Suggestions?

[Nparry4]

First of all, new here, hello everyone. Great resource we have here. I've spent hours reading...

Ok, so heres the deal. I have never owned or operated a sailboat. While I know some basic terms and oprating procedures for some, I'm still plowing through books to learn the ropes of sailing. I'm an absolut rookie.

That being said...

...I'd like to buy a sailboat.

Criteria:

I'd like to be able to sail single-handed. (locally, on a lake. I won't be crossing oceans. Yet. I just need to be able to handle the boat alone.)
I'd like to be able to sleep on-board. (2 minimum)
I'd like a simple boat for my first sailboat.
I'd like the interior to offer a dining table. (Might seem like an odd request, but theres a good reason)

Can you guys suggest what size sailboat I should look for, and if you can provide types, makes and models too, that would be great.

I have a local sailing club that will be teaching me how to sail, but most of the use will be alone, or with my girlfriend, sailing and staying on board for weekends.

Thanks in advance...

[DrB]

Depending on how primitive you want to make it, a Catalina 22 could be a option also. The problem with a boat much smaller than a 25 ft'er is that you'll lose a head (bathroom), a true ice box and a cooking surface may not available. Headroom (standing) will be an issue. With no head, you'll have to make do with a portapot. Not bad, but not a lot of privacy either. If this isn't problem for you or the GF, then I'd recommend a Catalina 22.

The Catalina 22 is one of the most successful sailboats ever made. Easy to sail single-hand, comforatble to sail, room below to sleep for two, but no real cooking area or cold box. It's a basically daysailor that can be slept on.

Would need more information on recommended boats for you such as:

Where are you going to sail, do you want trailer your boat, do you need a functioning head (enclosed), cooking area, how often do you want to overnights, etc.

[Nparry4]

Thanks for responding. To answer your questions:

Where are you going to sail: Lake Mead, AZ/NV

do you want trailer your boat: I'd like the ability to trailer, but I plan to keep it in the water at the marina.

do you need a functioning head (enclosed): No.

cooking area: would be nice, but not required. I can take a small grill and stove camping set.

how often do you want to overnights, etc: Most summer weekends.

Hope this helps...

[DrB]

Catalina 22. If you want something bigger, Catalina 25 witha swing keel. Many, many of both models were made. All-around good choice for a 1st boat.

DrB

[cruisingdream]

check yacht world just put in 18 to 26 foot & what your price range & location would be & see whats available & appeals to you (mine was a 1973 chrysler 22, great little boat)

here is a catalina in your area
1979 Catalina Swing Keel Sailboat Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Nparry4]

Any opinions on a Cal 24? I've found one of these so cheap it's hard to believe. A 1970 for $1400....

[eherlihy]

I would suggest that you look for a Catalina 25 with a pop-top.