Advice Please

[TJMAC]

Hello,
I'm pretty new to sailing(but not to boating in general), and would really appreciate some advice from the knowledgeable members here. I'm in my early 30's, single, no kids(that I know of) and am in the process of selling my business which will allow me to spend a year or two learning seamanship and sailing 24/7 if I wish(and I very much do!). Over the last month I've been doing quite a bit of research on different yachts in anticipation of realizing my dream. Ideally I'd love to find something that will be forgiving during my learning curve yet not something that I outgrow or get bored with after having the opportunity of sailing as much as I wish . In time( when I think or more importantly when very experienced sailors think) I'm ready, I'd like to do some island hopping, long distance cruising and ocean passages. Again, when I'm ready, some of this will be single handed or the longer,more challenging sailing will be with 1 or 2 others with at least one whom is experienced. So far I've narrowed it down to these- 1.Pogo( a pre owned 10.50, or 8.50 or maybe even a 40 that could be found for less than $200k)
2. Sunfast 3200- new or a year or 2 old
3. Akilaria 9.50 or pre owned 40
4. Some kind of pre owned open 40 style.
It's probably apparent that I'm a big fan of open transom style yachts and a lush interior is not a priority in the least. Set up for short or single handing, under $200k,livable for a month or more of exploring, between 32-40 feet,safe as possible and ocean crossing abilities are paramount. If it helps, I'll be sailing out of Naples Fla. Thanks!!

[MarkCK]

Where are you at on the learning curve? Never sailed, beginer? been sailing for years? The type of boats you are describing are not really meant for someone that is new to sailing.

[tommays]

The big issue with all of these boats is how the draft will constrain the harbors/anchorage's you can enter in your travels

[TJMAC]

I fully admit that my experience in sailing is limited. Very limited. I have spent a few days at sea, but not crewing. I'm aware that the boats I listed are not considered " beginner's boats" but the last thing I want to do is buy something that doesn't fit my needs or makes me wish I had bought something else in a year's time. I have a few friends that have spent years and years sailing and would be open to absorbing info from all I can as well as being on the water 4-6 times a week. Again, I have a budget of $150k-$200k, have no issues with something pre owned, want a relatively Spartan interior( Pogo like) and obviously a yacht that is as safe as possible as well as ocean worthy. Thanks!!

[MarkCK]

There are probably plenty of boats that fit that description. Although you need to look at even relatively new boats very closely. Most of them will have been raced hard and have had a much harder life that a comparable cruising boat.

If you dont mind doing some leg work and doing your own fitting out you might take a look at this 44 footer. It can be had new for under 200k. It falls into you general parameters.

Varianta Segelyachten - from Dehler with love

[Hudsonian]

J/111

[Faster]

Take some time to peruse this thread, if you haven't already...

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-r...sailboats.html

You're in a great position... good budget and you seem to know what you want. I'd only advise you not to get any more boat than you truly need... Best of luck.

[TJMAC]

Thank you. I hope I'm not wrong in my thinking of the analogy of just because someone may be a new driver that they should buy an '84 Lincoln as opposed to a pre owned M3..... Are Pogo 8.50, Akalaria 9.50, Sunfast 3200,etc..Very difficult to learn on or are they easier due to being designed for single handing?

[Mark1948]

You Mention lots of singlehanded sailing, a good review of this forum noted experts will caution on going large as opposed to functional. From my experience and observations no a lot of 40 footers are singled. Also, how much time and money do you want to put into maintenance? I'd rather sail than varnish.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Originally Posted by TJMAC

I fully admit that my experience in sailing is limited. Very limited. I have spent a few days at sea, but not crewing. I'm aware that the boats I listed are not considered " beginner's boats" but the last thing I want to do is buy something that doesn't fit my needs or makes me wish I had bought something else in a year's time...

Get Beth Leonard's The Voyager's Handbook, The Essential Guide to Bluewater Cruising. I think she does a good job of analyzing various sizes of boats and what one needs for bluewater. As already mentioned, if a person gets a boat that is too big, you spend your time fixing it rather than sailing. Also, if you make a mistake docking, it can be spectacularly destructive whereas a learner’s keelboat in the 20 to 24 foot range is likely to do little more than bruise your ego. Remember also that you are going to have to budget money for getting the boat fixed up to suit your needs and Leonard’s book goes into that also. If you decide to skip the learner’s boat, then you are going to have to really take a lot of formal sailing courses and some private lessons also. Remember that you have to be responsible for yourself, your crew and whomever you might run into. To me your boat is the size for a family.