I know all boats are different but on average, at what size sailboat does one start seeing inboard motors on? I can only imagine how much easier this is instead of having a small outboard hanging out the back and especially one with out reverse.
Inboard motors
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As a general rule from about 25 feet upwards, but it's not hard and fast although 30 feet is about the practical limit for having an outboard powered boat due to problems with pitching on the assumption you're referring to mono hulls.
I am just dreaming for retirement in 6 years. I have 6 years to learn to sail and be very good at it for my plans are to buy a 32 or so footer to sale around all the Great Lakes for a month or two each summer. At that point I might even try to sail up the Saint Lawrence seaway out to my old stompin grounds of Maine. I would assume that some 30 footers are sea worthy correct? If not I will go up to a 34. Had a family friend who had a 34 footer and it would be plenty big enough for me and then later the wife when she retires--
I was thinking maybe I will learn to sail on the P165 I just bought and use it for about 4-5 years and then a year before I retire move up to double the size. By the time I am 60 I am sure a better bed would feel better. If I win the lotto I will get a 45 footer and probably a girlfriend--haha!
I was thinking maybe I will learn to sail on the P165 I just bought and use it for about 4-5 years and then a year before I retire move up to double the size. By the time I am 60 I am sure a better bed would feel better. If I win the lotto I will get a 45 footer and probably a girlfriend--haha!
There are several (many?) 30 footers that have circumnavigated, and plenty of decent coastal cruisers in that range. Up to about 36-37 can be single handed fairly easily. Bigger than that and docking gets complicated unless you are REALLY good with spring lines.
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Bruce "seaworthy" and "blue water" are terms that are debated often here. But what you're describing is really coastal cruising as opposed to setting off across an ocean. You'll find most production boats are capable of coastal cruising.
So it becomes a discussion of what boat/brand/layout suits you best. There are as many opinions on what makes a "best boat" as there are sailors.
Neither seaworthiness or live-aboard comfort are tied directly to boat length. Some 30 footers are roomier inside than some 36 footers. Some 27 footers can cross the Atlantic, some 35 footers I wouldn't take beyond the sight of land.
The only way to really get a feel for the different types of boats is to get some time on different boats.
Being a confident sailor in six years is a very doable goal. Some ways to get there include taking sailing classes (I'd guess there are multiple schools on the Great Lakes), finding some local racers who need crew and finding a local yacht club that has club boats shared among members (usually small day sailers).
You might also consider buying something like a Catalina 22 that you can lake sail to gain experience. You can find these boats under $5,000 and sometimes for much less in decent shape. You can sail the heck out of it for a couple of years, learn a lot, have a lot of fun and sell it for what you paid when/if you're ready to move up.
Hope this helps,
Jim
So it becomes a discussion of what boat/brand/layout suits you best. There are as many opinions on what makes a "best boat" as there are sailors.
Neither seaworthiness or live-aboard comfort are tied directly to boat length. Some 30 footers are roomier inside than some 36 footers. Some 27 footers can cross the Atlantic, some 35 footers I wouldn't take beyond the sight of land.
The only way to really get a feel for the different types of boats is to get some time on different boats.
Being a confident sailor in six years is a very doable goal. Some ways to get there include taking sailing classes (I'd guess there are multiple schools on the Great Lakes), finding some local racers who need crew and finding a local yacht club that has club boats shared among members (usually small day sailers).
You might also consider buying something like a Catalina 22 that you can lake sail to gain experience. You can find these boats under $5,000 and sometimes for much less in decent shape. You can sail the heck out of it for a couple of years, learn a lot, have a lot of fun and sell it for what you paid when/if you're ready to move up.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Jim, totally agree and understand. I see some 28 footers that look much roomier than a 34 foot. Only really three things that would be a must for me: private head, private forward berth and a dining table that doesn't have to be folded up or down (side dining in other words). I have years and hopefully I can pick up a nice one when that day comes for about $30,000.
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Bruce,
Why wait?
Why not pick up something small and inexpensive and start getting some time on the water now.
We went that route, starting with a Catalina 22 and I'm glad we did. It gave us confidence and helped us understand what we really wanted in a boat.
Plus that little boat was a helluva lot of fun
Jim
Why wait?
Why not pick up something small and inexpensive and start getting some time on the water now.
We went that route, starting with a Catalina 22 and I'm glad we did. It gave us confidence and helped us understand what we really wanted in a boat.
Plus that little boat was a helluva lot of fun
Jim
I probably should have stated more. I just bought a few months ago a Precision 165. I wanted a boat I could trailer behind my 2013 Jeep 2 door Wrangler with a tow limit of 2000lbs. I wanted something with a fixed keel and a small cabin so I can sleep in there on weekends. So I'll learn on this and I am trying to see if I can fit in ASA 101 this summer. All depends on work schedule. I ended up finding a slip on Lake Huron so I'll keep it there each summer. I really didn't want to have to launch and load every weekend. I'm looking forward to learning and I don't think I'll miss my powerboats I've had for years.
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Bruce , that is a old boat that was made in England . You don't want it trust me . There is some conversation going on about that boat on a different sailing website .
Take it easy, brake it down so it's manageable. There is plenty of time . Ommmmmm .
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