[Want2GoSail]

Hello All,
I'm brand new to the sailing experience and am getting closer to my first purchase of a sailing vessel. Although I have done a great amount of research, looked at several boats and checked out tons of forum posts I still have a few decisions to make. I'm hoping that your input and advice will steer me towards the proper boat for me and my wife and our exciting sailing future.

Thanks

Terry

 

[Don L]

Buy the one you like and don't worry if others like it.

PS- the odds are that whatever you get you later will decide your first boat isn't the right one for you

 

[DonScribner]

Terry,

I had a lengthy, eloquent and informative post all typed in, pushed the send button . . . Nuthin. I'll sum up.

ASA training is great but not required to be a good sailor.
Sailing and Seamanship course is a must.
I suggest a 25 foot ish daysailor to start. Cheap to own & fix, more stable than a smaller boat, won't scare off the admiral from the sport by sending her swimming.
Look for a boat with a full head, full headroom and a few berths.
Get a copy of The Complete Trailer Sailor. Great info. Lots of pics and specs on specific boats in the back. It can help you find what you like, what you hate and what you never knew you couldn't live without.


Well not as good as the first time but I think I covered everything.

Don

 

[Want2GoSail]

I have taken all the ISPA courses exclusive of any offshore stuff. My lessons were all on a 32' boat which I feel very comfortable on so I'm looking at vessels around that size. I'll be single handing and will slowly try to integrate my wife into it as well. I think I'll let the cat observe. I'm looking forward to my search and the advice/input from here. Thanks.

 

[dmoltz]

I took the plunge last summer, ended up with a Morgan 382, my first boat 38'. Had a great first season, managed to keep it safe and had no big issues. Found sailing her single handed was easier than I thought. A mooring made it easier, docking alone is a trick even in fair weather but I am getting better. Sailing from the Chesapeake up to lake Champlain was the best few weeks of my summer and I learned tons in a short time. I guess I was a bit adventuresome, so much could have gone wrong. So glad I did it, so relaxing when I am at the helm or watching the sun set. In the end I decided to just go for it, so many boats to choose from. Good luck.