Buying Guide - Best Book , Manual , Website

[Gigaflopper]

I'm sure this question gets asked a lot, but my search attempts are not coming up with a lot of comprehensive information, just summaries and base info. Looking for something to give a first time boat buyer the information required to make a good purchase decision, how to inspect, good questions to ask, process and procedures of buying etc.

For me personally, I'm looking for a monohull, small enough for a rookie to learn how to control her vessel, but enough space to overnight with a couple others, lake sailing, occasional trailering to Lake Michigan for some 'coastal cruising.'

Any info appreciated!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
This is a hard question. Have you looked at the links after my signature or read the book recommendation there? They are not trailerables however.
Once you've found a boat you might be interested in then ask about it here on the forum to get opinions from owners or previous owners. They'll tell you what to check in a specific boat. Things like stainless wire rigging on trailerable boats gets less use than on boats that are constantly rigged and in the water a lot so will last 10 years easily without replacement.
I like Catalina, Venture of Newport, or Kenner trailerables. Others on the forum will have more recommendations.
A marine survey will point out a lot of problems before purchase so consider paying the price for a good survey.
Good luck

[Ziggy]

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