buying the right sailboat

drpc · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009

I am a an inexperienced sailor scheduled to spend a week at J school Florida in January.
I hope to purchased a used sailboat to sail(day ) Bothbay Harbor ME.
I have looked at Cape Dory 25D, Cape Dory 27
and am reading about Ericson 28
The reason I am attracted to Cape Dory is the lines, big center keel , safe etc.
But what do I know. If you were in the market for a used boat between 25-28 ft. for sailing in the ME waters by myself and with friends what characteristics would you look for and which boats have them?
thanks
drpc

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009

If I was looking for a mid to upper 20s footer for daysailing I'd be looking for a bit more maneuverability and speed than the (admittedly pretty) Cape Dory line. Of your list I'd favour the E28...

Since you're planning to daysail with friends then I'd look for a larger cockpit to accommodate those friends - many of the "offshore" small boats won't have much cockpit, and others that boast berths for 5 or 6 won't either.

Daysailing minimizes the need for below deck amenities so you can look at some boats that are not intended to be overnighters.

Here's the result of a YW search for daysailers/weekenders 24-27 feet.:

1981 daysailer (Sail) Daysailer/Weekender Boats For Sale

Don't know what your budget is but boats like a Santana 525, or a J27 come to mind for your intended plans - both way on the other end of the spectrum from the Cape Dory.....

drpc · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009

Thanks
I like a slighter larger boat with a larger space for people who might want to be inside during a late day early evening sail .
I am not interested in racing. I want the quiet and beauty of sailing along the Maine coast with amenities that wouls make it comfortable
drpc

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009

OK.... so not much help then... but that really doesn't sound like daysailing so much, which changes things a lot. Nevertheless there were several boats in that search link that may well fit your bill still.

In any event, good luck with your search.. but by the sound of it a cruiser like Cape Dory and others may well suit you best.