Considering a Day Sailer

[W3ODF]

I am not sure if this is the right place to put this. Mods please move to where its appropriate.

Being new to sailing I am starting to realize that I am not getting enough time to sail. At this point my finances really don't support buying a boat that has to live in a Marina (with slip, utility, and storage fees). Therefore, while saving for a good boat, in good condition (paying down debt as well). I am considering picking up a small day sailer (i.e. currently looking at an O'Day 12' - yeah I know thats small).

The way i figure is that I can use a daysailer to learn to be more proficient with the sheets and sails and can continue honing proficiencies on my friends bigger boats until I am able to purchase my own. Plus I can run my daysailer longer into the year than they can with theirs. I kayak until the lakes in my area freeze over, so sailing them while wearing polypros shouldn't be much difference.

Am I way off base here?

Thanx in advance,

[sailingdog]

Learning on a dinghy is a great way to really sharpen your sailing skills. The small dinghies can teach you a lot more about sail trim, sail balance and heeling than a bigger boat. THe O'Day Daysailer and its relatives, like the Javelin, are great little boats to learn on. D & R Marine sells almost anything you might need to refit one.

[5hortBu5]

+1!

I <3 my Javelin.

Nifty thing about the O'Day trailer-sailers is that they're pretty (relatively) cheap to fit and maintain. If you haven't followed sailingdog's link to D&R Marine yet, do so, and marvel at all the cheap gear.

If learning to sail on a budget and on your schedule is your plan, then you're on the right track.

[lapworth]

Wind surf, hobbie cats, day sailers there all good.

[WanderingStar]

They're a lot of fun too. Cheaper to own, easier to use.

[W3ODF]

Thanx everyone. You were the deciding factor in my purchase. I am looking forward to picking it up this weekend.