Sensible game plan?

[fredct]

47 year old, married to grand-daughter of a captain, living in CT. Handy.

Went sailing on Hunter 36 recently, loved it and saw that it could be a great lifestyle a few years from now. Have always loved boats and the sea.

Since kids are not through college, thought of buying a quality old boat (Sabre 28 or Pearson 323) and moor in Norwalk where I could sail every weekend. My reasoning: Price is low enough that I don't care if she sinks to the bottom of the sound, tax implications minor and either boat is large enough to sleep over, allowing for gradually wider excursions, to Mystic, to Block Island, etc.

I would of course take lessons on my own vessel and gradually, over a number of years, become an experienced sailor. At that point, we could decide to make this a more serious hobby, buy a larger boat and downsize the house or, in the event that health or money or interest are not there, sell or bequest the vessel to my kids.

Am I making sense?

[DRFerron]

Throw in some sea shanty lessons and you'll have a more complete plan.

Welcome to Sailnet and enjoy the journey (should you decide to continue). Lurk around the forum and 95% of your questions will be answered. Chapman's will answer another 4%. For the rest, post away.

Oh, and the "become an experienced sailor" part? You never stop learning and if you do, time to get the heck off the water before you hurt yourself or someone else.

Good luck!