Best beginner boat 21-25 ft under 2500?

[aimcat]

YES I am looking and hoping to find a good used beginner sailboat under 2500. My husband and I would love to learn to sail and enjoy a sail on our lake. We have many years experience in our ski boats and pontoons but want something different and a way to make our lake days more interesting.

What advice can you give on any boats in this price range that would work for us?

Also is sailing hard to learn on your own? Our lake honestly doesnt have many sailboats on it and finding someone to "teach" us would be rather difficult. Is this something we can expect to "figure out" on our own?

[omaho5]

How big is you lake ?

[aimcat]

Its 700 miles of shoreline

[omaho5]

OK. So how wide and long. Do the winds die in Summer ?
You can have 700 miles of shotelne and all of it VERY narrow or some wide areas.

[aimcat]

Very wide, to wide in parts. Winds are fairly good.

[peterconway]

i have a catalina for sale on asheville nc craigs list

[aimcat]

Peter - emailed you on the catalina...

What is your guys opinions on an R 24? I found one for a good deal. Needs wiring work for lights and cushions - otherwise everything else is good.

[DonScribner]

Cat,

Pick up a book called "The Complete Trailer Sailor" by Brian Gilbert (or something like it). Gilbert has all kinds of information in there, but most importantly, a section with boats for 15' to 28', photos, diagrams, specifications, on about 50 different boats. It can help you narrow down what you're looking for and what you like.

We bought a Lancer 25 a few years ago for $2200 (no trailer). It is the perfect boat for us. We sail the coast of southern Maine and have has so much fun doing it. As you are of the female persuasion, keep an eye on the head. Make sure that it is big enough to do lady type stuff without pulling a muscle. Some boats have a porta-pottie set on the floor of the cabin. Lots of room but no privacy. I am a man but I DO listen to my lovely bride.

Well, get ready for the ride of your lives!

Don,

Biddeford, Maine

[omaho5]

OK. Now we have the good info. With little or no sailing experience you will want to keep it as simple as possible. Ths way you have the best chance at
stayng with sailing. Nothing turns a person off to a pastme more than too much WORK.
I would get something in the 18 to 20 foot range so as to be more easily trailered. Trailering a sail boat is work... A slip or mooring is prefera.ble.
Sloop rig is best. Keel design/ centerboard should be considered.
I own a Cape Dory 22 and sail on a similar sze lake n NH.
I always recommend Cape Dorys, as they are very sea worthy.
Look at a CD Typhoon 18.

[aimcat]

How about the one mentioned? The R 24? I know its a tad bigger, but was told is an easy sailer? It seems like a good deal for it 800 bucks? We have a boathouse with dock so can leave it there. Are sailboats not as easy as loading up and trailering to a different lake for the day?