Advice for a starter?

[bellefonte]

Hello everyone,
I also am planning to start classes in the next few months and am interested in what type of boat to buy. I also would like to learn how to refurb/maintain the ship myself, so I dont mind starting with one that needs tlc, in fact, i prefer it.

I live in Texas, so would likely sail out of Galveston and would love to get to where i can sail to some of the resorts in Mexico or across the gulf to the Bahamas etc.
My wife is a bit afraid of the whole idea, so something solid and smooth sailing would be preferred.

Eventually, i would love to trade up and sail cross-ocean to ports like HI, Fiji and Tonga or even go the other way to Italy/England.

I would love to have a trade that i can practice while sailing. Perhaps commonly needed boat maintenance or a service of some kind. I used to pain for a living, so i am comfortable with solvents and coatings. I could learn anything, though. I just want to be able to be self sufficient, food, maintenance supplies, etc. Dont want to get rich or anything.

Any help is appreciated!

[jackdale]

Boat design is very much a matter of preference. Everything from the shape of the galley to the sail plan will have to meet your needs and wants. I have chartered and sailed a great over 50 different makes and models and have not found the prefect design. Everything is a compromise. As an example a full keel boat is great down wind, but will probably not point well; while a deep fin keel boat will point well, but will likely wallow going down wind.

I learned to sail on Galveston Bay. The shallow waters will probably require a shoal keel. I would suggest that you join a club like the Galveston Bay Cruising Association, take a look at others boats and talk to the owners about what they like and do not like in their boats.

Doing paint work and bright work might support you. You might want to learn some joinery and fiberglass work as well.

All the best.

Jack

[smackdaddy]

Hey belle, welcome to SN dude.

There's tons of info on here - as well as many, many salts that will talk you through just about anything. (You just heard from one of them.)

While you're waiting for more responses you can start poking around in this thread: The Salt's Corner Table

It's a thread with some of the best info to some of the most asked questions around here - including yours. And you can see who some of the go-to guys are.

Enjoy.

[bellefonte]

Thanks guys. I will keep reading. Tons of good info here.

[canadianseamonkey]

Welcome Belle....live your dream! and read read read. Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of good people here.