I am new to sailing and want to buy a sailboat that I can trailer in and set up by myself, and that I can right on my own should I go over. There is a Ghost 13 for sale. Does anyone know if this boat might work for me? I want a big enough boat to take out a couple of friends, but small enough that I can get it off and on the trailer and get the mast and sails up myself. I am a 5'4" gal.
Way back when, the first boat I could talk my dad into buying for us (my brother, dad and me) was a Ghost 13.
I have to say, I did NOT like this boat much at all. It is far too tippy feeling for my liking. It's also not too easy to right should you dump. One day my dad (~185lbs) capsized, and stood on the centerboard to right the boat, and the centerboard split down the middle seam!
We used the boat sparingly for 2 years, and upgraded to a much larger Venture 21, and had a ton of fun with that 'budget' oriented boat.
If you're looking at older boats, you may consider looking into various O'Day daysailers. They can easily accomodate a small family, and are fairly stable (to my knowledge).
Also, what are you planning on using as the tow vehicle. That will affect your choices too.
__________________
Sailingdog Telstar 28
New England
You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.
—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
If you're new to the Sailnet Forums... please read this POST.
The owner of the boat also said it was unstable, so I think I will keep looking. There is also a Koralle Jr. for sale in Indy (12 feet), and I have a Mitsubishi Eclipse to tow with, but I may need to get a different car as I haven't been able to find a tow hitch for mine. I haven't seen any O'Days but I will keep looking.
I forgot to answer about money: well, under $2000. The Koralle Jr is priced at $1300 which seems overpriced in comparison to others I have seen, but there aren't many cheap boats available in Indianapolis. I would have splurged for a slip on our lake and gotten a boat I could leave in the water, but all sites are taken for this year, leaving me with the trailerable dilemna.
IIRC, a mitsubishi eclipse is a two-seater sports car... not exactly a good tow vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amanecer
The owner of the boat also said it was unstable, so I think I will keep looking. There is also a Koralle Jr. for sale in Indy (12 feet), and I have a Mitsubishi Eclipse to tow with, but I may need to get a different car as I haven't been able to find a tow hitch for mine. I haven't seen any O'Days but I will keep looking.
__________________
Sailingdog Telstar 28
New England
You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.
—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
If you're new to the Sailnet Forums... please read this POST.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record from other threads, are there any clubs you can join where they already own the boats and you can just take them out (and maybe take lessons)? It will get rid of all the hassle of trailering, and maintenance
__________________ Looking for a crew member in the Northeast? Click here!
Race and sail on OPB (other people's boats)
You might want to think about a Siren 17 - tiny microcruiser. It's what I have for my first boat. Tons of fun. You may be able to find an example in your price range but usually they are slightly more with a trailer and outboard.
