New to sailboats needs purchasing advise from the Pros.

RatHatDiver · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Ok Guys, with out sounding like a complete land lubber, what are your opinions
on the link to this Gulf pilot house. I have owned many blue water power boats and have over 25 years of playing in the ocean. Do any of you guys have experience with a pilot house. How are they under power? do they sail well? I have always loved these types of sail boats. I no they would not be the fastest, but they fill a niche for me. Cruise or sail. We are in no hurry to buy anything at the moment. Thanks for your time guys.

1990 Gulf Pilothouse - Boats.com

DRFerron · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

I don't have any experience with sailboats with pilot houses but I like the looks of this boat! There are some Island Packets in my marina with pilot houses that are taller than this and I don't like them at all.

I love the classic look of the wood inside. That might be a lot of work to maintain, but what the heck. I have no idea what the rep is with these boats but I sure like how it looks.

Jeff_H · #3 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Boats like the Gulf Pilothouse make reasonably nice, minimal length, live aboards and motorsailors. They do sail reasonably well for what they are, but compared to boats which are designed to be sailboats first, and live aboards second, they do not sail all that well, being tender and rolly. Their large portlights, their lack of bridge deck combined with large volume unprotected cockpit, make them more vulnerable than ideal for offshore use as well. But more significantly, if you are new to sailing and intend to actually learn to sail, boats like these would make a very poor platform to learn to sail on.

Respectfully,
Jeff

emoney · #4 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Rathat, I think you are the ultimate influence in this upcoming purchase. The question first is; does the boat inspire you? Sailing can be quite an infectious bug, so don't assume that anything you purchase will remain the "one". And, I'm not so sure that I'd over-think my "learn-to-sail" boat as it pertains to meeting all my needs. Odds are, you're not fully aware of what all those needs are yet. Find a boat that you like, that's a good buy (since it's a buyer's market), and that you feel will afford the most time under sail and least time on the hard in repair, and then decide which boat is the "right" one and go from there. Good luck and welcome to sailing (hopefully).

DRFerron · #5 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

I had a lot of fun researching and figuring out which boat would be best for us.

Of course, the Fantasy Phase before the Reality Phase set in was the best part of the research.

TQA · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Quote:

strong windward sailing characteristics

HAH ! If the seller tries to get you to believe the above be wary of everything else they say.

Having said that it will do very well at anchor or in the marina. Just don't expect sparkling sailing preformance. If accomodation is more important than performance then a pilot house makes sense. However beware the green house effect if you sail south. Many finish up with permanant shades/covers over those windows.

DRFerron · #7 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

... being tender and rolly. ..

I understand what is meant by "rolly" but what about "tender"? I have heard it before but never knew what it meant.

Thanks

RatHatDiver · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRFerron

I understand what is meant by "rolly" but what about "tender"? I have heard it before but never knew what it meant.

Thanks

Plus 2 on that QUOTE. Thanks Guys for your honest opinions. Being that its a buyers market and our budget is about 40k we have a lot to look at.
I want our boat to be a sailor first of course, but........... My Wife and kids want room to stretch there legs. I agree our first boat wont be our last. So for now its family first. This type of sail boat caught my interest because we could motor up the coast from San Diego, heading North. Island and Harbor hop some old stomping grounds and have the wind mostly on our backs for the trip home under sail. Just my own thinking of course. We are definitely sail boat hunting. We already have meet some great people around the docks. We were invited to a BBQ with a group of folks who are getting ready for the Baja Ha-Ha-Ha. I cant wait to here the sailing stories.

RatHatDiver · #9 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQA

HAH ! If the seller tries to get you to believe the above be wary of everything else they say.

Having said that it will do very well at anchor or in the marina. Just don't expect sparkling sailing preformance. If accomodation is more important than performance then a pilot house makes sense. However beware the green house effect if you sail south. Many finish up with permanant shades/covers over those windows.

Thats why I have you guys watching my back.

I also would never buy a sail boat with out stretching Her wings in some decent wind before I buy. If the seller has no interest in taking the boat out for a sail, I would be moving on to the next seller.

DRFerron · #10 (**permalink**) 08-16-2011

From the chat room:

What does it mean when a boat is said to be "tender"?
12:36 PM
it will lean at the slightest wind...
i think...
12:37 PM
e is spot on
and another one for 3
for e
12:37 PM
OK. So "rolly" and "tender" are the same?
12:38 PM
not necessarily the same but often linked. tender is that it leans easily -- a deep draft fin keel with no low weight could be tender but not rolly. in most cases the characteristics are linked.