Need advice on first sailboat purchase

[Jacky]

I understand what you said. You underlined the importance of keel boat experience in ocean conditions, which is much more productive and essential for the learning process of a beginner sailor. That was your contribution to the discussion, and I value that - and agree with as well.

I was talking about a completely different matter. Here is what I was thinking. If I am not wrong, Steve and Doris Colgate were using some Solings with lowered performance at their Offshore Sailing School. The Colgates then provided the concept and specifications for Colgate 26, and Jim Taylor designed the boat. That was how Colgate 26 was born and replaced the Solings at Offshore Sailing School - according to my hearsay knowledge.

https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/ar...s-new-builder/

Colgate 26 provides a cabin for portable head, ice box, and optional sink. A great unsinkable trainer / Day Sailer, and something to spend a weekend on. Spade / tiller rudder, fin keel, fractional sloop - has a check for every beginner detail - just like the Soling but much more...

Personally, I don't feel ready for sailing a keel sailboat in ocean conditions yet. I think I'll, at best, enjoy a Hobie 16 for one more summer.

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

Agreed. You need experience to handle one solo.

The learn-to-sail/ASA 101 class at the club I belong to is conducted on Soling 27s. Beginners who learn that way get exposure right away to the choppy conditions of Boston Inner Harbor, which opens to the southeast sea breeze prevalent in the summer. A 27-foot daysailer with a 4.25-foot keel is a better bet for that than a laser.

Of course, the club also has staff at the ready to motor out in Whalers to save these new sailors when they get into trouble. Nice to have those.

But in general, and the point of my contribution to this discussion, is that I'd counsel anyone who wants to learn to sail in the ocean to learn to sail on the ocean. Or at least on a body of water that opens to the ocean. No better way to find out if you like waves, wind, and getting soaked in salt water.

Unless you are lucky enough to learn to sail on the actual ocean on a miniature cruiser because your dad is a fanatic. Then you don't know anything else.

[Jim Cate]

IIRC the Soling does not have a self draining cockpit... or floatation. So, if a newbie sailor manages to swamp one, it sinks. Solings are good boats, but the Colgate sounds far better for the novice to experiment around in. But, what are the prices like? The ubiquitous Catalina 27 is commonly available, inexpensive and like the Colgate, has vestigial systems and accommodation... plenty for week long or more adventures.

And BTW, Stu's recall of his Cat 22 being unsuited for stays on SF bay conflict with mine, for we often spent days aboard and anchored out... and did a month long cruise in teh Canadian Gulf Islands with 2 adults and 2 smaller kids... with no marina stays at all.
Call it water camping if you must, but we called it a terrific vacation cruise.

Jim

[Jacky]

Yes, yes, yes, I've forgotten to mention that Soling 27 isn't self-rescuing - she could be swamped and sunk, a great racer but not a forgiving trainer, I assume. Still, all hearsay info on my end.

I haven't come across a reasonably priced Colgate 26 yet. I've found a plenty of cheap Catalina 22s and even a couple of fairly priced Compac 23s...

I cannot see anything wrong with a Catalina 22 either, a very capable, versatile beginner keel sailboat; I love them.

Well, back to Hobie 16.

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

IIRC the Soling does not have a self draining cockpit... or floatation. So, if a newbie sailor manages to swamp one, it sinks. Solings are good boats, but the Colgate sounds far better for the novice to experiment around in. But, what are the prices like? The ubiquitous Catalina 27 is commonly available, inexpensive and like the Colgate, has vestigial systems and accommodation... plenty for week long or more adventures.

And BTW, Stu's recall of his Cat 22 being unsuited for stays on SF bay conflict with mine, for we often spent days aboard and anchored out... and did a month long cruise in teh Canadian Gulf Islands with 2 adults and 2 smaller kids... with no marina stays at all.
Call it water camping if you must, but we called it a terrific vacation cruise.

Jim

Colgate 26 looks like a really nice boat. Like a Solar, only bigger and better.

This is why I have only one green square.

I surrender.

Jim, as one who spent much of his young life on a Bristol 22, I can relate.

Jacky, if I could take you out on a Soling to help mitigate the hearsay, I would do it.

[Jacky]

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

Jacky, if I could take you out on a Soling to help mitigate the hearsay, I would do it.

Now, that'd be so cool!

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by Jacky

Now, that'd be so cool!

Boston awaits you, Jacky.

The DMF Sailing Experience is always happy to take on board anyone who wants to go.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

Boston awaits you, Jacky.

The DMF Sailing Experience is always happy to take on board anyone who wants to go.

Get him to send you the picture of DMF helming through a bad squall with an extra foulie jacket over his head...

I love that picture!

Resourceful sawlty dawg is our DMF Sailing!


LittleWing77

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Get him to send you the picture of DMF helming through a bad squall with an extra foulie jacket over his head...

I love that picture!

Resourceful sawlty dawg is our DMF Sailing!


LittleWing77

hahaha M, that picture is my signatchah!

Always have two pairs of everything, I always say, and four pairs of shoes!

I hope you're doing well!

[Jacky]

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

Boston awaits you, Jacky.

The DMF Sailing Experience is always happy to take on board anyone who wants to go.

Beautiful photos. You guys had a lot of fun. One day, I'd love to become a sailor, who can sail a Soling 27 like a pro. I'd rather be a master on a Soling 27 than a mediocre on a Colgate 26, just an opinion.

This coming summer, I'll be a Hobie 16 guy. In the next few years, as a first keel sailboat, I have a vague plan in my head: Something used with tiller / spade rudder (transom hung rudder is also ok), outboard motor, fractional sloop, deep fin keel, 20 - 25 ft, and cabin that contains portable head and ice box, nothing else to maintain.

I wish I lived close to Boston, such a gorgeous place.

Once a good friend of mine invited me over for a beer. I ended up living on his couch for two-and-a-half years.