Powercruiser about to convert

Mattmm · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2012

Hello all. I've been boating for a couple years now. I currently own a bayliner saratoga 2550 command bridge. I rebuilt her completely, structurally and cosmetically from the ground up. She is about a year and 5k away from being what i can call complete or sellable. I have friended a few sailors last summer and i thought i had caught the bug. After this years visit to the boat show I'm convinced its nearing the time to take up sailing.
For now I'd like to learn as much as i can about sailing so that im not caught offguard when i make the inevitable purchase. It will be around 40' possibly a ketch. feel free to talk me down. it wouldnt be the first time id be called nuts for starting with something so big.

Thanks to everyone for reading

Lake Superior Sailor · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2012

Kool! We need more sail out there! Where you sailing from? I've always wanted a 40 Cal flattop settled for a 28, But; Who really knows....Dale

sailingfool · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2012

Meanwhile you might get some sailing experience in in small boats - join a sailing club or buy a Laser or small dingy, and sail and sail. You r learning experiences will be far dimplier and less expensive or dangerous, than the same experience would be on a 40 footer.

Mattmm · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012

I live in oshawa ontario, canada. likely be sailing out of whitby my powerboat is on lake scugog. the average depth of that lake is 6 ft i have been looking at maybe picking something like a laser, theres also a sailing club at beacon marina with lessons.

killarney_sailor · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012

Hi, I belong to Whitby YC, good spot to join if you are interested. The yacht club also offers learn to sail courses for adults on Tanzer 22s. If you call them they can send you info.

I think getting something little and cheap makes a lot of sense to learn on. Not sure a Laser is it since they are not the easiest beginner boats. Some questions - would you be sailing by yourself or with crew. How big and fit are you - I seem to remember that ideal weight for a Laser is 165ish and you are doing a lot of hiking. My son raced a Laser but had to switch to a Laser Radial (same boat but with a different upper mast) since he was not heavy enough. He was about 6'1" and 130 lbs soaking wet.

Mattmm · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

Hi, I belong to Whitby YC, good spot to join if you are interested. The yacht club also offers learn to sail courses for adults on Tanzer 22s. If you call them they can send you info.

I think getting something little and cheap makes a lot of sense to learn on. Not sure a Laser is it since they are not the easiest beginner boats. Some questions - would you be sailing by yourself or with crew. How big and fit are you - I seem to remember that ideal weight for a Laser is 165ish and you are doing a lot of hiking. My son raced a Laser but had to switch to a Laser Radial (same boat but with a different upper mast) since he was not heavy enough. He was about 6'1" and 130 lbs soaking wet.

ill likely give them a call this summer. i have been looking at the smaller cheaper boats and the prices are hard to resist like getting into weekend sailing wiht nothing but pocket change. however im hoping my next boat is one i want to keep for a long time and not something that is just a step up to the next boat.