Buying my first boat, thoughts?

[robert sailor]

I'd buy the Tanzer if it was my first boat. First off its Canadian built which just means its better, LOL. Mostly because its a good simple boat that won't break the bank if its in decent shape to begin with and it will allow you to learn at a better pace. Its also reasonably stiff so it will do quite well in a blow. Very roomy for an older 28 as well.

[strqaightv8]

The tanzer is what I was initially leaning towards, its a good price for a good boat that doesn't need much repair, just personal modifications. It also seems, for the time being, it's more than enough boat for just me, the only thing turning me off to the 34 was I felt it was a little large for a first boat, and a little unnecessary. Would all that extra space be great for entertaining family and friends? Absolutely, but I'm trying to make myself happy, not them

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

I'd buy the Tanzer if it was my first boat. First off its Canadian built which just means its better, LOL. Mostly because its a good simple boat that won't break the bank if its in decent shape to begin with and it will allow you to learn at a better pace. Its also reasonably stiff so it will do quite well in a blow. Very roomy for an older 28 as well.

And... its capable of taking you to the Islands and beyond.. like Europe or across to the Pacific..

[robert sailor]

Sailboats can be a real money pit if you make a poor decision so if the Tanzer is in the best shape of you're choices then it makes sense. You'll appreciate single handing a boat that is easier to handle plus those were a sturdy little boat. Make sure you get a survey before you finalize your deal. Good luck!

[strqaightv8]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll let you know how it goes after I take a look at em

[CruisingCouple]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

Bigger is better. Plus the Cal is two three steps up as a sailboat.

Why would bigger be considered better? Doesn't it make a difference how many people will be on it? We recently went from a 22 foot to a 37 foot and I'm a little concerned about being able to single hand the 37. My wife and I can sail it ok as a team, I'm not worried about that. But it remains to be seen if we'll be able to each sail it by ourselves if one of us gets sick or something when we're on a passage.

I think I personally prefer a smaller boat, as long as it has enough room for the number of people on it.

I noticed other people talking about the tiller vs wheel. Our old boat had a tiller. The new one has a wheel. I think I prefer a tiller too. It's a lot simpler and does not take up so much room in the cockpit.

[CruisingCouple]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Not keen on wheel steering.. if the AP screws up its a real drag at the wheel for long spells..

The autopilot for a tiller is much simpler too. I have seen people with Ray Marine ST1000 or ST2000 and they are really simple to install and they work pretty good.

The autopilot on our Hunter 22 was just a rope with a set screw on it to lock the tiller in place (can't remember the brand of that thing - Tiller Tamer or something like that). We used that thing all the time and it worked pretty good. The boat would hold a line just fine with it and it made it really simple to single hand the boat and not have to mess with the tiller extension.