Howdy,
The title should read "<$10K"
Tonight I came across a thread on this forum where a situation was described that I see as an example of an interesting topic or challenge. Let me present the scenario this way:
1.A mature Couple wants to learn to sail a
boat, with eventual desire to buy a big 40 foot
boat to
cruise and
live aboard. They have no experience sailing and have "never owned a boat." So, they are going to take lessons. They are eager to learn to sail, but do not want to buy a big boat yet or to have to pay for slip
fees on a local boat. They are interested in
learning about owning a boat.
2. The couple live far from the ocean and will for a few years be more likely to sail on a lake. So, their sailing conditions will be relatively light winds and no open ocean risks.
_____________
Given this scenario, I thought I would see what kind of small boats were on the market (used) that would prove either fun or good for an entry level sailor, but with the potential for other
learning opportunities or "challenges" such as possible club
racing or even short term (weekend) cruising.
I also thought about some things to consider as desirable for these boats.
1. Potential to find supportive fleets of owners for
advice on
parts,
repairs, upgrades, and general knowledge on the boat
2. Potential for resale of the boat in a few years. I assume here that resale would be easier for a boat with a recognized pedigree and large fleet.
3. Potential for fun and/or comfort. Some boats are fun because they are fast. Some are fun to decorate or make pretty. Some are fun just to look at and to be seen on. Some rare boats have both style and performance. Some have comfort and admirable design.
4. Room for 2 adults and possibly two more teens for crew. Possibility for just two people to comfortably sail the boat and handle the
sails and loading it on a
trailer (remember they don't want to pay slip
fees in a marina).
5. A
cabin top for some privacy and room for a porta potty would be a plus, even on small boats.
6. Potential for a two bunks for sleeping overnight on a weekend
cruise would be a plus, but not a requirement.
7. Under $10,000 to
purchase, including a working
trailer,
sails, and ready to sail (not requiring much
work or refit).
8. I ruled out
dinghy or skiff or extreme boats because they may be fun for one, but seldom for two. Or they may just be too extreme in size or skill required. So, no Moths, no El Toros, and no Lasers or Sunfish. Put another way, since learning how to sail was the goal, I restricted the boats to those that have two sails (main and jib).
_______________
I looked at a bunch of boats and came up with a few that are appealing to me. I have only sailed on one of these (raced on J24s) but would not mind sailing any of them. One is an Olympic class
racer that is a
classic. It is a day sailor and has no
cabin (so no porta-potty) but it is also the lowest cost option (just $1,000). I love the lines on this boat and would love to own one myself. To my eyes it has beauty,
classic lines, and potential for performance and class
racing. It is only $1,000 (with trailer) and to me represents a much better value than many low cost boats I have seen on lists.
Another is a nice little "Pocket Cruiser" that I think would have good potential for the couple to learn about living (over night or weekend) simply in a small space and boat
maintenance.
________________
NOTE: I am
posting this information as a start of a discussion thread. I am
posting links and some descriptive information, but I don't know how to post photos here yet. I have NO financial connection of any kind to any of the sellers or to the website that is linked. I am simply posting these for discussion. I am posting the cost of these used boats so readers can get an idea of what is available for a certain
price point. I have no connection to the sellers.
________________
My hope is that you might also post a suggestion or two for a boat that you feel would fit the criteria up above. Please feel free to post your favorite boats in this category.
_____________________________________
Day Sailor or
Race Boat
Classic Style, Performance, One Design Class Racing, Huge Fleet
Soling
Soling 27 1974. $1,000. (Day sailor, Olympic class one design
race boat)
Soling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Soling 27, 1974, Corpus Christi, Texas, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas, yacht for sale
"wonderfully restored" This boat is road ready with
single axel trailers, sails and
gear to go sailing. A classic and aggressive daysailer and/or club
racer designed by Jan Linge and the Olympic
keel boat from 1972 until 2000. With the self tacking
jib it can be sailed with a full (3) crew or can easily
single handed
___________________________
Day Sailor or Race Boat
Classic Style, Performance, One Design Class Racing, Huge Fleet,
+ Room for Porta Potty and Bunks for overnight. Lacks
headroom.
J24. $3,500
Comes with trailer and
dinghy.
J24, 1980, Decatur, Illinois, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas
______________________________________
Pocket Cruiser ONE
Enclosed cabin with bunks, and porta potty,
Nimble 24
Nimble 24, 1994, Cambridge, Maryland, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas, yacht for sale
Nimble 24, 1994 yawl, $6,500
classic looking
pocket cruiser,
able to take you into every creek and gunkhole on a lake or bay.
draws 16" board up, 3' board down
24 feet length on
deck, small
bowsprit and boomkin
displacement 3000 lbs
8.25' beam, easily trailerable
SA/D 19.43
designer Ted Brewer
tanbark sails in good condition:
jib,
genoa, main, mizzen;
Harken winches
9.9 HP Yamaha, recently overhauled,
electric starter
green topsides, red bottom, yellow accent stripe
dodger in excellent shape
6 opening
bronze ports with screens, 2 hatches,
companionway doors
teak & holly sole, high quality construction throughout
comfortable sitting
headroom; ample
storage
sleeps 4 in forepeak double berth and two 6'4" pilot berths
sink and hand
pump; small table and counter; portapotti
all lights, spare line, plow & danforth ground tackle (2),
cushions, 4 PFDs
_______________________________
Pocket Cruiser TWO
Enclosed cabin with bunks, and porta potty,
Compac 19 (Pocket cruiser) $6,800
ComPac 19, 1985, Peoria, Arizona, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas, yacht for sale
ComPac 19, 1985
"Custom mahogany,
teak and brass accents., boat,
motor and trailer in great condition."
6 HP Suzuki
4 stroke.
sails are in excellent condition
porta potty,
radio and all accessories included.