Im buying a big boat! But i have never sailed

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by cookwithgas

Well said Copa!

If you haven't already, you should discover "ZAMM" - Find a copy of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and read it. It is completely appropriate for a sailboat owner. Especially a new owner.



Take care,

Scott in New Orleans

You know you're a sailor when you can make Phaedrus bring you beers.

[scratchee]

well i have been with her 14 years now and i think she has just learned that once my mind is set on something there isnt a right lot to be said or done about it, poor lass!.

Heck, I learned that in a matter of hours!

[JulieMor]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

SN does kind of rock doesn't it?

Yeah it does. Glad I found it.

To the OP question: My dad had never sailed when he bought a Columbia 45 back in 1977. A good friend of his was an avid sailor and racer but that wasn't my dad. He learned everything the hard way. Some things he never learned. I think because sailing wasn't in his blood. But it was in mine. That's just the way it is.

Still, he enjoyed almost 20 years of ownership with that boat and had it until the day he died. He sailed it from Chicago to Mackinac Island and into Georgian Bay. He took it down the Intercoastal to Florida and over into the Bahamas. We sailed it down the Keys and back to the Bahamas. He would have taken it anywhere, so long as he had an able crew. He ran aground. He got blown onshore. He broke some ribs and got banged up a lot. But I'll bet if he were here now he'd say he was glad he bought the boat and it brought him a lot of joy.

I learned to really sail on that boat. I often singlehanded it, sometimes because the guests aboard were too busy enjoying the ride. I learned life lessons I will never forget and discovered talents I never thought I had. And I found a community I will forever feel a part of, regardless if I'm landlocked or at sea.

[Waltthesalt]

Looks like a good boat to live aboard. A lot of boat to handle without an experienced crew. Recommend that you start small. The operating and maintenance costs on a 38 ft boat will astound you. A lot depends on construction and age. If not living aboard I think it is far more practical to have a small boat to learn and knock about on and charter a big boat for a cruise when you're ready experience wise. that will give you an idea whether an investment in a big boat it right for you.. the bigger the boat is the less you'll get out on it.

[Deric]

Little or no experience + sailboat + sailing time = additional gained experience.

I believe the thought of this thread is for one to acquire experience safely; hence, the many recommendations of suggestions to start on a smaller boat. Of course, safe is not only for the new sailor but for others who share the waters with the new sailor.

Fair winds,
GreatKetch33

[CarbonSink62]

Originally Posted by JulieMor

...I learned life lessons I will never forget and discovered talents I never thought I had. And I found a community I will forever feel a part of, regardless if I'm landlocked or at sea.

Is it dusty in here? (sniff!)

[smallboatlover]

hey seaboy go for it get the boat you will figure out every thing as you go. thats what i do i got a boat and the day i got the boat i lost my job. so no income but i make work out and my boats still floating and sailing just fine. im also only 16. so if you 37 your a little late but you can still make it work.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by smallboatlover

hey seaboy go for it get the boat you will figure out every thing as you go. thats what i do i got a boat and the day i got the boat i lost my job. so no income but i make work out and my boats still floating and sailing just fine. im also only 16. so if you 37 your a little late but you can still make it work.

This kid has moxie. I like that, even if I don't agree with the advice and 37 isn't too late for anything. I know a guy that just got his pilots license at 66.

[smallboatlover]

im 16 when im 37 i hope to be one a boat maybe bigger then 37 and cruising the world.

[SeaQuinn]

Only advice I have for you right now is to hold off on the TV's and recovering the cushions until you pay for getting the boat in the water, paying for the insurance and paying for any of the systems that need maintenance or malfunction in the first month you have the boat in the water......also use some of your leftover cash to get some formal sailing lessons.

Best of luck with your new boat.....hope it turns out well for you!