Sailer Russ

[rja8442z@gmail.]

Hello to everyone: Hoping to learn a lot about sailing and selecting and maintaining a boat. Also hope to give back but it may take some time since I am new to sailing. I am currently looking for a new boat. I will do mostly coastal cruising starting out in the Sea of Cortez. I am looking at a boat from 42 to 44 that will motor well (as I am learning to sail) but also sail very well. I am looking at a Hylas 42 or 44 but would entertain any other comments.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[David M]

Welcome Aboard Russ!

I would start by first learning how to sail well enough so that you can charter a sail boat. There are lots of sailing schools out there that can teach you. Charter a number of boats. After having experienced a number of boats in different places, situations and conditions, I think you will know much better which is the best boat for you before you purchase your own.

[rja8442z@gmail.]

David: I suspect your are right. I plan on actually seeing some boats, try to narrow down to a couple that I like in terms of headroom, ventilation, light and deckspace and then once I do that will try to charter those models and do some sailing. I have some experience but it is on small catamarans. Thanks for the advice

[Ex-Calif]

Welcome aboard Russ - Sailing becomes a passion. Sounds like you know what you want to do and are on the early steps of getting there.

Get some sailing courses done, get to some boat shows, get out on the water. It's addicting.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Russ,
Welcome aboard! Along with classes, try to talk your way on to other folks boats and ask them lots of questions. My personal opinion is that 42-44 feet is an awfully lot of boat for a first time sailboat owner. If it is just you and the wife I would not go over 36 feet LOD. Fiberglass hull, aft cockpit, cutter rigged with a dependable diesel engine about 35hp.
Kind regards,
JohnL