What to buy?

[sv_makai]

Before buying I would recommend riding as many differnt boats as possible. If you plan on racing or cruising spend time sailing with the Wed and weekend regattas as crew. Try to sail a variety of boats and if you find one you like try to get assigned to one several times to see and learn how she handles.

Boats feel different once the newness wears off and you start seeing what thing you like rather than what is already on the boat. Then buy the cheapest servicable boat. We found though we bought a nice boat at a good price we were ready to change after a fe years once we learned what we really wanted and needed rather than what all of the sailing magazines and our friends convinced us we should have.

We swtich from a mono to a Cat. If we would have bought a new mono or a very expensive one we would have sold it at a loss or have been forced to keep it because we were to far into it financially to get rid of it and get what we really wanted.

Experince makes a difference.

[sneuman]

I can go with that, Gord. Maybe the better corollary even a well-disciplined and experienced crew will have a difficult if not impossible time making up for a really crappy boat.

[whitecaps]

Well after having a Abbott 33 and racing it, I do like Speed! We would get 7 knots in 15knots of wind on it! SO I am looking!

[Talbot]

Got to decide what you want to do with the yacht. If you are looking to do more racing, then perhaps you should be looking at another Abbott. However, if you are looking for a family cruising boat with an occasional sprint round the cans, you probably need something with a bit more space inside, which of course means that it will also be a bit slower!

[hellosailor]

What Makai says:
"Before buying I would recommend riding as many differnt boats as possible."

On Lake Erie you should be able to find plenty of yacht clubs and marinas. Bring your lunch and wear boat shoes and hold up a sign "NEED TO RACE" any day before there's a race, and someone will be there needing crew. If you ask around, you'll be able to set up a ride ahead of time. Weekends there is usually racing on both days. Wednesday evenings there are usually races as well.
Tell 'em honestly what you can/can't do, and you won't get a ride every time but you will start getting rides.