start really. As i mentioned before, a marine survey would give you peace of mind about the boats structural and mechanical integrity... as well as tell you if you are paying more (or less) than it's worth. Try looking online for other L28's for sale and see if the prices are comparable. There is one on Yachtworld.com right now for 7,900.00 Here: 1979 Lancer 28 Boat For Sale

Anther place to look for comps is Sailingtexas.com

[merlin2375]

Are you taking lessons to learn to sail? Are they are any clubs to join that have a fleet? Just throwing out the idea of holding off on buying and joining a club until you've got some sailing under your belt and, perhaps, have a better idea of what type of boat you would like to own.

[lbdavis]

I'd second Merlin's advice. Find ways onto other boats and take notice of everything your eyes land on and read lots of books. There is a great "library" of books here. Be patient, very patient. What you think you want now and what you're likely to end up wanting could be two different things. Selling a used sailboat is not like selling a used car.

I think it's great that you want to get you and your family into sailing. It will bring you all lots of joy, unless you get the wrong boat.

Good luck!!

[Harvester]

Since I am European, I don't know this specific boat you are talking about, so I can't say anyghint agout it. But I know that when some boat owner overprices a sailboat to sell, he/she dreams with a buyer like you.

So, the advise abover are very good: take your time, compare boats, prices, navigation styles, learn a bit about sailing and realize what your preferences are, etc. and then buy. There are plenty of boats on sale around.

When I look back to the boats I seriously considered buying when I had no idea about sailing... Thank God I held it on!

[Joel73]

I would agree with the above about taking your time and taking some lessons. I had the opportunity to sail often while i was growing up but in the past few years have taken several classes which i have gained a lot from.

I'm glad that i didn't end up with the first boat i looked at and i am at a 27 foot boat now after sailing an O'day 22 for 20 years or so with my parents. It may be more along the lines of a starter boat for you. It can sleep 4 (tight) and has the basics... Kinda like a pop-top Vs. an airstream.