Nubie

[Packrat456]

Hello everyone,
I am totally new when it comes to boating. My wife and I want to learn to sail. We also want a live aboard sailboat that we can sail anywhere once we have learned enough to travel abroad.
We are interested in something that is roomy (we have 8 children), perhaps something that can sleep 8? My wife wants deck living space (not sure if there is a sailboat like this).
I would like something between 40' to 50' in length that is sturdy and has a good safety record.
Open to all suggestions and any advice on sailing schools?

[HopCar]

Welcome aboard Packrat. Eight kid! Your wife needs to take you to the vet and get you fixed.

I’d guess you should be looking at big catamarans but others who know more than me will be along with more knowledgeable suggestions.

By the way, packrat tendencies don’t mix with living aboard.

[SSgtPitt]

Lord! 8 kids? On a boat?
A Catamaran will give you the space you need. A Trawler also and without all the complications and expense of sailing.
A 40-50’ monohull is going to have a long learning curve and will be pricey to maintain and pull into a marina.
Take your whole family out on an overnight sail charter......on open water, then go boat shopping. It ain’t like all the videos you’ve been watching.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Packrat.

[Packrat456]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Welcome aboard Packrat. Eight kid! Your wife needs to take you to the vet and get you fixed.

I’d guess you should be looking at big catamarans but others who know more than me will be along with more knowledgeable suggestions.

By the way, packrat tendencies don’t mix with living aboard.

I've seen the vet and he fixed that... Lol
And my packrat tendencies are not that strong anymore. My wife and I want only what we can pack in a suitcase.

[Packrat456]

So is it more expensive to own a sailboat than to pay for fuel costs on a trawler?
The room for 8 is just for like an overnight trip. Out of the 8 kids only 3 still live at home.

[Tillsbury]

Depends how far you go, and how well you maintain your boat I guess.

A budget is going to help here. You are currently somewhere between four figures for a beat-up old 40' monohull to seven figures and upwards for a new 50' catamaran. Ongoing costs will vary similarly.

[Packrat456]

I've been looking at ones that are structurally sound, as I am a carpenter/cabinet maker and can redone anything that is cosmetic.