Boatman61 knows of what he speaks. Me too had a Corribee
.
Not to say it's perfect for everyone, but if looks are important (and
headroom not so!) then would be my vote for a first sailing boat - that
sails well and is as
seaworthy as any
small boat can be (a lot to do with the
Skipper....but IME as much "idiot proof" built into the boat design is nice
).
And they come in both fin and
bilge keels.....albeit not really a "trailor sailor" even in B/k form. But plenty of other small boats that would also be suitable. So unless you fall in love with one particular design I would look to buy whatever is available at the best
price and in best condition (avoid a complete fixer upper as the first boat - you
will find enough to do on anuthing you buy. Trust me on that
....but you really want to start with the sailing end of things, even if boat condition /
equipment dictates no extended voyages - but plenty of fun (and learning) to be had near to home port.....can always add tweeks and bit's & bobs as you go along - just important not to
need to from day 1 (or at least only minimal / bolt on stuff).
I would recomend starting older and small (and 20 foot + / - a few feet is IMO a good size) - big enough to be past the
dinghy with a lid stage, somewhere down below for a khazi (never know, might have some female company onboard
- apparently most not so keen to sh#t in a bucket on
deck - whilst in the middle of a Marina.
Women )...and somewhere below to put the kettle on and have a snooze (Khazi, Kettle and Kip
)......
.....and small enough (and something old enough) not to financially cripple you
when you sell for less than you spent on her (purchase and tweeks / upgrades), whether that because sailing not for you or you want bigger. or simply bought something that was a bit of a dog / a
money pit (it happens
- some second hand boat Vendors can be as honest as the b#stard child of a 2nd hand car dealer and an Estate Agent
- but balanced out by some being very straight and want a boat to end up in a good home).
The first thing I would do is decide where you want to moor her and find out the costs and availability of moorings. Nothing wrong with something on a Trailor - just good to know that's what you need before you buy (something else!).
The second thing is to have a look on E-bay (and simply Google) will find plenty of small boats in all sorts of conditions and prices - not always a direct correlation between the two - see my earlier comments, and add a category of Vendors: deluded optimists
.
If you visit the local area where you intend to keep her, will get an idea of the sort of boats others have bought - no guarantee that they are all suitable!, but should get you in the ballpark. Also it's where bargains can be found, not everything gets on the
internet - especially stuff which is small and
cheap (and semi forgotten by Owner / Vendor).....keep an eye out for "for sale" signs and don't be shy about asking around - both at
boatyards etc and boat owners (the favourite pastime of boat owners is gossiping - and for that you need to know everyone else's business
).
Oh, and unless you can transport her on a trailor I would avoid
buying something that needs relocating by sea more than a day sail (or maybe 2?. maybe).......it costs (in
money and time) to relocate a vessel.
Feel free to bounce back here with ideas and suggestions as and when you narrow down your thoughts.