How can i find a very small sailboat used? - Page 2

jfletch · #11 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006

My first boat was a SanJuan21...great boat. I have a 1974 Mark I for sale. I re-rigged the boat about 5 years ago. I guess that I spent about $4K on the re-rig. I would take that for the boat. It has a great roller bed trailer too. E-mail me at jfletch@xtn.net and I'll send you some photos.

RWD46 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006

I'd second checking Craiglist. Those that advertise there usually want to sell the item quickly and cash in hand could talk.
I would think that trailering would be a better option than car topping. Harbor Freight sells a light weight boat trailer for under 300.
Yakima Rack probably has a rack that you could use for cartopping though. http://www.yakima.com/

Steffy · #13 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006

Also realize that lasers, and your boat, etc sail faster because they are not displacement boats. They hydroplane and therefore are not subject to hull speed limitations. AND they are very good for learning how to sail because they are not as stable. However, they are more difficult for an average beginner.
A keelboat with a heavy keel has an advantage in that it will not tip and is more stable for learning. You can make mistakes without hitting the drink... and sail even if the water is cold. Most sailing schools recommend this type of boat for learning. However, it's a matter of judgement. This note just to put everything in a total perspective.

PDuckX · #14 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006

You can find a small enough boat with a full compliment of sails. I pull my 17' O'Day DaySailer with my Subaru Outback and it hasn't been an issue. I believe the trailer weighs more than the boat.
I would recommend, if you really want to own your boat, that you find something that has an active fleet in your neck of the woods. It is a great resource to talk with other people that have the same boat and be able to see all of the different rigging options.

cerebus · #15 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007

If you can find a Barnett 1400 for under $1500 jump on it. Especially if its in top notch condition with a good trailer. I've owned and sailed almost every size Hobie cat, Sunfish, and Laser. I sail my Barnett 1400 more now than anything else because for the size, nothing is engineered better.

pagansdad · #16 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007

RCR
I am in the same situation but I sort of stumbled across the perfect first learner boat. I found an old West Wight Potter for $3000 and I love it. It is small enough to teach you the nuances of handling sails and rudder but stable enough to kick back and enjoy the sail without having to worry constantly about tumping over. A small cabin but enough room to sleep two people who like each other a LOT. It is a beautiful little boat, easy to trailer and set up and a joy to sail. Mine has taught me enough that I want to move up to something a bit larger but don't know if I will be able to part with her when I do move up. Resale value is good as Potters seem to have a devoted following.
Good luck
Charlie

tenuki · #17 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

that sure looks like fun...

I'd add flotation bags though.

(click on the photo, will take you to yacht world listing)

Ramsey · #18 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

I may have leads to a Vagabond14, if he still has it. It is located just north of Houston though. I have one and think she is the greatest. I trailer her to where ever and spend 20 minutes rigging her, hours on her, single-handed, then 20 minutes loading her for the ride home. Planes well! Capsized her twice and with patience (and panic the first time), she'll righten. Great for beginners (for I learned on this boat), Glad my first wasnt a Catamaran like I wanted. Let me know if this local for you and I'll be checking if the guy still has it.

Ramsey · #19 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

My vagabond 14 is sturdy, comfortable and fast (7.5 kts and double that when planing). Great for learning, especially learning and worthy of keeping cause you'll always want to drag friends out in it. They wanted $1500 for mine which I talked them down some for it some mendable issues. I also got the original 2hp johnson (short shaft) which I recommend having one.

chucklesR · #20 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007

"My vagabond 14 is sturdy, comfortable and fast (7.5 kts and double that when planing)."

14 ft LOA and 7.5kts is planing, any way you look at it

I bought my first boat, a Grampian 26 for only 1300.00; sure it was a piece of work and I donated it 6 months later to a local youth sailing org, but I learned to sail it from October to March without getting wet.