[rcstudio]

I'm looking to get my first sailboat. I'm a old wharf rat and been around boats all my life and have own more than a few powerboats. I've sailed with friend and loved it but never took it up full time. I've just had a two year dance with cancer and it's time to find a new partner.

I've had my eye on Choey Lee Lions for some years and would like any feed back on how she would be for a first boat. Would like all recommendation.

RC

 

[bobmcgov]

Welcome to the forums, and glad to hear you're on the mend and joining the ranks of sailors. I'll pepper you with the standard questions that will allow us to give you some more tailored recommendations:

* Where do you sail now, and where do you intend to take the boat?

* Will it be mostly you, or will you normally have crew aboard?

* What kind of sailing do you intend, 90% of the time? Passage-making? Coastal cruising? Overnighters? Strictly daysailing? Racing (distance or beercan)?

* What qualities do you most want in a boat: Speed? Toughness? Comfort? Aesthetic appeal?

* What do you require for belowdecks accommodations?

* What is you budget? How willing/able are you to work on the boat?

There's probably a bunch more others will ask you. That Cheoy Lee Lions is a gorgeous thing. Guessing you appreciate traditional lines? It's a bit long for a first sailboat, but not all that much. Lots of the OAL is overhangs, which can make life a bit funky downwind and which benefit from sailing at higher heel angles. Somewhat small working jib. Lots of wood to keep your varnishing elbow busy, and apparently like many Cheoy Lees the decks used non-marine plywood and may require major attention.

 

[TQA]

They are not called leaky teakies without good reason. If it has been well maintained AND the deck is good then maybe it is worth considering but it will be much more maintenance intensive than say a Hunter.

Personally I would never buy a boat with teak decks but if it fills your eye then go for it.

 

[rcstudio]

Thanks for getting back to me. Let see how I do on the QA.

1. Tampa bay and Gulf

2. solo and two man

3. Coastal cruising, Overnighters for now. Week at the longest.

4. I'd have ton say these three Toughness, Comfort, Aesthetic

5. Galley, berths

6. Would like to be $60 or less.

Think I got all the QA's. Yes, I am a lover of the traditional lines in sail and power. I believe the overhang is 11'. the teal is a love/hate with me. I've added teal to all my boats but it can be a lot of work but that's the work I love. I did know about the plywood. Would like to find something that's been refitted so the cosmetic work is all i have for now.

 

[bene40]

Above all she must be pretty

I do not consider myself an expert only on a journey with a passion that I enjoy. A friend told me that above all she must be pretty.

When you narrow it down to the final cut of three boats step back and see which one turns your head. You will spend a lot of time on it and it is important

just my two cents.

 

[JimMcGee]

I do not consider myself an expert only on a journey with a passion that I enjoy. A friend told me that above all she must be pretty.

When you narrow it down to the final cut of three boats step back and see which one turns your head. You will spend a lot of time on it and it is important

just my two cents.

Truer words were never spoken...