What is better for open seas?

[Sethx]

I am looking to buy a 30 foot sailboat. What you you guys recommend for me ?

[zeehag]

have you ever sailed?
where do you sail.....what do you like to sail??\
lots of variables.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Sethx

I am looking to buy a 30 foot sailboat. What you you guys recommend for me ?

one that floats is allways a good start,
failing that if it leaks, one with a good bilge pump

[zeehag]

an open boat might be a lil uncomfortable--you might want a cabin. or at least a tarp ....
something in which to catch wind and use as a sail...ropey things to control that sail with...
something to steer it with--and a blade--could be over the transom--for pointing boat to where you wish to go ....

and a BUCKET.... for everything---bailing...bathing...whatever....

[Dos Gatos]

Originally Posted by Sethx

I am looking to buy a 30 foot sailboat. What you you guys recommend for me ?

10 more years experience

[Sethx]

Well I have right now a Colombia 23 and I am looking to Buy A Catalina 30 but not sure how they handle out in the open sea. I have been sailing for 7 years

[charliehows]

a 30' sailboat?

[zeehag]

seth--if you have a friend with one, have him take ye out sailing in it...bring the beer...


i have seen 2 columbia 28 and 4 catalina 30 out here as cruisers---you have to sail it yourself--no one can tell you how it will do...have a lot of fun--is the funnest part of boat searching!

[Sethx]

hey Zeehag what are you sailing right now ?

[zeehag]

formosa 41 1976 yankee clipper

[Ocean Girl]

Catalinas are great basic boats, lots cruising and even circumnavigated. The lighter boats tend to be thrown around a bit in heavy seas, but the flip side, they can get to port a little faster than the heavier 30 footers.
Are you single handing?
Other boats to check out are the Tartans, Allieds, Compacs, Ericsons

Have fun,
Erika

[Dos Gatos]

Originally Posted by Sethx

I have been sailing for 7 years

Sometimes you meet people that will say they've been doing such and such for x.x years.

Sometimes it means everyday for the specified period, sometimes it means the first time they attempted such feat was x.x years ago with follow ups at irregular intervals.

In your avatar you're wearing a communications headset? Maybe in a plane? If so you understand the difference between total fight hours and taking your first lesson 5 years ago.

If sailing 50 weekends a year for 7 years you don't need to ask. If several times a season then just add time/experience before buying bigger.

What's the longest trip so far? Ever go ocean in the Columbia? Tested the limits? Really?

In two years (2010-2012) I logged 15k nm ocean miles in a 30+ year old 25ft crap trailer boat.

Anything that will keep you dry and not fall over will do.

Common plan is to acquire equipment when experience is lacking.

Go trans ocean in a 6.5 mini sled and have an experience worth remembering.

30 footers are so common. Bleh.

[Sethx]

awesome Erika. and Dos gatos I would have to agree, but i am also looking to live on it while I am going to college. so I would like to have something a little more room if you know what I mean.

[Capt Phil]

A Catalina 30 would be great to live aboard but taking her to sea, I would think twice about it. The experience that sticks in my mind is ducking into Eureka, CA/Humbolt Bay for beer on a coastal cruise. It wasn't that rough but I was listening to 22 on the VHF as the CG went out to assist a Catalina 30 in to the harbor in about force 7 and 20 foot seas. They towed the couple in to the dock next to me and the hull/deck seam had opened up from about 3 feet aft of the pulpit to well back of amidships, half full of water and everything soaked. I think the woman called a cab and he stayed with the boat. Therefore, not my favorite for off shore or coastal passagemaking nor long term relationship making! Phil

[nimblemotors]

Get one that is bigger.. Which college?