Delusions of Grandure

[nasomi]

As I get started sailing, I thought I'd share my theory of how I plan to do it, and you can all poke holes in it and tell me where I'm most likely to kill myself.

Typically, I'm a "Go Big or Go Home" type of guy. When I learned how to ride a motorcycle, I went out and bought a 750lb 1600cc cruiser the size of a VW. It was a little shaky at first, but I got the hang of it quick. Then I bought an RV. It was a 35' Winnebago with about 15' behind the rear axle. Took a little getting used to, but after a couple attempts, I can now back it into my driveway in one shot, clearing the cherry trees on both sides, and getting it with-in 6" of the side of the garage and a foot from the carport behind it. I live with a "Bigger is Better" mentality. I like my space. Perhaps I'm compensating for being 5'7" and 160lbs? Not that I'll admit to...

So, it's time for a boat. I swore by sail boats, then got sidetracked for a couple years by power boats, but now I'm solid back on sail boats. It's definitely the way to go for me. I want to get away from the "mechanical" noise of society, and just hearing another engine will not do it for me. So I've set my sights on a 35-45' sloop or ketch, plan to sail single-handed. My thought was, buy a boat, motor out away from objects I can hit, raise the sails, and see what does what. Granted, I'm a pretty smart guy(though perhaps not as smart as I give myself credit for), so this to me makes sense. I'm small but in good physical shape. I've read a lot, but there's simply no substitute for hands on experience.

My sailing experience consists of watching the movie "Waterworld" and once I saw a painting of Columbus' ship sailing across the Atlantic. I have been on a couple fishing boats too, the motor type. Oh, and I can picture myself carving through the ocean with tiny white caps under a blue sky at 20+ knots having the time of my life. That's experience, right?

In all my searching, I have yet to find any holes in my plan. However I was hoping that some of you with real experience could lend a hand.

[QuickMick]

well, after the 'waterworld' reference, im sure sailingdog will be along to chime in....
Corsair 31 1D used boat for sale. The Yacht Market online boat sales and charters.
how much money do you want to spend? but, before you blow your wad, you think you might want to actually go sailing to make sure you like it?

[night0wl]

In all my searching, I have yet to find any holes in my plan. However I was hoping that some of you with real experience could lend a hand.

is there a facepalm emoticon?

[cruisingdream]

where do you sail ?




so I can stay clear

[deniseO30]

Ketches aren't all that solo simple (imho) A Good ole sloop around 30-38 ft would serve your dream pretty well. Your vision is not much different the most dreamers I'd say

[QuickMick]

maybe, too, what makes us smart is the admission of how much we dont know... just a thought, but i dont know.

you could always take that winnebago, drop a couple pontoons underneath and jb weld a mast to the roof?

[nasomi]

I love the twin hull boats, however I get the feeling I would not enjoy one, simply due to the narrow beam.

Enjoy sailing? Wind in face, motorcycle, on the water, power boat, in control of something 500 times my size, motorhome. Combine all 3, remove engine noise, and I can't see how I wouldn't love it.

I'm in the 20k range, which isn't a lot to start, but i don't want to go blow 1/4mil on my first boat. I have encountered a 40' sloop with centerboard, which seems like the best of both worlds, up to a 4' draft when up and 8' draft when down, stability in blue water, and the ability to get into most marinas. A 11'8" beam offers ample interior space as well.

I've read that ketches are a bit more tricky, but most of the boats in that size range I had seen were ketches, so I assumed that I should be open to the idea.

[QuickMick]

i was being a bit of a smart a**... if you have marinas near you they oft times have a sales dept, you might be well advised to spend a day climbing around some boats for an afternoon to see what strikes your fancy.

motorbikes/powerboats go a whole lot faster then us, you might find the lack of speed a bit humdrum. there maybe a local sailing club where you can give it a test run--or if you think through your circle of friends someone may know someone who can take you out. i just always try the shoes on before i buy em--just a thought

[St Anna]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Ketches aren't all that solo simple (imho) A Good ole sloop around 30-38 ft would serve your dream pretty well. Your vision is not much different the most dreamers I'd say

Great advice Denise and so true.

We are all dreamers/plotters/planners.

As long as you dont get sold a project or a fantastic plastic racing type. A good design is often more forgiving and solo sailing is fine at those sizes. I would say that I think sloops are much simpler to sail and ketches have expensive boom tent/biminis! (supported by the mizzen mast, stays and boom. Not much other use for 'em! ) Then I am biased. I have sailed on my Dad's ketch for a little while (coming up to 35 yrs!) My boats have been sloops or cutters. Each to their own.

[Ulladh]

I suggest go sailing with a friend, or take an ASA 101 course, see if sailing is for your first before making a purchase.

Speeds of 20 knots are unlikely in your price or length range, more likely 5 knots (a fast walk) to 10 knots (a gentle bicylcle ride).