single Mom, single hander, single paycheck. - Page 3

GreenBoat · #21 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007

Well, nothing has happened in the way of the "big boat." I did, however, get my hands on a old Laser and have been having a blast with that. It's getting me hooked into the sailing scene here in NC, and I don't need to talk one of my less-than-enthusiastic teens into crewing in order to go out.

I figured if I can't get a big boat for a couple more years any way, I might as well get one I can sail on the lakes nearby. Truth is though, I am an open-water sailor and have been VERY frustrated on the little puddles -- as I like to call the lakes around here. So, I trailered the Laser out to the coast last weekend. Went to New Bern, Oriental and Beaufort this past weekend. Had lots of BIG wind and FUN, got beat up out there and met some fellow Laser and big boat sailors in Oriental, which was by far my favorite place to put in.

I also took a systems maintenence calss through the local power squadron, which was helpful.

As far as the decision-making process on the big boats goes, I have time and have been looking at other models like Tartans and Bristols. I like the classic lines and reputation of these -- and I might be able to afford an older one. I will look at the Dehler as suggested.

Hey, has anyone really started a singles sailnet site? I'd rather not be a single hander if I can help it.

Any other reluctant single handers out there?

Susan

sailingdog · #22 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007

Susan-

Welcome back to Sailnet. Glad to hear you've gotten a boat, even a little Laser is better than being boatless. Keep us posted on your plans and when you're ready to purchase, we'll give you whatever advice we can.

SD.

pigslo · #23 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007

Yes, my good friend SD contributes more than anyone on this board and always (well almost always) has good ideas. Just write the question on a bone and throw it out there and he will bring you back an answer. Sailing dog is a retreiver for sure.
pigslo

rossir · #24 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007

Susan:

I remember you thread from last yer, as it was about the time that I too decided to explore the possibility of voyaging. I too have 2 children - I guess the same age as your, as my youngest started high school this past fall.

I had not had any experience in reall sailing prior to that time, and have very little now - a bit of crewing in a race series here, and I do own a bluejay. I too have taken advantage of the power squadron's courses and research as much on the web as I can.

My plan is to be in a poistion to go when my youngest goes to college, and I certainly believe that I can get there. I am pretty handy, self-sufficient and I have a great desire particularly to explore other cultures. So much about the voyaging lifestyle appeals to me that I cannot imagine this not coming to realization for me.

Anyway, I just thought that you could use the encouragement. I too am in the boat of being a singlehander.

Rick

JustMeUC · #25 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Hi Susan, I am just down the road from you... in Raleigh. I will be buying my first boat this winter/spring. I am a complete newbie, I will be taking my first lessons in a few weeks actually.

I will be starting out with a small boat, a 22'-26' probably, sailing it a few years and then moving up to a bigger boat. I am sure I would love to have someone experienced to sail with me just to point out how many mistakes I am making!!

So, if you are interested..... shoot me a line sometime between now and then!

PBzeer · #26 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Susan - As I suggested the Ontario 32, I can also offer you an up close look at one anytime over the next few weeks. Including a sail, if you would like. I'm currently at Belhaven, but will be coming back to the Oriental area sometime next week for some work at Deatons the week of the 23rd. If you'd care to have a look and/or sail, just let me know.

rakski · #27 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007

Hats off to you Susan. I wish I could get my daughters as interested in sailing as you are.

Since you've been out of the sailing scene for a while my suggestion would be to start smaller and use this smaller boat as an assessment tool for your final choice.

I've owned a Morgan 30//2 since 1979 and like it but if I could rewind I should have bought a Catalina. A Catalina 30 would have been a good choice for a couple of reasons.

1. There's a lot of them around so picking up a used one would be easy.
2. They still are very popular and the company is still in business, getting replacement parts should be reasonable.
3. THey are good sailing boat and with the right equipment decent racers. Our local across Lake Michigan race (Queen's Cup www.ssyc.org) was won some years ago by a Catalina 30 (Rag Doll). I believe that the shortest boat to ever win...most of the winners have been 40'+ in length.
4. With a lot of them around there are a lot of information sources avaiable via the owners and you know all sailors are helpful.
5. Because they are popular, resale is easier.

If I had to pick one for you to start with I would recommend a 27' or 30' Catalina.

arbarnhart · #28 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007

I know some local folks that are racing Lasers (low key unnoficial races) at Jordan. PM if you want more info...

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenBoat

Well, nothing has happened in the way of the "big boat." I did, however, get my hands on a old Laser and have been having a blast with that. It's getting me hooked into the sailing scene here in NC, and I don't need to talk one of my less-than-enthusiastic teens into crewing in order to go out.

I figured if I can't get a big boat for a couple more years any way, I might as well get one I can sail on the lakes nearby. Truth is though, I am an open-water sailor and have been VERY frustrated on the little puddles -- as I like to call the lakes around here. So, I trailered the Laser out to the coast last weekend. Went to New Bern, Oriental and Beaufort this past weekend. Had lots of BIG wind and FUN, got beat up out there and met some fellow Laser and big boat sailors in Oriental, which was by far my favorite place to put in.

I also took a systems maintenence calss through the local power squadron, which was helpful.

As far as the decision-making process on the big boats goes, I have time and have been looking at other models like Tartans and Bristols. I like the classic lines and reputation of these -- and I might be able to afford an older one. I will look at the Dehler as suggested.

Hey, has anyone really started a singles sailnet site? I'd rather not be a single hander if I can help it.

Any other reluctant single handers out there?

Susan

Valiente · #29 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007

Good to see you sticking with the dream. If you like open water, as in coastal salty open water, I would recommend a different boat than if you wished to go offshore. If you want to voyage...I'd have one range of suggestions, but if you wish to merely club race or weekend gunkhole or even liveaboard, I'd have others.

PBZeer's suggestion of an Ontario 32 is one of the few boats I would recommend that is good for all of the above for a single-hander. I personally think that 32-33 feet is around the sweet spot for single-handing, because it's big enough to take the real sea, but small enough to work without getting hurt or overwhelmed. A Niagara 35 is good, but they can get pricey because Canadians are huge fans of them and our dollar parity now means we can scoop up American-owned boats at lower-than-local prices.

A Bristol or a Pearson or a Tartan are all good choices for coastal, up to "rough, near-gale coastal". But if you are going offshore, check out the Contessa 32 or even the dreaded Westsail 32...dreaded because they are frankly pokey boats in light air, but they are very difficult to kill (see "A Perfect Storm"...the real story!) and they are "get you home" boats.