better sailing dinghy to learn to sail?

[CaptFoolhardy]

Originally Posted by SHNOOL

Kid: Laser Pico, mini fish, snark, optimist
Small adult (under 175): Sunfish, laser, holder 12, holder 14
Larger adult (over 175 and sometimes crew): Lido, capri 14.2, capri 165, precision 15

If you are a good swimmer these above are all pretty great boats to start with.

If you abhor getting wet, try a keel Lido, or a keel capri 14.2 or capri 165 (they are hard to find because sailing schools usually are the only ones who buy them).

The Precision 15 has a keel version also. It's a great boat to learn on, I did. Not that I abhor getting wet, I just like to bring a sandwich, a cooler full of drinks and a camera with me, none of which I want to lose overboard.

Anyhow I can recommend the Precision 15K.

[chrondi]

A used Laser could be cheap/easy to buy and quick to sell.
A Topper could equally do.
Remember that after a while you will opt for a higher tier boat and the corresponding sailing activity.

[robbieland]

my current thought is perhaps the "vintage" o'day daysailer. good starter? the recommended Lido, Capri or Lazer are great recommendations, but currently with my shopping in the southeastern section of USA , so far, out of my under $2k range. I'm configuring to shop...but at current, may go with the daysailer.

[SHNOOL]

Precision 15 keel, or capri 14 keel should keep you under the $2k limit... but hard to find...

"CaptnFoolHardy" sorry, forgot the Precisions, also great little boats. +1

You should be able to pick up a 20+ yo capri 14.2 centerboard for well less than $2k with a trailer, but be prepared to work for it, but again, reminder the centerboard capri is a tough learner. Precisions seem to hold their value more, and are harder to find... I have no experience looking for a lido.

An Oday 15 DSII I think, is also a decent boat, little easier than a P15, or a Capri 14 centerboard, but still a lively/challenging first boat.

Unweighted centerboard = potential capsize (generally), meaning expect to learn to get back into the boat. The smaller boats (laser, sunfish, force 5, etc) are easier to right, and generally easier to get back into. That being said, they are generally a wetter ride, too.

Hence if you want bigger, try to find a keel, it wont' guarantee no capsize/broach, but it will make it a lot harder to do.

[HELLICONIA54]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

A Finn isn't a boat for a beginner. It'll crush you like an ant. Laser, Sunfish, Lido 14, Flying Junior, etc...

The Puffin Pacer is not a bad learners boat either.I managed to single hand her and not fall over.Takes two as well.

[HELLICONIA54]

Originally Posted by SHNOOL

Precision 15 keel, or capri 14 keel should keep you under the $2k limit... but hard to find...

"CaptnFoolHardy" sorry, forgot the Precisions, also great little boats. +1

You should be able to pick up a 20+ yo capri 14.2 centerboard for well less than $2k with a trailer, but be prepared to work for it, but again, reminder the centerboard capri is a tough learner. Precisions seem to hold their value more, and are harder to find... I have no experience looking for a lido.

An Oday 15 DSII I think, is also a decent boat, little easier than a P15, or a Capri 14 centerboard, but still a lively/challenging first boat.

Unweighted centerboard = potential capsize (generally), meaning expect to learn to get back into the boat. The smaller boats (laser, sunfish, force 5, etc) are easier to right, and generally easier to get back into. That being said, they are generally a wetter ride, too.

Hence if you want bigger, try to find a keel, it wont' guarantee no capsize/broach, but it will make it a lot harder to do.

If we're going into the larger boat,then why not a Hartley ts 16.Can sleep two,trailered by average 4cyl car.Not too expensive.Just a thought,"coz thats what we bought to learn in,,,LOL

[SailBerkeley]

Highly recommend starting off sailing a dinghy. By virtue of being keel-less, they force you to mind balance and other subtleties that can be ignored when sailing a big, tolerant keelboat.

[HELLICONIA54]

Most people regard the TS16 as just a big dinghy anyway.It's sailed as one.It will fall over in stiff breeze if you are not carefull,and from what i've read,self rescue is not that easy.

[paulk]

Originally Posted by robbieland

my current thought is perhaps the "vintage" o'day daysailer. good starter? the recommended Lido, Capri or Lazer are great recommendations, but currently with my shopping in the southeastern section of USA , so far, out of my under $2k range. I'm configuring to shop...but at current, may go with the daysailer.

A daysailer would be a good bet. It's sufficiently forgiving that you won't go for any surprise swims. It's also built well enough you won't be likely to break it, and when you're ready to move on, it's a known quantity that you'll be able to sell. It's also small enough to sail by yourself, but big enough to take other people out too, so you don't HAVE to be alone if you don't want to be. If there's one nearby at the right price, a bird in hand is worth two out in the bush.

[INMA]

Some clubs have club yachts for new members to learn on.

Consider joining a club and using other people's boats while you figure out what to buy.