Advice on buying a starter boat...

[Max Sail]

I've been considering a cheapie starter boat also, to learn on while I'm shopping for a real blue water cruiser, however I'm concerned that all the yearly fees, maintenance, etc will end up draining cash that otherwise would go for the real cruiser. I also worry that a crappy little boat will burn up my enthusiasm and tap out my mojo for sailing from just putzing on the shores of Lake Michigan before getting to the real world cruising.

[Curmudgeon]

A boat is a hole in the ocean into which money is poured. It is what it is.

[Ardi]

i figured the annual costs will be higher than actually purchasing the boat, but nontheless I WANT ONE DAMMIT lol. I really want to use this summer to learn as much as I can.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Ardi

i figured the annual costs will be higher than actually purchasing the boat, but nontheless I WANT ONE DAMMIT lol. I really want to use this summer to learn as much as I can.

It's money well spent-- but it's still spent.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Ardi

ah! the costs of owning a boat...so boat slip ~2000, insurance ? , what other set costs am I missing? (other than fixing costs)

That's a secret. We're not allowed to tell you until you buy the boat.

(You are aware that you'll have to purchase a blue blazer, right?)

[Ardi]

blue, pink anything as long as i can sail!!!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Ardi

blue, pink anything as long as i can sail!!!

I'm serious. Blue. Navy blue.

With brass buttons.

[Ardi]

Originally Posted by Bash

I'm serious. Blue. Navy blue.

With brass buttons.

...need a link of some examples?

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by Ardi

i figured the annual costs will be higher than actually purchasing the boat, but nontheless I WANT ONE DAMMIT lol. I really want to use this summer to learn as much as I can.

I saw this statement made in another thread recently.

Sailboats are ultimately not a rational financial decision.

Since it seems you got that part figured out, you're off to a good start.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Ardi

...need a link of some examples?

This one's on sale: Country Club Saxxon™ Double-Breasted Blazer - Brooks Brothers

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by Max Sail

I've been considering a cheapie starter boat also, to learn on while I'm shopping for a real blue water cruiser, however I'm concerned that all the yearly fees, maintenance, etc will end up draining cash that otherwise would go for the real cruiser. I also worry that a crappy little boat will burn up my enthusiasm and tap out my mojo for sailing from just putzing on the shores of Lake Michigan before getting to the real world cruising.

Welcome to the forum. You can find some good smaller boats, like daysailors, trailer sailors, etc. that are simple to maintain and good to learn on. Just think that the larger the boat, the more systems that require maintaining and the more things can go wrong. Starting small and simple can be a good start.

[Ardi]

Originally Posted by Bash

This one's on sale: Country Club Saxxon™ Double-Breasted Blazer - Brooks Brothers

niiiice!!! im sure ill get some gray hairs after I realize all the hidden costs of owning a boat!

[The Garbone]

Something like a Catalina 27 or 25 with an outboard, cheap boats always need a new motors.

Don't forget the skippers hat and pirate flag and swag, also a must.

[Ardi]

Originally Posted by The Garbone

Something like a Catalina 27 or 25 with an outboard, cheap boats always need a new motors.

Don't forget the skippers hat and pirate flag and swag, also a must.

already have that from last halloween!