Newbie from Martha's Vineyard

[webbfootted]

Hello to all! I am a 50 yr young contractor/carpenter itching to get started in the world of sailing. I am currently looking for a cheap pocket cruiser in my area. For now, I sail my sunfish and dream of drier days. I can just feel sailing is in my blood. Would like to crew on trips south for experience and ultimately think I would love single handed cruising. Suggestions on getting started at my age, and lack of experience, would be appreciated.Also suggestions on which boats to look for.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, webbfootted.

[Ocean Girl]

Well you live in the right area for beautiful boats. Bristols, cape dories, tartans are a good start to look at. The season is coming up where a lot of boats are headed south, maybe join a sailing club, learn the basics, and try and crew on a few boats. That will help give you an idea of what you would like in a vessel.
Welcome aboard, you are amongst you own kind
Mrs. S/v Rain Dog

[webbfootted]

Thanks O.G. for the words of encouragement and advice. I am very interested in Cape Dorys right now. Have looked at Bristols also and you are the second person in as many days to suggest tartans. I am trying to be patient and spreading the word about crewing. Thanks again.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. Sunfish are great but don't make good cruisers.
Check out the book recommendation after my signature and the two links for boat recommendations.
kind regards,

[skipmac]

Hello and welcome to the forum. You are in a great area to sail. You have so many destinations all over LI Sound.

If you are boat shopping there are so many options. Which one will depend on your preferences and budget. Most boats can be set up for easy single handing so focus on finding the boat you like and set it up for how you sail.

My daughter just moved to Martha's Vineyard. I was lucky enough to plan a visit the week Irene showed up but still had several nice days. Her boyfriend has a boat in Tashmoo and we made it up to Edgartown for a day. He's also in the building business and looking for something on the island.

Good luck on the boat search and let us know how it's going.


Skip

[webbfootted]

Thanks to Skipmac and Skiprjohn. I almost bought a Cape Dory25. At the last minute the owners backed out. It was a sweet deal at$2500. I am still looking for a CD. I found another CD25 on the Cape through craigslist. If the other interested party doesn't show up in a couple of days I will take a look. That one is $4000. My limit. I have fallen in love with these boats. A Tartan would be nice but a bit pricey for me at this time. Have looked also at Pearsons and Freedoms, all around the 25' mark. SkipMac, I also am a builder on the Vineyard, Perhaps I know your daughters boyfriend? You say he has a boat in Tashmoo but is looking? For another?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by webbfootted

Thanks to Skipmac and Skiprjohn. I almost bought a Cape Dory25. At the last minute the owners backed out. It was a sweet deal at$2500. I am still looking for a CD. I found another CD25 on the Cape through craigslist. If the other interested party doesn't show up in a couple of days I will take a look. That one is $4000. My limit. I have fallen in love with these boats. A Tartan would be nice but a bit pricey for me at this time. Have looked also at Pearsons and Freedoms, all around the 25' mark. SkipMac, I also am a builder on the Vineyard, Perhaps I know your daughters boyfriend? You say he has a boat in Tashmoo but is looking? For another?

Cape Dory is a very nice boat. Classic good looks. Would tempt me as well if I didn't already have two boats (three if you count the dinghy).

Boyfriend is not looking for a boat (see comment above about having two ) but building work on the island. He lives in RI and was doing teardowns/new builds on east side of Narragansett Bay but wants to find something on MV.

His current boat is a Grady White but I don't hold that against him since he is an otherwise nice guy.