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Old 13-06-2009, 22:31   #1
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Hello From West Coast Florida

Greetings,

I am currently taking sailing lessons and looking to buy my first starter boat. Boats I'm interested in are around 20-25 ft. Just big enough to have some adventures around my way.

Cheers,

Florida Newbie
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Old 14-06-2009, 02:55   #2
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Florida Newbie,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are headed in the right diection. Many of my adventures are in my own watery neighborhood.
John
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Old 14-06-2009, 03:41   #3
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Welcome aboard, Florida Newbie! Of course, after you learn to sail and buy a boat, you'll need to change your user name...
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Old 14-06-2009, 12:36   #4
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Thanks for the replies and welcomes. Finding the right starter boat is the new challange. I want something big enough to have and overnight with a capacity of about 3-4 passengers. Am I aming in the right direction at around 25ft?

I also don't want to spend a lot as this first boat will be just to work on my sailing skills.
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Old 14-06-2009, 13:38   #5
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Hello Florida newbie,
Try looking at a catalina 25, They can be bought fairly cheap, are good basic sailors, and resale fairly easy.
Welcome to the forum,
Erika
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Old 14-06-2009, 14:20   #6
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Hi,
Where on west coast are you? Started my cruising in tampa St pete area. Know of one 21 footer that may still be available for little or nothing. Was complete with sails and rigging to sail, needed outboard. Will give contact info if your interested.
Steve
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Old 15-06-2009, 00:30   #7
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forsailbyowner PM sent.
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Old 16-06-2009, 20:27   #8
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Aloha Florida,
Welcome aboard! My first boat was a Catalina 22 with a fin keel. About 4 persons for a weekend is maximum. I truly love the "Ka Ipo Moana."
Kind regards,
JohnL
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Old 21-06-2009, 08:08   #9
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Where in West Florida are you? We are in Alabama and come down to the Destin/Ft. Walton area a couple times a year.

Welcome aboard!!

Missy
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Old 21-06-2009, 10:13   #10
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Now seems to be a great time to buy a boat as people are desperate to sell.

We see boats selling outta this marina for amazing prices.

I would do some tire kicking at your local marinas, asking the people there whats for sell and how long its been for sale.

IE; We have a trawler next to us that's gone from 65k to 30k in under a years time, the owner just wants to unload it as he can no longer afford to keep it.

From what Ive seen people aren't out to make money on their boats, just get out from under them.

Good luck!
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Old 21-06-2009, 17:55   #11
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Hi Florida Newbie

Our first boat was a Catalina 22 with a swing keel and a pop top. It was a lot of fun.

Sleeping four people on it would be a bit close, imho, but I suppose you could do it.

Two can easily sleep in the V berth in relative comfort.

We wore that poor boat out entertaining people every night after work and on weekends. It was not an idle boat.

If you can, buy a trailer and take it all over the place. We hauled ours as we moved across country for our jobs: from Seattle to Long Key FL and back, then Seattle to Maine, then Maine to Miami, where we sold it after a few years.

Can't go wrong with that boat for a starter.

Cheers and welcome aboard.
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