Is this a good first boat??

[tikirawker]

1984 Doberplast F.F41 sailboat for sale in Florida

What would be the pros and cons of this boat?

[vjm]

What is your sailing experience? What do you want to do with the boat? Where is your primary sailing ground?

I think a rare build with 7' draft and a Bukh diesel for 65k sounds like a poor choice, but that is for me in my shallow draft area. Also seems to need sails ($$$$).

[tikirawker]

Originally Posted by vjm

What is your sailing experience? What do you want to do with the boat? Where is your primary sailing ground?

I think a rare build with 7' draft and a Bukh diesel for 65k sounds like a poor choice, but that is for me in my shallow draft area. Also seems to need sails ($$$$).

I am a beginner level sailor.
We will be cruising from central west Florida to the Keys and Caribbean.
Although I thought I saw a bunch of sails listed in the inventory.
My concern was safety and ability to keep me on the water.
(I want to have fun while I learn and enjoy my time sailing as my skills improve...)

[boatman61]

She looks a very nice, well equipped boat.. not a design/marque I am familiar with however the Italians make a few nice boats..
The draft would not concern me overmuch.. that's why I carry a dinghy..

[Ribbit]

Originally Posted by tikirawker

I am a beginner level sailor.
We will be cruising from central west Florida to the Keys and Caribbean.
Although I thought I saw a bunch of sails listed in the inventory.
My concern was safety and ability to keep me on the water.
(I want to have fun while I learn and enjoy my time sailing as my skills improve...)

With areas like Central West Florida to the Keys and Caribbean, and a 7ft draft, I'd check out the most likely routes/anchorages/etc that you'd use with the boat, here (sonar button bottom left of screen):

Navionics Webapp

If the survey was good (check keel and keel bolts thoroughly for any prior contact damage), the draft no real obstacle for you, and it's in your price range to buy and maintain properly, it certainly seems worth a close look.

I am a bit biased about draft though, and the boat I am getting has a 4.2 ft draft - anything for an easier life - and boatman61's comment about a dingy is quite pertinent.

Good luck with it, I hope it exceeds all your expectations.

PS Yes I saw 6 sails in good condition listed.

[Paws]

As others have said the draft may be an issue (or may not). I took 7'+ through the Bahamas. You can't get everywhere but you can get to a lot of places. The keys... yikes.

Pretty boat.

No idea on your experience, condition of boat, preferences, etc. It is a bit of a crapshoot as it is certainly not a well known brand. Could be a bargain, could be awful. As a first boat I just don't think you know enough to go too far from mainstream.

If it was owned by a skilled cruiser it could be great. If it was owned by some knucklehead who didn't have a clue, well...

Just my $0.02. But it is a pretty boat.

John

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by tikirawker

I thought I saw a bunch of sails listed in the inventory.

Yes, there are indeed 'a bunch of sails' included.
They might be in good enough shape, they might need replacement (muchos $$$).

This wouldn't be my choice, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be yours.

You asked about "safety and ability to keep me on the water".
Safety and staying afloat is less depending on the boat the boat as it is the skipper - meaning, a not-so-good skipper will be less safe on a great boat then a great skipper on a not-so-good boat.

I'd learn a little about boats and sailing before buying a boat so you have some idea as to what to look for, and what to avoid. And what certain replacements / upgrades will cost you.

[MC2019]

That is a good looking boat, pending survey of course. Probably not for some one who is still learning though. If you are learning I will tell you what I tell all my students who dream of cruising.

Go by a trailer able 20-25 foot boat and run in to things with that. Probably be able to still sell it what you bought it for and then go bye something bigger.

[Chrisgo]

Looks nice. A surveyor will find things that need to be addressed. In many cases of 30 year old boats - he will find enough things that will turn you off. Or maybe not - depending on your level of sanity . The nice thing about learning on your own boat is that you can hire an instructor and practice on our own schedule. Plus you learn how to sail the boat your going to live with.

[The Garbone]

I would hate to have that sucker bash into my boat, may leave a mark. I think it is better to learn parking a smaller boat before moving up to something of greater displacement.

[puffcard]

Bet she sails great and good thing with 20gal fuel tank. I carry more fuel than that on my 17ft runabout.

[k1netic]

Hey everyone,

Sorry to bring this back to the top but the vessel is STILL for sale, on the hard in Riverside marina in Fort Pierce. Did anyone ever go look at this and have it surveyed?

It's probably not a good sign it's been for sale so long but it's position on the hard means it's very difficult to get back in the water so this may be the reason rather than any defects.

Let me know if anyone has been near it.

Thanks

Josh

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Josh.

[Razoo]

Originally Posted by tikirawker

My concern was safety and ability to keep me on the water.

Better check those through hulls.

[shadow]

As everyone said, depends on your overall sailing experience. Seems like a very capable boat.. Draft is a bit iffy, especially if you want to go to the bahamas, but everywhere else, should be be close enough... Check out the obvious stuff, thru-hulls, battery, engine, alternator, etc.. That's the obvious stuff you can see including running/standing rigging, etc..

I loved sailing around the Carib.. easy enough and always close enough to somewhere.. It would be great training for you if you are needing some extra water time and getting to know the boat.. Good luck with it!!