starter Boat

[Cosney]

I have recently completed basic keel boat instruction. Have sailed with friends enough to know I really love to sail. I was looking to join a club for access to a sailboat, but discovered I could own a boat for the cost of a few years of club membership.

Any advice for a newbie? I was thinking a trailerable boat that can be fairly easily loaded and unladed at the landings, so I don't have to pay the slip fees

I live in MN so I have the apostle Islands and the rest of lake Superior

[sailorboy1]

I started by joining a club and sailed on 33' club boat.

But just so you understand that it has cost on average $12,000/yr (about $4500/yr of that is due to winter storage and summer moorage) to keep my own boat in the water (not counting payments). So when you figure the cost of the club be sure you count all the costs for deciding.

[ElGatoGordo]

A trailer boat is a fantastic option for a typical new user. By definition it's small enough to learn on (I strongly advocate time on small boats to get a real "feel" for sailing) but big enough to enjoy. The cost saving over a marina can be huge. The vast VAST majority of people I know and in my marina use the boat a few times a year!

However, If you're a heavy user like I am, a marina makes sense. I'm at the boat several days a week, and sail usually every week, often 2 or 3 days. THEN the marina makes sense.

[Cosney]

Thanks Don, I have a building to store the boat and I was hoping a boat that I could trailer would still be easy enough to use so that I would not have to moore of pay for a slip.

[Teknav]

A starter boat...Search for a sloop (20-25 ft), preferably less than 10 years old, with a keel of 5 ft or less, decent rigging and with no damage to the hull. You need to sail a few sloops, prior to buying anything. Take your time to shop around and have fun while doing it. A lot old salts on here, give excellent guidance. Let's know about your progress and if you should have any questions. Welcome aboard! Mauritz

[Snore]

It would be useful to know where you plan on cruising. The advice would vary from Michigan to Maine to Florida.

[Cosney]

thanks Gordo, any one have any thoughts on a good (or bad) choices on boats.

[Cosney]

Thanks Taknav, I missed your post before my last one. Snore I live in MN, would be sailing on inland lakes and Lake Superior ,aposal Islands

[ohdrinkboy]

A great way to start is with a trailer sailor. I bought mine 10+ years ago with the intention of moving up and never found the need.

First figure out how you want to use it....race, cruise, daysail, overnight. That will determine requirements.

Make some friends at the local sailing clubs. Ask them about boats they know for sale.

Lots of good used trailer sailboats out there for under 5k.

After you find a few, come back here with a list and we can give you some opinions.

[Snore]

In that case I would look at centerboard boats. Depending on what your long term plans are, consider Norseboats or Sea Pearls. Neither are cheap, but they both trailer and launch well,can be sailed single handed and are well built.

Add some canvas, a camping stove and I've known guys to lie on them for a week or two! If you really want to go low budget, but well founded for where you sail consider these http://www.microcruising.com/pictures.htm

[Greggegner]

We enjoyed sailing on inland lakes until we tried the Grate Lakes, never went back. Trailer boats are fine, but don't get a boat that you will be looking to sell in a year or two. We are on Lake Michigan now, love the sailing, but it is NOT hot, Lake Superior is colder. If you are going to overnight at anchor or even in marinas a cabin boat will extend your season. Try and classify the type of sailor you are; racer, cruiser, long weekends or only day sailing. Also think about who will be sailing with you. We have had two layers on paints, two shirts heavy jacket with a blanket crossing in August and was not hot. Keep us informed looking is lots of fun. I suggest finding an affordable boat club no matter what your boat decision is.

[Mike OReilly]

Hi Cosney, it depends on how, and where, you plan to sail. Also depends on budget. I'm based on Lake Superior as well -- north of you, out of Thunder Bay. I suppose a trailer-sailor would do OK if your plans keep you within the near-shore Apostles, and don't plan to go out for very long, but if you have eyes on anything beyond, then I would look to something bigger: a 26 to 32 footer.

Lots of possibilities come to mind: Bayfield, Pearson, Grampian, C&C, CS, Tartan, Paceship... Many inexpensive options.

[ost]

I have trailer sailer and I love it. I've sailed a lot this year and have used about 1.5 gallons of gas. I just spent my first night on the hook and on a 22' boat it has its own challenges. There is a marked reduction in comfort...

A lot of folks at the marina with 40+ foot boats have told me they are envious of my ability to just go sail even if only for an hour.

[Cosney]

Lots of great advise, I have some soul searching to do. I Think I would be a cruising type sailor, but I am 5 hours away from anyplace I can do that. I was thinking it would be better to lean on a smaller boat, but I can see that for cruising overnight I would want something bigger that 22'

[Teknav]

Hi Cosney! Get your training on a small sloop, without worrying about your sleeping quarter yet. You need to get your sailing maneuvers pat down, and under diverse weather conditions. When you feel confident about your skills, move up to a bigger boat; for the time being, keep your expenses at a minimum. You'll need to charter/sail a few makes and sizes, prior to buying "a trainer boat". Seamanship is a time consuming process; don't rush anything. Update us about your progress. Good luck!
Mauritz