small beginner boat to learn on and sleep in?

[poorfatjames]

I would like to get a boat that I could learn to sail on (I'm taking an ASA 101 basic keelboat class this weekend). Because I would have to drive about an hour to an hour and a half to actualy go sailing (houston suburb to Galveston), I would like to be able to sleep on the boat. Additionaly, from what I've read smaller boats reveal your mistakes and bad habits better than larger ones, so I'd like to get as small a boat as possible.

Can you recomend some boats for me to research? Are my criteria out of sync?

thanks
james

[Goodnewsboy]

And my nominations are:

Cape Cod Goldeneye. (Best small package, truly bulletproof, readily trailerable)
http://www.capecodshipbuilding.com/site/goldeneye.htm

C&C 24
See brochure at:
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/index.htm

[PBzeer]

You don't need to drive all the way to Galveston. There are plenty of places on Clear Lake where you could keep a boat. Also, this would give you the option, depending on draft, of sailing on the more protected waters of the Lake, or going out to the Bay.

As to a boat, a Catalina 25, San Juan 24, Precision 23 or Hunter 23 would all give you some measure of interior room, without being too large. Basically, anything in that size range would work.

Regards,

[camaraderie]

You can overnight on smaller boats than those...look at Catalina22 or Tanzer22 for cheap and big enough to sleep on!

[CaptKermie]

OK, OK, hold the boo's jeer's & catcalls I know this suggestion is not popular here but it is an affordable option. MacGregor makes just what you are looking for and very affordable in the used market. They have a galley, head & comfortable berths, under 26' and trailerable and re-sellable. There only downside is that sailors here don't consider them a real sailboat. But if it is only a temp until you upgrade they are a viable option.

[birdysharp]

I have a Challenger 24' that I've been learning on, and its been great. Needs a little work, but thats ok. It also has head room!

Bridget

[T34C]

I think there are a lot of options available. When you say you want to be able to sleep on it, do you mean you just want a place big enough to lay down and will use the accomodations at the marina. Or, you need berths and some amenities??

[sailaway21]

Get a trailer-sailer with a swing keel. I've got a 21' Cal, but you can't have it.

[JouvertSpirit]

You may want to go ahead and get a boat that you can use past the beginner stage, that is if you feel you are going to keep progressing and would like to have a coastal cruiser.

I can single handle my Pearson 10M as long as I can find anchorage each night. And that is the boat that I've basically been learning to sail on.

Just a thought to consider looking to the future... Welcome to sailing!

[T34C]

CaptKermit-
I hope you're kidding???
We want him to keep sailing once he starts not get embarassed and take-up tennis.