Extremely NEW!

scubadude · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2001

I have had an affinity for the water since birth, which I am sure many of you have too.
My dream is to have a boat and sail the world. I am ready to start the process to begin my dream. One of my main passions is scuba diving and I am on the way to becoming a dive instructor. I have been on many sailing vessels, but have never crewed. I have always watched the crew with much facination. I want to learn sailing and EVERY aspect that goes along with it. Where does one begin? Finding someone to help on a crew? A few sailing courses first? Currently I am living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is only a Temporary address.
I am 37, in shape and can go anywhere. I love the caribbean have been to 22 islands.
I would appreciate any information anyone can provide to the extreme beginner!
Feel free to also contact me via my regular e-mail: tylerg63@hotmail.com

erika1 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001

hi scubadude...i guess you could call me scubachick..i am a scuba instructor although has been a few years..and i am also new to sailing although grew up on the ocean as well. Taught in the keys and bahamas..so let me know how your quest is going..i am getting into my first boat although in the midwest is great lake sailing here..so let me hear from you!

stu987 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

Hi erika

I too , live in the mid west and will be lake sailing. I started last summer with my first boat, a 20" Gale force". She''s a little pocket cruiser.
would like to talk to you about it.

erika1 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

hi there...is your name stu? So lets talk for sure..i find the live chat confusing and annoying. Are you on icq? Let me know best way for you to chat ok! I am in the process of buying a new 2001 precision 18..to sail on some local lakes..how did your first season go with your pocket cruiser..what is a pocket crusier? Thats how new i am!

stu987 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

Erika

Yes. My name is Stu. I wish I could afford a new boat. Mine is a 1981. I had a great first season and can''t wait for the ice to get off the lake. A pocket cruiser is just a small version of a cruiser. It has a small cabin that would sleep 4, but not very comfortably.
I would love to chqt with you live. I could set up my lap top with one of the instant messengers. AOL,MSN or Yahoo. Let me know which would be best for you. I will not be around much until Monday. I will be in the office around 7:00 am.let me know when you will be around.

scubadude · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

Hello Erica, sorry for the slow response, I have been traveling again.
I have never sailed in the midwest, although I did live in Lake Tahoe for five years and have done some sailing then.

I am currently in Santa Fe, but I think I mentioned previously, this is only temporary.

Hello to you too Stu.

stu987 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

Hello scuba dude

erika1 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

hi scuba dude..are their any lakes in new mexico? And your dreams for your future lifestyle sound wonderful..keep your eyes on the prize and it will happen for sure! What certification are you currently getting for your dive instruction? I have been reading some really good books on sailing fundamentals.."Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson is great..question and answers, and "Learning to Sail, the Annapolis Sailing School Guide for all ages" by Di goodman andIan Brodie. It is great..written for young people but is really easy to understand and fun to read. And just get out and sail! ARe you near a body of water? Definitly take classes and smooze on the docks..get to know people and their boats..immerse yourself..that is what i am trying to do. Let me know how youdo! Erika

Waterline · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

WOW! A lively conversation! I am a diver as well (just over 500 dives in the log) and just learning sailing again after a few years of respit. Scubadude, you have webbed feet like me?
Erika, if I were you I would re-think buying a NEW boat. The value in the used boat market, especially here in the midwest, is awesome. There are some GREAT deals to be had on slightly older boats. Stu, you have the right idea in buying a used boat and not only with the problem of your wallet being squeezed until it cries "uncle" Used boats are usually better equipped and you don''t take it in the "shorts" (scuse me Erika) on depreciation.
A little larger boat, say 27''-30'' can be had for the same price as the new one you are considering, Erika. These larger boats are MUCH more forgiving to the novice sailor and can be easily handled single handedly, especially with a diesel and a furling jib. Right now I am looking at a few cruisers in the 27''- 33'' range that have great value. After sailing them and learning I will know better just what I want to put on a boat, ie. windex, auto-pilot, gps, jacuzzi and so on.
Where in the midwest will you be sailing? Love to hear from all of you since we seem to be in the same boat. (OK, I know that was a BAD pun but sometimes I can''t help myself)
Mike Moss in SailNet is also a GREAT source as well as Jeff for insight on what to look for when just starting sailing and boat shopping.
Oh and Erika, thanx for the book title. Off to Boarders Books to pick one up. Especially if it was written for a child to understand...this sounds like the book for me.
Michael
MSN IM waterline28@hotmail.com

erika1 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-19-2001

hi waterline..thanks so much for that GREAT reply! I am in se iowa area..i sail at lake red rock and lake rathbun. You know...you are so right about used vs. new..but number one i have this thing about used things..especially used things that people have slepted on and who knows what else!! wink wink...you know..that floating used mattress thing...but also, i know so little about boats, tinkering and how to fix things..and i dont know if i am looking at a good deal, bad deal, good boat bad boat and what needs fixing etc..and i am NOT handy at all..so is why i am looking to a new boat.

The precisions have excellent resale value..and again, i dont want something i am going tohave to put money into constantly. Have i convinced you yet!?

I just dont feel confident getting into anything bigger than 18 - 21 feet long. I feel i could safely manage this much boat on my own if need be. I know i could get more boat for the money in used..and believe me i have searched around a lot. And the used boats i have looked at are just so junked up..i dont want problems with the boat to get in the way of my enjoyment..i just want to get out and sail. Anyway..where are you? And where do you scuba dive? It was great to hear from you...take care..erika