Hans Christian questions

[Jeff_H]

With all due respect, if you are just learnig to sail, (which it sounds like you are) and you want to learn to sail well, the Hans Christain would be nearly the last boat that I would suggest that you buy for a first boat. I would strongly suggest that you buy something that is under 30 feet, well used, low maintenance, more responsive, not too expensive, and of a design that is easy to buy and resell.

I suggest that you sail the living daylights out of that boat and try to get aboard a as many differing types of boat as you can, (even some that you think that you won't like) until you understand more about sailing and have enough experience to really develop your own sailing tastes. At that point your sailing goals will develop further and you can buy a boat that truly suits your goals.

Most neophytes will say something like I can't afford the time and can't afford to buy and resell a boat. The reality is that stratistically people keep their first boat for less than two years before putting it on the market and you will take a bigger bath on the Hans Christian than a more moderate choice. Having worked with dozens of folks buying (and reselling) their first boat, the new sailers who try to buy their 'ultimate boat' as their first boat, especially boats like the Hans Christians that are mediocre sailers and which are expensive and very high maintenance or thier length, are the one's who leave the sport frustrated having left a pile of dough behind.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[Zogumwesterly]

I have to agree with jeff on this one, a Hans is a lot of money to throw into a boat that is heavy, awkward to sail(though very comfy and attractive). Might I suggest a southern cross 28 or a 25 or 28 cape dory, these are great boats that are somewhat traditional but are easier to handle fix, and are a lot less capable of doing expensive damage to other peoples property. best of luck.

[PBzeer]

Somewhat along the lines of JeffH's comments, I notice you don't mention how you'll use the boat. Daysailing, weekending, coastal cruising, or bluewater crusing? While aeshtetics certainly play a role, it shouldn't be at the cost of a boat that will give you enjoyment on the water.

Currently in New Bern, NC through August

[DJEVANS]

Thank you Jeff for the advice, after further research that is actually exactly what we are going to do... We are looking at something along the lines of the Catalina 25's for now, hopefully by this time next year we'll be learning to sail (due to health reasons I wouldn't even be eligible for lessons this year anyway) and we wouldn't be looking at HC's until we are fully competent and ready to do some bluewater cruising. Our eventual hope is to live aboard the HC, but that is fairly far off in the future. We probably will go through a couple of boats before we get to the HC, if at all. Thank you very much though, for the frank comments.