[Brett1111]

Hi folks.

Just came here and signed up because it claims this is the largest forum for sailing. I have took a serious interest in learning to sail a boat. I've never stepped foot on one, nevermind sailing one. I have been looking into taking lessons on how to get the task done. But, my main curiosity is the cost of a decent sized boat. On craigslist here in Daytona, I find a lot within my price range of $4-8k. I'd rather buy in cash than finance. Am I in my right mind to accept the fact that such a large boat (20 something feet long) can be a good buy? Or should I assume there is something wrong with the boat? Again, I am completely new to this whole gig. The other thing is, I am wondering the size of boat I should consider? What I would like to have, and be able to do is:

Spend a week or two in the boat
Sail larger rivers and along the coast (close to shore)
Sail large lakes
Sail comfortably, I dont care about speed so much
Something good for fishing
Can house 3 to 7 people (mostly 3 sleeping within)
And decent quality

I have no idea if I posted in the right area. I just saw "Introduce Yourself", and thought I would start here.

My overall reason for selecting sail over motor boat is due to the savings on gas and pollution, and it being safer for the folks below the water swimming around.

thanks for any answers provided, in advance!

 

[Brett1111]

Im definitely looking into learning how to sail. Not sure if anyone is familiar with the Halifax Sailing Club here in Daytona, but that is what I am considering. I do have a truck that is capable of pulling the boat, so that is already out of the way. I watch sailboats pass by everyday, and see them anchored out on the river while I sit out on my patio. Im certainly not a lazy person, I do know it takes work to sail, but I am up for it.

 

[Brett1111]

Perfect reply, Don! I will certainly look into that book! This is basically what I was looking for. Someone to point me in some direction to start educating myself. I love books! I will have to look into the USCGA course, though. I never really gave much thought into that, but thought any course I took on sailing would cover that?

BTW, Maine is beautiful. Used to go there all the time when I lived in Massachusetts. I just never made it to Acadia, like I've always wanted. One day! Maybe even sail there! Haha. Just need to get this going and see what its all about. I love the intricacy of it.

 

[Brett1111]

Welcome to the site!

Thanks!

 

[Brett1111]

I see boats down here cruising though the Halifax everyday at faster speeds than they have posted. Im a kayaker, and Im not a fan when they blow by me sending a huge wake my way. My backyard is the Halifax, so I see what happens out there and understand what you are saying. I've noticed a lot out there that I am not familiar with on the water. I also would need to know how to get the draw bridges in action around here. So the USCG course is probably a good idea. I dont expect to buy a boat anytime soon. There is just too much to learn before I can just go buy a boat and start sailing. I want to be comfortable with the terms around the boat, and have a half-assed idea of what I am doing. I did buy the book you mentioned today. I also plan to look into the books DR mentioned. I learn mostly by doing, but books are a good starting point for me right now. There is a sailing course for beginners in August I plan to sign up for to get the ball rolling. It is very interesting to me. I guess their starting point in the course is a Hobie. Looks like a good way to start with the concepts of catching the wind.