Hey everyone, 1st time post here. Ready to
purchase a
used boat in the next year. I am personally comfortable to look around the 30' range, not larger than 40' however. Want
advice on size of first
boat one should own. Background; Started sailing when I was 14 yr. on an O'Day 21 day sailer, with small V berth, exposed
head, nice
teak cockpit railings, etc. Our
outboard was a Seagull.
Fascinated, I built many ship models, read many
books, and built my own (ridiculously box-like)
small boat from
plywood. Tie-Dyed
sails on a gaff rig, and she sailed beautifully! (And my sisters would not get into the
boat with me!) So I grew up most fascinate with boats like this;
1899 CAMPER & NICHOLSON Gaff Yawl Sail Boat For Sale -
I took our O'Day out alone a few times, and in my 20's and 30's sailed on several boats; friends and/or rentals. at 55 yo, I want to
purchase my own.
Sailing feels so intuitive to me, like riding a bike. I can read paper
charts, fix a
halyard and tack with ease.
Docking is a C+, Following channel markers B+, sailing in small craft warnings B+, control of the boat in open
water I'm a solid B. With
deck hands I can approach
docking with ease, but
single handed, would need practice. I have been in boats in horrible tornado
weather, and balmy windless days. Prindles, Hobie Cats go with one
hull up in the air ( in my 30's!) Comfortable on Beanetau,
Morgan OI, Catalinas, etc.
Romantically attracted to Hereshoff, Fairlie, Hinckley, Sparkman & Stephens - any thing Yawl ( but cannot afford these old large beauties I think) .
In reality, I need to not over-commit with
maintenance, but anything below decks I am pretty capable, and love to mess around on the boat on a Sunday afternoon. Would
dock at a good boatyard in the Baltimore/Magothy/Severn region, so
winter storage, stepping a
mast, things like that would be happy to let others do.
Any
advice on being too ambitious? I am way more comfortable on a bigger boat - say a 35' than a 20' open
cockpit daysailer. But the concerns would be; I have never
single handled a self-furling foresail/jib. I've never used lazy jacks, big heavy travelers, and sophisticated winches. I have used
depth finders no problem, but not anything more sophisticated.
I have passed a simple on-line
boating test by the state of
Maryland, with
safety, sail management, buoys and channel markers etc. I have a little certificate, but would imagine seasoned salts would just grin at me.
I'm certain most all of you would share your great advice, and say I should stick with late 80's fibreglass,
sloop rigged, smaller boat like a
CAL 27. What I really want... is a fibreglass yawl with a good amount of bright-work and
classic good
rigging, but with self
furling etc. I have saved for about 3 years for this, and probably should stay in the $10,000 to $20,000
price range. I could go up to $30K if everything was right (including my savings account!). Monthly slip
fees,
maintenance,
repairs,
winter storage,
hull cleaning, periodic maintenance etc. I am good with. But it would be a hit to have to replace a big
Volvo Penta below, or something like that.
I follow Sailnet
forums also fyi. Would like to have great sailing, but also nice overnight accomodates, easy waste holding(?) and off loading. I would think AC while out on the
water sometimes, so a
generator? Well - really just wanna go out sailing alot more now with friends/food relaxing days.
Looks matter to me - lovely waterline, deep overhangs, swallowtail, other details matter. Would not be OK to get a 25'
Catalina, but think a 34" tall rig would feel better.
I know all of you guys and gals are quite thoughtful with your comments, so I thank you in advance.
Ok, advice please?