That boat will go plenty fast in a stiff breeze. You'll be shocked how fast these little boats accelerate. I learned to sail on a Hobie Cat and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I had some wild rides on that boat and flipped it a few times too and it's a bugger to right.

 

If you want something to grow with and that will give you a lot of fun, get a Laser. You may be able to get into a late '80s model for $1,500. I've never heard of a Barnett but the set up in the pics looks pretty lightweight - I'd say a Laser is a much better piece of equipment. If the Laser seems too intimidating, then get a Sunfish. Try eBay and local for sale books, also www.laserforum.org.

There are plenty of How-to books around for Laser sailing and racing.

Good luck.

 

Why don't you find some sailing clubs in your area that sponsor races on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, after work. Some of them will all sail one particular class of boat. Most of them will have a bulletin board, where members will post notices of boats for sale. Buy a boat of one of those classes that is within your price range. When you feel you can sail it fairly well, join the club and get in on the racing. You'll have fun and learn from the racing, and you'll find that the socializing is one of the best aspects of sailing.

 

I learned on a Sunfish, I was very young, about 14. For me at my age it was a great tool to learn on. A Sunfish is not a forgiving boat. If you make a mistake, you are going for a swim. Thats why I concider them to be a good learning tool. If you want something more spirited, go with the Laser as was suggested in an earlier post. You may also want to concider a sloop rigged sailing dingy, but there is nothing worng with learning on a boat that is rigged with a single sail. You can always learn first and than step up to the sloop rigged boats. Its your decision and your confidence level will be the determing factor.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I do want to get a rig that has both a mainsail and a jib. I eventually want to crew so learning a sloop would help a lot. I see on the Barnett builder's website I could buy a jib to add on. I have been looking but I can't find any sunfish or laser boats for sale.

Also, does anyone here cartop their boat to the water? My car would be a pain to add a hitch yet I don't want to lift 150 lbs of boat to put it on my car. Does using a roof rack get old?

 

For Sale

10' Racing Sailing Dinghy, Similar to Hobie Holder 9'. New LP paint on hull, New Running Rigging, Fiberglass dagger board, Tiller Extension, Hiking Strap, Extra Boom, Freshly Varnished Tiller & Rudder, Good Sail, Looks New!

$600. OBO

 

10' Racing Sailing Dinghy, Similar to Hobie Holder 9'. New LP paint on hull, New Running Rigging, Fiberglass dagger board, Tiller Extension, Hiking Strap, Extra Boom, Freshly Varnished Tiller & Rudder, Good Sail, Looks New!

$600. OBO

Where are you located, Cucamonga? That would help.

 

www.yachtworld.com www.boattraderonline.com Just put in the information length price type and search.

 

Craigslist

I did a quick craigslist search in orlando and found lots of options. You sould give that a shot.

 

My first boat was a SanJuan21...great boat. I have a 1974 Mark I for sale. I re-rigged the boat about 5 years ago. I guess that I spent about $4K on the re-rig. I would take that for the boat. It has a great roller bed trailer too. E-mail me at jfletch@xtn.net and I'll send you some photos.

 

I'd second checking Craiglist. Those that advertise there usually want to sell the item quickly and cash in hand could talk.
I would think that trailering would be a better option than car topping. Harbor Freight sells a light weight boat trailer for under 300.
Yakima Rack probably has a rack that you could use for cartopping though. http://www.yakima.com/

 

Keelboat

Also realize that lasers, and your boat, etc sail faster because they are not displacement boats. They hydroplane and therefore are not subject to hull speed limitations. AND they are very good for learning how to sail because they are not as stable. However, they are more difficult for an average beginner.
A keelboat with a heavy keel has an advantage in that it will not tip and is more stable for learning. You can make mistakes without hitting the drink... and sail even if the water is cold. Most sailing schools recommend this type of boat for learning. However, it's a matter of judgement. This note just to put everything in a total perspective.

 

small enough

You can find a small enough boat with a full compliment of sails. I pull my 17' O'Day DaySailer with my Subaru Outback and it hasn't been an issue. I believe the trailer weighs more than the boat.
I would recommend, if you really want to own your boat, that you find something that has an active fleet in your neck of the woods. It is a great resource to talk with other people that have the same boat and be able to see all of the different rigging options.

 

Barnett 1400

If you can find a Barnett 1400 for under $1500 jump on it. Especially if its in top notch condition with a good trailer. I've owned and sailed almost every size Hobie cat, Sunfish, and Laser. I sail my Barnett 1400 more now than anything else because for the size, nothing is engineered better.

 

RCR
I am in the same situation but I sort of stumbled across the perfect first learner boat. I found an old West Wight Potter for $3000 and I love it. It is small enough to teach you the nuances of handling sails and rudder but stable enough to kick back and enjoy the sail without having to worry constantly about tumping over. A small cabin but enough room to sleep two people who like each other a LOT. It is a beautiful little boat, easy to trailer and set up and a joy to sail. Mine has taught me enough that I want to move up to something a bit larger but don't know if I will be able to part with her when I do move up. Resale value is good as Potters seem to have a devoted following.
Good luck
Charlie

 

that sure looks like fun... I'd add flotation bags though.

(click on the photo, will take you to yacht world listing)

 

I may have leads to a Vagabond14, if he still has it. It is located just north of Houston though. I have one and think she is the greatest. I trailer her to where ever and spend 20 minutes rigging her, hours on her, single-handed, then 20 minutes loading her for the ride home. Planes well! Capsized her twice and with patience (and panic the first time), she'll righten. Great for beginners (for I learned on this boat), Glad my first wasnt a Catamaran like I wanted. Let me know if this local for you and I'll be checking if the guy still has it.

 

My vagabond 14 is sturdy, comfortable and fast (7.5 kts and double that when planing). Great for learning, especially learning and worthy of keeping cause you'll always want to drag friends out in it. They wanted $1500 for mine which I talked them down some for it some mendable issues. I also got the original 2hp johnson (short shaft) which I recommend having one.

 

"My vagabond 14 is sturdy, comfortable and fast (7.5 kts and double that when planing)."

14 ft LOA and 7.5kts is planing, any way you look at it

I bought my first boat, a Grampian 26 for only 1300.00; sure it was a piece of work and I donated it 6 months later to a local youth sailing org, but I learned to sail it from October to March without getting wet.