First Boat- Ericson 25+

[Nadir]

Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it. I am going to take a little more time before purchasing this boat. Please feel free to continue to post your helpful suggestions.
THANKS

[blt2ski]

Erickson generally speaking made one of the better boats in the 70's of the std affordible boats availible. there is also an Erickson forum you can get info online too.

look around, see if other are availible, if not, it will not be bad boat to have!

marty

[jimq26]

Originally Posted by M275sailer

There is what looks like a mint c & c advertised in Kijjii Toronto for 10k that I think would serve you well and I am sure the c & c is even more popular on L. Ont. than even the shark. They look like a fast cruiser, and you would have other boats to race or get information from. I also spotted a Mirage 26 with a diesel that also looked great on the same site for 17k, another fast cruiser, I know my Mirage 275 is :-)If you take in your transport costs and such that might be within the budget as well. Lots of Mirage boats in Ontario too. Have fun searching.

I went from a C&C Shark 24 to a Grampian G-26. Had great success racing the Shark, but won more overall championships racing the G-26. A hell of a lot more comfortable (6'1" headroom) as well.
If it were me, I would be checking locally at some of the yacht clubs. There are tons of real good 25/26/27 footers available locally, many at less than half the price you mention. All freshwater boats too.

[M275sailer]

Jim, I would totally agree, there are a ton of good buys out there right now. That c&c 25 I spotted is probably at the very top of the price range for that boat or similar type, but it looked very well kept. I went to the US for my boat when the dollar was at par and saved a bunch. I think you can get a lot of boat for the money right here in Ontario now.

[DoomDahDoomDoom]

I just wanted to chime in and agree with the posters that suggest looking at boats that are close to home. I could pretty much pay all my annual yacht club fees for the $3000 you're talking about spending on hauling the boat from the coast to the lake. There are a TON of freshwater boats for sale around Lake Ontario, and the prices are great.

I would highly recommend going and physically inspecting several boats before making a purchase. You'll learn a lot about what you like and don't like. As a first time buying, always get a survey done before making a purchase.

Check boat for sale for Ontario boats.

[Nadir]

All of you Thanks for the wonderful advise. I will check locally and I do like the idea of physically going and looking at differnt boats. Thanks.

[Lostmt]

Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. Take your time.

[sailingdog]

NADIR—

I'd recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started before going to see any boats. If you do what it says, it will give you a much better idea if the boat is even worth investigating further.

[AjariBonten]

Listen.......To...........The DOG ..................
But NOT if he tells you his name is Sam! ;-}

[Nadir]

Thanks AjariBonten and all of you for your help. Sailingdog thanks for your thread, I am sure many like me appreciate it alot and are greatful for sharing your wisdom.
I will let you all know how my adventure in search for my first boat unfolds.
Thanks.