Looking at Buying a first boat here!!!! Need ideas.

CallmeChris88 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

So I lam looking at buying my first boat for getting started. I am very new to this whole sailing thing,and would like to purchase a daysailer/weekender that is pretty easy to sail. Any suggestions? not wanting to spend a whole lot but willing to look into any suggestions.

Thanks
Chris

artbyjody · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallmeChris88

So I lam looking at buying my first boat for getting started. I am very new to this whole sailing thing,and would like to purchase a daysailer/weekender that is pretty easy to sail. Any suggestions? not wanting to spend a whole lot but willing to look into any suggestions.

Thanks
Chris

Check out the other threads listed in this sub forum... and welcome to sailnet...

Lostmt · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

For a daysailer/weekender I'd look at the Starwind 22. Very solid boats with lots of cabin space. They are a little hard to find as I think most owners are very happy with theirs and don't want to part with theirs. Lot better boat than the Catalina 22. Personal opinion.

We are getting ours ready for an extended cruise from Texas to Fla.

CallmeChris88 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Thanks I will look into it.

that's me plan as well to do an extended cruise.

ckgreenman · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

Another one you can look at is a Catalina 22. They're small, sail well, trailerable (with retractable keel of course), and are VERY plentiful so finding parts is no big deal. Plus they're still in production.

jephotog · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009

A lot of factors to consider. How much do you have to spend? Will you be able to afford a slip or mooring, or want to trailer it?

The ability to trailer it will bring the cost of ownership down but will also limit your sailing time. If you are going to trailer it you should look at 22 feet and below. Expect 1-2 hours to rig a 22 footer unless you have a mast raising setup and a lot of practice. At 17 foot and smaller you could raise the mast yourself and be in the water in under a half hour. My West Wight Potter takes 20 minutes to launch. Instead of taking a long time looking at a list of dreamboats, why not just see whats available locally or within your willing to drive distance, within your budget and work from there.

PS the Starwind 22 is the same as the Chrysler 22, I think.

Lostmt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009

My Starwind 22 was built by Wellcraft. It only takes me about 20 minutes to raise the mast.

I would hang out around the marinas to see whats out there and the price. Also I would get an experienced sailor to go with you if you are a first time buyer. Don't be afraid to talk with sailors in the marinas they love to talk about sailboats and will give you some great advice.