new member - want to start sailing

jcv · #1 08-04-2012

Hi all! Great forum!

So, I'm a power boater, kayaker and fisherman. I have a 10 year old son and him and I have enjoyed being on the water together since he was 5. I also have a 13 year old daughter who enjoys boating and kayaking but not fishing. She loves getting out on the boat but the problem is there are no local lakes where I can splash my boat - we have to drive an hour and a half for that. My son and I use the boat for saltwater fishing close by and my daughter doesn't like the ocean.

That's my situation and I've been thinking learning to sail with my kids might be an awesome way for us to have fun on the water at some smallish local lakes! I've always wanted to sail and both of my kids seem really psyched about this plan!

What I'd like advice on is what sort of craft should I be looking into? I want a small boat since we will be mostly sailing on small lakes. I've always thought Hobie Cats looked like a ton of fun but should I be thinking of a day sailer (Catalina 14.2?) instead where there are 3 of us? I will need to by used and probably old since I can't afford much. My son and I really wanted to build a boat over the winter but I think it will be too expensive. We might be better off restoring an old boat instead for a project.

Anyway, sorry for the long post - I just thought explaining my situation would help you experienced folks give me some advice

Thanks in advance
Jay

deniseO30 · #2 08-04-2012

Welcome to SN Jay!
Suggest you take the kids sailing on some boats first before you buy one. Kids attention spans change quicker then I can type, so you may find yourself sailing alone real quick. Consider taking them on a "jammer" (large boat with crew and captain, They always invite people on board to "crew" (or help) After a few outings like that, see you if you can connect with someone that has a 30ish ft boat and would take y'all out for a day. By the 3rd trip you should know where the kids are in sailing.
Good luck!

glassdad · #3 08-04-2012

The c-14.2 is a great boat for a adult and a couple of kids. It is reasonably fast and reasonably stable. You wont be the fastest boat out there but you won't be a slug. It is dry and roomy. There are lots of them for sale and parts are available. You can use it on lakes and the ocean (on mild days). We took our kids out many times as well as the dog, a dalmatian. A hobie cat will be fun but wet.

WDS123 · #4 08-04-2012

A lido 14 or basically any dinghy which weighs around 300 lbs is a good choice - make it simple and a boat the kids can mess around with their friends, a boat they can jump off and jump back on easily, an old boat they can smash into the dock and not really care

They will love you for giving them the freedom and skills at this age

AirborneSF · #5 08-04-2012

A good 'trailer boat' about 22' would do also, a little more room, cabin, easy to learn on and sail,and by all means, let the 'kids' sail her. See if you can find someone that has one, and ask if they would be willing to take you and the kids out for a sail, bet you'll find someone. Sailing got the whole world where it is today! .02