Newbies to sailing

[seanandlonna]

Hello:

My husband and I are wanting to delve into the world of sailing with our 3 young children (8, 5 and 3). We had our first sailing experience this past weekend and LOVED it!!!! We would like to hear opinions on what our first boat should be. We live in northern Indiana so would dock and sail primarily on Lake Michigan (at least to begin with ). The sales manager at the Marina we were at suggested a 30' or 31' Catalina from the 1980s. We are looking to start with a boat less than $25,000. We would like to be able to take it out for weekend cruises that would comfortably sleep our family, but during the day also take others with us. Suggestions? (We will be taking ASA 101 and 103 courses next spring). We also are planning on attending Strictly Sail in Chicago come January. We look forward to your suggestions.

Sean and Lonna

[Hud3]

Hello, Sean and Lonna.

Welcome to the Forum. Your posts fell through the cracks somehow.

A Catalina would be a good first boat for family sailing on the Lake. Taking sailing courses and going to boat shows will help increase your knowledge and ability to ask the right questions. You might want to try to find a local yacht club to join. That's a great way to meet like-minded sailors, learn a lot, and perhaps try out sailing on a few boats owned by members.

Good luck!

[Ex-Calif]

Hi Sean & Lonna - i am with Hud and your Marina guy. 27-32 foot Catalinas and Hunters are great starting boats.

The kids will absolutely love sailling.

Also get a course or two under your belt. The more you learn the better it gets and you never stop learning.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Sean and Lonna,
Welcome aboard! I agree that Catalina 30s are great boats but others might be worth looking into. I like Pearsons too. Good luck in finding your dream.
Kind regards,
JohnL