Boat dreams

[mkrautha]

Okay, am a complete newbie so I am still in the dreaming phase of boat ownership.
At 24 this is my extended life plan:
1) finish graduate school in the next 9 months.
2) Get as much sailing experience as possible while I
3) Stash cash at every turn until
4) I can sail and
5) have enough money to buy a relatively small used boat (around 28''- 30'') that I can
6) live on and sail alone... a boat that
7) has headroom enough for me at 6''2 and
8) is seaworthy enough for sailing anywhere.
9) I can get for under 15K.

I realize this is a long list, and I have a long way to go in order to realize these dreams. In the meantime I love nothing more to read up on boats and sailing, as well as puruse online classifieds and Sailnet.
Anyone have any suggestions boats I might want to consider (I do realize I''m jumping ahead of myself, but it never hurt anyone to look and dream), as well as good ways to get more sailing experience. I am signed up for some lessons, and from what I understand, crewing is a good way to learn.
Thanks.

[namaste04]

You might want to look at a Tartan 30. Designed by famed Sparkman & Stephens, built in the late 60s and 70s, sails well, relatively comfortable to live on (get an oven) ... headroom, hmmmmm. I''d nearly 6''0" and I was OK, I think the "official" headroom is 6''3" but that is not throughout the cabin. Well built for a production boat. Some take them on ocean passages (not enough tankage in my opinion, though. Easy to singlehand!

Our 2nd boat was a T30. We still miss her sweet lines and performance!!!

Have you yet discovered www.yachtworld.com and boats.com?

Good luck and have fun!

Stacey
www.sailnamaste.com

[mkrautha]

Thanks for the tips stacey!

[twilk]

Piece of cake.
Here''s a thing to consider. Are you a good boat mechanic? Many great yachts are sitting
destined for the chain saw because the cost of fiberglass work is more than the cost of the boat. Spongy decks and cabin tops is the main culprit.
It''s not all that difficult to make the repairs and "yes I have done them"
Many and I do mean many nice boats are waiting. The owners pretty much have to take whatever you offer them.
A lot of boats start at the scrap price of the lead in the keels. I wouldn''t pay more.
There are gust too many boats.
WARNING DO NOT GET INTO A PROJECT SUCH AS THIS UNDER FUNDED Also do not be scared be informed.