Looked at First Sailboat

[sj01]

A 1993 Catalina Morgan is the first boat we have looked at so far. I really liked the layout. But still researching to learn more on Sailboats. Any good first-timer blogs etc recommended are welcome.
Wondered general opinions on the first boat we viewed though...bear in mind VERY green here..
1993 Catalina Morgan Center Cockpit For Sale In Tampa, Florida - BoatTrader.com

thoughts?

[EdArango]

Hello, Great boat. The Morgan line for Catalina is like saying Mercury for Ford cars. Same basic model but with more niceties added. Great layout center cockpit model with a huge aft-cabin.. Nice! You should be able to set this boat up for single handed sailing if needed. Make sure you get a NAMS or SAMS surveyor to give the boat a good once over before your purchase. As long as your surveyor is NAMS or SAMS, insurance companies can use their surveys. FYI - I am a former Catalina Yacht employee from the Woodland Hills, CA plant so I do know these vessels pretty well. if you have questions feel free to send me a message.
Cheers
ED

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha,

I do like Catalinas but am not familiar with that model. There are many opinions on what might be the best boat for you but that can only be decided by you.

My preferences are for something 32-36 with an aft cockpit. I've sailed center cockpit craft and just don't care for the feel or the view from the center cockpit.

Are you experienced sailors?

Good luck in your search. There are a cople links after my signature that might be of interest to you.

kind regards,

[sj01]

Hi guys,
Thanks so much for responding. Sailors...not so much. Actually, my husband is more knowledgeable on motorboats versus sailboats. I have little to no experience.
We are very interested in learning and exploring sailboating though and I stumble upon this forum in searching recommendations for sailboats. Based on responses I knew the standard answer is "it depends.." and "it's your decision" but I though perhaps getting started with giving a boat (i.e. this Catalina) and allow darts to be thrown might present some arguments pro or con that could serve me well in learning.
We found the Mahina website to be very helpful and the youtube videos of sailors too numerous to count.
Bottom line, you could guess we are virtually at day 1 of research for the next year or so (..again..it depends..).
We are looking for something that can Caribbean sail, as well as blue water...we may not hit the perfect mark for our first, but we'd like to try. Size isn't a HUGE issue...but we do have a couple dogs to consider (pit bulls).
If you guys have any websites that may be helpful, post away....we are very appreciative of any pointers or guidance you seasoned salts can provide
Thanks again...and will keep an eye on the board *ARRRRRRR* (only because I didn't see a pirate smiley)