How much experience before... - Page 4

DRFerron · #31 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011

From my perspective, I don't think you need 20 years in the Navy followed by another 10 crewing on other people's boats, but I do advocate at a minimum taking a boating safety class before purchasing a first boat.

Taking the right class gives you the opportunity to ask questions face to face of experienced boaters, get a feel for the responsibility you will incur as a boat owner, and also the cost of things.

I think there are many on this list who have been on the water long enough to see what knuckleheaded things people with more hubris than common sense and experience do that puts everyone around them as well as themselves at risk. I know I kind of see this forum as an opportunity to perhaps head off some potential safety mishaps that a first time boater may have. People screw up. I certainly have. But at least I had the training to realize immediately that I made a boneheaded move and not to do it again (hopefully). If you don't know you did anything wrong, you're bound to repeat the same mistake.

Andyman · #32 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CambridgeKid

How much sailing experience is it worth having before buying your own boat? I have zero at the moment. How much time did you spend on another's boat before you made the plunge and bought your first?

I went sailing (I'd never sailed before) with a friend on the lake in a Catalina 25 on July 4th about 5 years ago. A few days later I sold both my motorcycles and went and found an Aquarius 23. I have never looked back and will always be grateful for him being my friend and his generosity has changed my life.

M_J_S · #33 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011

While I did not specifically say 'give me advice' please do- I am certainly wanting and open to it.

In terms of the size of boat- no, I am not totally convinced I need 34-38', I am just leaning that way based on the research I have been doing so far. I have from now until spring (assuming my plans don't change) to figure all that out. While I recognize the learning curve will be steep and not without it's challenges, I believe with appropriate planning I will manage through it.

Lots of stuff to do between now and spring, that's for sure. Glad I found this site- seems to be a great community with tons of great info!

M_J_S · #34 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011

Jordon- Can't send you a PM- getting an error message.

Thanks for your response. are you in Toronto? If you are willing, I would definitely take you up on your gracious offer if the timing could work. Even if there wasn't time to get out on the water, just seeing your set-up and picking your brain would be great if you are willing.

I work 9-5 so going out for a day sail wouldn't work at the moment, but I could be available in the evenings if that could work for you- let me know.

Cheers
Mike

JordanH · #35 (**permalink**) 08-29-2011

Hi Mike,
You likely can't PM me yet as you don't have the requisite number of posts.

However, yes, I'm in Toronto. The boat is presently in Port Credit but I've been thinking of finishing off the year downtown.

Working 9-5 isn't a problem since I'm not exactly on a schedule. Having said that, I may be picking up some work that requires travel so my schedule may (or may not) be booked for September.

I'll PM you my contact info.

StephenP · #36 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011

In my area, there are some inexpensive dinghy sailing clubs that would get you some time on the water.

At the bigger clubs, there are race nights - a 6-pack, a pfd and some sailing gloves are usually all that you need to get picked up as a crew member. I spent a year or so fretting about the oddness of randomly showing up at the dock, but now that I'm in the racing community, I've seen how some skippers are in dire need of crew on a consistent basis - they don't necessarily need experienced hands. Inquiring at the front desk of these clubs would be good, or just stopping someone as they leave the dock will get you some intel.

You can do a lot of sailing for free in your local area before needing to buy a boat. Becoming a regular crew on a racing boat and offering to help with maintenance etc will also get you some good experience. It will also probably lead you to some good potential buys as some of the sailors you see who maintain their boats lovingly decide to sell and move up etc.

Have fun!