Green Gills

[Gribble]

Hi there. I'm interested in sailing, and this summer I plan on taking a course or two to get my feet wet. (Excuse the pun) Anyway, assuming I enjoy myself, and assuming this is a hobby I still wish to pursue, I would eventually like to purchase my own boat. However, I'm having a hard time finding good information for a greenhorn such as myself.

My ultimate goal would be to acquire a small Weekender. Something easy to sail with a cabin just large enough for two to lie down in. I can't seem to find anything like that, though. Everything I see either doesn't. contain a cabin large enough to stretch out in or is far too large. Do you have any suggestions?

Another thing I was considering was getting a dinghy. However, as I said, I would like to have a Weekender eventually. What's the resale rate like on boats? Supposing I bought a dinghy to tool around in and later I decide to purchase a Weekender, how much money would I get back?

Finally, I keep hearing about how sailboats are essentially a hole you throw money into. What are the expenses like? Anyone have a dollar amount they could divulge? I'm lucky in that my father lives near the water and has free access to a storage area for boats, so that expense is taken care of off the bat. I'm guessing repairs are going to be the main issue, am I right?

Speaking of repairs, if I get into this hobby I'd be interested in learning how to maintain the ship myself. How difficult do you suppose it is to take care of the ship? I have no real experience in similar fields to be honest, so perhaps I'm biting off more than I can chew. What are some common problems that arise that would need repairing?

Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to read this, doubly so for those who respond. Good sailing.

[delmarrey]

You've come to the right place! I don't know what City your in so it's had to suggest how to get started. But I do recommend taking THE sailing classes and some CG approved safety and rule classes before heading out.

Don't know how tall you are but the larger trailerable sailboats would probably be your best bet.

The resail of boats is related to it's brand and condition. I've , so far, sold every boat for the same or more then what I paid for it. BUT, I put money into them keeping them up to an accepable level. In another words good looking and maintained seaworthy. If you buy a fixer-upper you have to fix it up or take a loss. If you buy in new condition you have to maintain or better.

Dinghy's are fun for a little while but do get uncomfortable for long periods.

And yes a boat is a HULL in which you invest your time and money with the reward of the pleasures it brings you. If no pleasure, then get out of boats. It something that last a few weeks or a life time.

The bigger the boat the more it cost to maintain, with the trailerable being the least, provided they are kept dry and out of the weather.

There are many posts on here that deal with these subjects, especially in the meets and greets. SEARCH the forum with key words and you will come up with lots of comments.

Enjoy........................................_/)

[Gribble]

Thanks for the info. I'm skimming the meet & greet as we speak. My apologies, I don't normally use forums. I punched "sailing forum" into google and came up with just this small section of your forum.

Anyway, a little more info on me and what I want to do:

I live in Kent Narrows, just off the Chesapeake on the other side of the Bay bridge from Annapolis. What I'd like to do eventually (after gaining much experience) is sail from Kent Narrows to Ocean city. Ideally I want a boat just large enough that I can sleep in comfortably. I don't need to cook in it or sit up. I plan to spend my days either actively sailing or hanging out on shore, and my nights sleeping in the cabin. Are there any good websites to look at ships, maybe get some price estimates? I've found a lot of online sites that sell used boats, but I don't know if I'd want to go down that route without really knowing a lot about boats.

I'm also considering getting a kit, if such a thing exists, and building the boat myself. Anyone know of a good kit for a new sailor? When it comes to working with my hands I'm woefully inexperienced. I have a desk job. Probably why I want to get into this hobby so badly. My dad, on the other hand, is very familiar with construction and engineering, and I'm sure he'd like to get in on the project. So long as he remains the brains and I remain the brawns, of course.

[Captain Mark]

Originally Posted by Gribble

I'm also considering getting a kit, if such a thing exists, and building the boat myself. Anyone know of a good kit for a new sailor? When it comes to working with my hands I'm woefully inexperienced. I have a desk job. Probably why I want to get into this hobby so badly. My dad, on the other hand, is very familiar with construction and engineering, and I'm sure he'd like to get in on the project. So long as he remains the brains and I remain the brawns, of course.

Here's a good site for homebuilder's. I first saw one of these in San Diego, and talked to the guy and he loved it. It was in the 20' range and was being loaded onto the trailer! However, I have no experience with them, but they sure have some purdy boats! Oh and some ugly ones if you perfer

Sailboat plans and kits directory

Okay, I found the one that I saw... or at least a very similar look.

Sharpie sailboat 21' sailboat

Mark

[Benny]

Try a Sirius 17 or 21 - both smaller weekenders - decent sailing boats and older but well enough built - can be had for little money.

Do advanced search on Yachtworld.com entering style of sailboat and length - narrow the search as much as possible or you'll have hundreds to view - but maybe that would be fun - it's boat porn as some of our members call it and can be done with your spouse/mate without repreisals.

Good luck and welcome abord

[Gribble]

Wow. That sharpie is a beautiful boat. I wonder how much it'd cost to put one of those together. I think if I go this route I'm going to build a yacht tender to start with and see how that goes. If I enjoy it I'll go for the gusto.

Oh, and thanks for the link to yachtworld, Benny. Great site. I found a Sirius 21 for under eight thousand. That's much, much less than I envisioned this costing. If I were to buy a used boat do you have any tips so I don't get swindled?

[Benny]

Gribble - When you find the boat you would really like to buy, view it several times before making an offer. Let some of the excitement wear off and some objedtivity set in. Then condier it 'warts' and all or should I say 'blisters'.

Talk to any experienced sailing friend you have and of course ask us our opinion on this site about the make or any known issues.

You say you are'nt great working with your hands so it may be good to find a boat that is in a better state of maintenance to start even if she costs a bit more.

If you do a private purchase - spend a little cash to get a legal opinion of the documentation as we know the devil is in the details.

Use your own broker if possible - he will be working for you only.

Use your own surveyor - not one recommended by a party to the transaction.

Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the boat - both the work and the sailing of it - don't try to make her perfect - like an attractive woman, those little flaws are an interesting part of her personality.

Hope this helps, Randy