How to buy a small (14') sailboat?

[darsunt]

I am looking to buy something like a Hunter 14. I need a boat that is small enough to be kept in a driveway, and can be trailered, but has full schooner rigging (jib and mainmast).
I've checked on some yacht brokers on the internet but it seems they don't sell anything less than 24' long. So how would you go about getting a smaller sailboat? Would you have to approach the manufacturer directly and have it shipped to you?

[Muscongus]

Why not look for something a tad bigger than 14'? My first boat for the ocean was a Tanzer22 that was easily trailerable - displaces 2900#. Unless you are going in really protected waters (a lake or sheltered harbor), 14' may be a little on the small side. They handle great and are inexpensive.

Not sure where you are, but, if you do a quick internet search, you'll likely find one with a trailer for cheap. And, right now is the time to buy a boat for next year.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by darsunt

I am looking to buy something like a Hunter 14. I need a boat that is small enough to be kept in a driveway, and can be trailered, but has full schooner rigging (jib and mainmast).
I've checked on some yacht brokers on the internet but it seems they don't sell anything less than 24' long. So how would you go about getting a smaller sailboat? Would you have to approach the manufacturer directly and have it shipped to you?

Might you be confusing schooner and sloop rigs?

LaserPerformance sells a zillion different boats in that size range, from the CFJs to 420s to Lasers to Sunfish to Vanguard 15s, Optimus, et cetera. They have their own online store, but I've found that I can get a better deal when I shop for our collegiate sailing team by working through a local chandlery. Of course, we buy six boats at a time.

[CCBullseye]

a14' sloop is a wonderful boat to learn to sail. Much more can be learned much faster on a small boat like that than on a yacht size boat. I would look in your local Trading Post and Craigs list. Often times you can pick them up for free. You might even put a classified ad in your local newspaper saying "Wanted, small sailboat, Will be given good home".

[ArtM]

Here's an example of such a boat (sloop rig) in my area: Precision 16.5 Sailboat

22's and 25's seem to be more common, and are cheaper, perhaps due to availability and/or age

[Cheechako]

a jib and mainsail is not a schooner! Anyway, Craig's LIst is where you want to be... they're giving them away. Look for a 14' C Lark, Coronado 15, or something l like that.

[Blue Stocking]

You can't beat an Enterprise, in this size boat. Try sailing clubs for kids.

[Muscongus]

I bought a CL14 as my first sailboat. It is a Canadian boat that is used as a trainer. It's a little sloop with roller furling, toe straps for leaning out and a center board. Fun boat on a lake! It was $600.00 & came with a trailer.

I don't think it would be the best in the ocean, though....

Where are you planning to sail?

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by ArtM

Here's an example of such a boat (sloop rig) in my area: Precision 16.5 Sailboat

22's and 25's seem to be more common, and are cheaper, perhaps due to availability and/or age

We LOVE our Precision 18, which actually allows for weekend cruises.

Craigslist is great if you want a boat now and are willing to take any day sailor or pocket cruiser that comes along. You can also ask around at yacht clubs and marinas. The trailerables are probably in dry storage and someone may be selling.

The other option is to check out what is available at this size, then check out the owner's forums for your favorites. There is actually a trailer sailor site, where folks would be happy to answer your questions!

I wonder if my partner still has his spreadsheet? Our final deciding factors were: fit in the garage, sloop rig, (lots of cat rigs in this size) no centerboard in the cockpit, cabin with room for a porta potty and sleeping. I adore the lines of the West Wight Potters, but the interior layout of the 15 wouldn't work for us and the 19 wouldn't fit in the garage. Once we decided what we wanted, we googled around and found a decent deal.

[CCBullseye]

I have sailed a Cape Cod Bullseye many times across and up and down the Chesapeake Bay in all kinds of weather, all seasons. Here is one for sale. Do a google for "bullseye sailboat sale" and you will get lots of hits. 1962 Cape Cod Shipbuilding Bullseye sailboat for sale in Pennsylvania

[Ex-Calif]

Try a Bahia, Bahia Sport or SB3...

Here's a page with links and pictures of small sport boats.

Bahia -- Sailboats by Vanguard - Offered by Torresen Marine, Inc. -- The Sailboat Specialists

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

Try a Bahia, Bahia Sport or SB3...

Here's a page with links and pictures of small sport boats.

Bahia -- Sailboats by Vanguard - Offered by Torresen Marine, Inc. -- The Sailboat Specialists

Gosh, that's so old school.

We moderns would rather sail a Hobie Wave. Hobie Cat Company - Wave

[darsunt]

Sorry about wrong name. I mean sloop rig. It's been awhile since sailing class.
I plan to use it to practice basic sailing and maybe a few racing tricks. I will be working around inside Newport Bay (CA). I probably won't take it out into the open ocean.
I will definitely take up some of the tips here, craigslist, sailing clubs, etc. Also thanks for the manufacturer brand names. But again, if buying new how would the manufacturer get it to you if the brokers don't sell the small ones?

[Ex-Calif]

I reckon if you want a new boat these boats sell through "dealers" - For the Bahia (Laser Performance) example here is the LP website with a dealer locator.

LaserPerformance | North America - Home

The nearest to you appears to be in San Diego. The Bahia lists for less than $10k.

You'd likely have to short list the boats and then visit each website to find dealers.

[Ex-Calif]

PS - Do a check on environmental rules in California. My brother read something about boats that have sailed in the ocean can't be lake sailed until they pass some inspection for some sort of critter they don't want getting in the lakes.

Sorry I don't remember the details but it could affect you if you plan to sail in the bays and lakes both.