New to sailing

[DominickNJ]

Hi All

Im new to sailing (took a few lessons) but I have caught the bug!! So much so that I'm thinking about buying a boat and finish training on my own boat.

My question - I have been training on a colgate T26 but when it comes to a purchase, I seem to leaning toward 29-30+ footers (specifically Hunters and Beneteau). Salesmen continute to tell me its no big deal to make that jump considering that I am willing to train on it after I buy it.

Is this true or am I getting in over my head?

My biggest fear is that I'll purchase a 26 - 28' and shortly wish I had something bigger for the NYC harbor

Thanks for your help

Dominick

[SoOkay]

Dominick
I think some people will say you are nuts and others will tell you to go for it. In the end it comes down to what is your comfort level. It has been done before, I know that. My advice to you is that if you go for a big boat, without experience, hire an instructor and captain. Let tem take out the boat and show you how she handles and sails. Spending 2-4 days out with them will be invaluable.

I have no affiliation with this group, but I have had very good experience with them in the past: http://www.nelsonsailingcenter.com and I would recommend them if you chose to follow my advice.

I think out in open water won't necessarily be your challenge, as much as docking and maneouvering safely in busy traffic will be.

Hope this helps

Harry

[DominickNJ]

Harry
Thanks for quick response!!

My next door neighbor is a certified instructor, so Im hoping that I can make a deal with him. I'll offer use of the boat as a trade for lessons. (he doesn't have his own boat)

[SoOkay]

Dominick,

Just because he's next door, does not mean he is the best for your situation. You want someone who works with similar displacement sailboats. Also, be cautios on the "barter" , many times one person's expectations are not met by the other one.

I think its in your best interests to pay someone to do this, who'll walk away when the job is done. What if your neighbor runs a ground while on "his time" with your new boat?, etc, etc..

[sailingdog]

Also, if you barter time on the boat for services, it may qualify as hiring the boat out...and in the case of most personal yatch insurance policies, that is not considered covered. Even though you are not charging him money for use of the boat, you are getting something that is monetarily valuable, and it could be considered a business transaction... and probably would be if he damaged the boat without you aboard.

[DominickNJ]

excellent points

I guess we can just be sailing buddies since I wont be single-handling anything for a few years

I'll sign up for lessons privately

Thank you

[CBinRI]

Originally Posted by DominickNJ

excellent points

I guess we can just be sailing buddies since I wont be single-handling anything for a few years

I'll sign up for lessons privately

Thank you

You may be singlehanding sooner than you think.

The conventional wisdom is that your skills will improve the most if you lean on a dinghy (laser or something like that) because they are so responsive and give such immediate feedback. But I'm a bug believer in moving up. My biggest jump was from '22 to '36. I was nervous about it but it turned out to be no big deal. In many ways, larger boats are easier to sail.

[chuck5499]

DominickNJ -- just as infor my first and only boat is a 40' jeanneau - I bought her new from a Conn broker and picked her up in Annapolis to Miami - I did limiting sailing before that - now that she is here i sail her a lot and i mean 3 weekends out of 4 - after a couple of years i am still learning and figure, as it is with all women, i will never fully understand her. I race her occassionally and get my ass kicked but what i learn in such a short period of time is invaluable and once in a while an old racer will join me and give me a pointer or two.
and remember from a financial standpoint boats depreciate in value so depending on how many boats you want to own before you reach your ultimate boat and the amount you are willing to invest in each is your call
good luck
chuck and soulmates

[DominickNJ]

Thanks Chuck and All

After all the comments I think I have decided to purchase a 28-29 footer. There seems to be a very large premium once you pass 30 feet. So i decided to stay just shy of 30' for a few years until Im ready to move up.

thx
Dom

[sailingdog]

And the premium isn't just in the price of the boat, but in the cost of mooring, docking, storage, maintenance, etc.