Hello All

[madman960]

My name is Bill. I am in the Marine Corps and currently deployed to Okinawa Japan. I am looking into buying my first boat when I get back stateside. I am looking for a functional boat. It does not need to be perfect but not looking for a basket case either. I would also like it to be blue water capable and no smaller than 25 feet.

I am also looking for advice and info about boating and sailing.

Thank you for your time,

Bill Sobers USMC

[stevensc]

Welcome Bill, it has been about 30 years since I was sailing so won't recommend a boat.
I do thank you for your service!!
This is a great site I'm sure you will get some good feed back.
Steve

[madman960]

Steve,

My pleasure. I already have some ideas. Lurking around trying to find info on the boats I am looking at. Thanks for the honesty.

Bill USMC

[RainDog]

Bill,To help we really need an idea of what your budget is and how you want to use the boat. Weekend cruising with 3 friends? Singlehanding? Racing? Live aboard?

[madman960]

RainDog,

Weekend cruising with friends, singlehanding, and eventually sailing to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. I have 3.5 years active duty left to learn how to sail and do repairs/upgrades. Initial investment of $2,000-$5,000 for the boat. I understand there are more expenses than just purchasing the boat. For my price range, I am looking more for functionality. I was a mechanic/handyman for many years before I joined the military, so I am not afraid to get a boat that needs some cosmetic work as long as it is sea worthy.

Thanks for the reply,
Bill USMC

[RainDog]

In that price range, you are probably going to have to buy a derelict boat and do a large amount of work to restore it. The key to doing this seems to be starting with the right boat. I would highly recommend trying find a mentor to get you started in this. As to what boat to buy, I would recommend this book as food for thought: Amazon.com: Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere (9780939837328): John Vigor: Books.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Bill,
Welcome aboard! Lots of Marines here on the forum. Wait awhile and they'll show up to welcome you aboard.
Thanks for your service. The only time I got to Okinawa was when we anchored in the bay but wouldn't let us ashore. Oh well. Those were the 70s.
After my signature you'll see a couple of websites that might interest you. Just now the cheapest places to buy a boat seem to be Florida and So Cal..
If you are new to sailing "Start Sailing Right!" is a great book.
regards,

[madman960]

RainDog,

I will get that book as soon as I return. I get back no later than Feb 1st.

JohnL,

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will check out those sites and book over the next few weeks.

Bill Sobers USMC