New member from Nature Coast of Florida

[Flawoodsy]

Hello,

I am in the early planning stages of chartering, to gain experience before I buy a boat myself. I have some limited sailing experience on a Catalina 25 and a bennataeu first42. I have been boating all my life, but mostly saltwater fishing on powerboats, and the typical skiing and hanging out on lakes that people do in Florida.

Glad to be here to learn some new things.

Matt

[hobopacket]

Welcome aboard!
My vote. Get yourself something small to start learning maintaining, repair, sail trim and whatnot on your own boat. Start with something cheap like a Catalina 22 or 25. You can have one for the price of some charters.
Just my .02. Nothing like the pride that comes with your own boat as you probably know.

Then a c22 or 25 you can likely get rid of for the same price you bought it maybe a bit less. But you have access at anytime! Not just when you charter.

[Flawoodsy]

I have been thinking about this option as well. In my current house the waterway coming in is just too shallow for most any sailboat, and there is a bridge. With my job I don't have time for another boat, I already have one to maintain. I do however, get vacation a couple times a year and a family member who has a license to charter, so I thought that would be a good way to get my wife into sailing.

We are looking down the road at relocating to a deep water canal when we can find the right place, then for sure I will be in the market for exactly what you sugggested!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Matt.