In search of unbiased opinion.

[Nigeldownes]

Re Mine didn't have a Hallberg but did stump up for a Moody and said come on let's sail off round the world.

...........................................

She got a sister by any chance????

 

[MoodySabre]

Trident looks like a good first boat - just a little on the small side - even an extra couple of feet makes a big difference - particularly in the Thames Estuary 'chop'. Three comments I would make from the perspective of someone who has upped the stakes - from a cooking point of view an oven is a huge benefit compared to just two hobs and secondly - headroom. After a few years of not being able to stand up below decks and banging my head, you can't beat decent headroom. Finally - whatever engine it has make sure it is reliable and look after it because when you really need it there will be little alternative. A bit of TLC is easy but dodgy engines are a nightmare.

Big tip for new sailor - if you wear a baseball cap then use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the button on the top. The only time I have really hurt myself is banging my head hard and driving that plastic button into my scalp.

 

[tcm]

ooh, i completely disagree

In my humble opinion you shd buy a boat about three times more than you think you can afford. That way it may be even nicer than your house (hence no problem encouraging family along) AND there is added pressure to get the hang of it. Loads of 20-30 foor long boats are for sale - cos if they like it ooh well sell and get a bigger boat. But even if they love it...well, they sell it and get a bigger one too. So cut out the financial damage of boringly trading up and go straight for admittedly quite horrific hit of a fifty footer straight out. The main thing you learn on a small boat is they are slower and not as comfy or nice as big boats.

 

[thailand69]

I could tell you, but you won't listen /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Go onto Yachtworld.com and search for a boat in your price range (and with B/k's) and choose a model that makes you think "she looks nice"............if she "looks nice" you will forgive her most other shortcomings.

That's why they are called "she"............. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[BrightonBecki]

And if cost really is a problem you could always consider a Yacht-share for a year, much cheaper and sometimes without the maintanence costs etc...Plus over this time you could draw up a more definative list of 'wants' for when you take the plunge.
Plenty of different ways to do this, but nothing a bit of googling won't sort out - each option has its pros and cons of course, but its a good way to have access to a boat without the commitment, especially if you're new to the sport.
Not quite as exciting as having your own though /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chrissie]

Well I am female, I am on my second yacht now, I got the bug in exactly the same way as you have, I also have five female friends who have their own boats, and they are as capable of maintaining and repairing them as I am.

Start with a little boat and work your way up to bigger ones, dont worry, there are loads of girls who will love the fact that you have a boat so you neednt be lonely, and loads of them are perfectly capable. enjoy!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Dating Agency

Maybe you can effect some introductions!

 

[CalmSkipper]

Been through exactly the same with many twists before final decision in December.....if you don't know yet it's because you don't know yet. Keep working at it, thinking about what you want from it, finding out more etc - you'll know when you know. Good luck

 

[Lakesailor]

I don't know why you've brought up global warming on this thread, so I shall ignore that part in my response entirely.
Whilst it is quite true that some people start with pretty big boats it is rather like buying a nearly new 5 series as your first car. You miss out on all those important learning excercises that banger drivers have.
Who would miss out on the valuable lesson of hitting an electric fuel pump on their Austin 1100 with a shoe every 3 miles?
and who would want a boat with an engine that starts easily at the turn of a key?
Why would you want a boat with headsail furling that works first time every time.
Are you suggesting that our virgin fools himself into believing that things work the way they are supposed to?

I think not. I rather think you are tempting me to start a thread on the threat that we face with ...................................................... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[davidfox]

That Trident looks very good, its particularily important to have a reliable engine and that one is nearly new (especially on the Thames), I had a Beta on my first boat, a great engine. It will cost you something to get it down from cumbria tho, - essential to get a survey out of the water. As an ex Westerly owner I think they all take some beating.

 

[Cloona]

I learnt to sail between Greenwich and Erith and then progressed up the East coast - Queenborough, Crouch etc -

I like my boats small and cheap - but do give it a whirl and you'll be fine -.

ladies lurve it -

top romantic anchorage - Harty Ferry on Sheppey -

the best days ever are coming your way -

- I managed to smash a hole in my topsides on a bouy on a
sunny windless day - first time out - you live and learn - don't be too intimidated by the certificates and clubs and experts -

- everything you ever need to know about anything is in
Cruising Under Sail by Eric Hiscock -

 

[Evadne]

As someone who is still on his first boat could I offer two words of advice:

1) Buy the biggest you can afford. This was sage advice when bigger than 32 foot was millionaire's territory, so don't take it to extremes. (Sorry Matt).

2) If you're going to trade up, do it within three years or you never will. Like I said, I'm still on my first boat, after 22 years, and if you want me to go on at length about how she is the most wonderful and perfect boat anyone could hope to own, I can. Trading up is like selling the family dog so you can get a better one, and the more you know her, the harder it is.

 

[CalmSkipper]

Anyone want to buy a dog?

 

[peterb]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it prudent to get a bilge keel as I am in Greenwich and want to use the yacht club facilities,

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're in Greenwich then go and have a word with the Cruising Association's Crewing Service. It will give you access to many different types of boat. They are at Limehouse, in easy reach via the DLR.

 

[Nigeldownes]

I am going to go visit erith yacht club, I like the Greenwhich club but I would like to be nearer to the sea????.

Some Greenwhich guys think I should buy and old snapdragon 21 £2k as (owing to the strong tides) I will probably bash the hell out of my first boat.

 

[MoodySabre]

Snapdragons are built like tanks - I started with a 26. Lots have been re-engined.

 

[Daedelus]

Our first boat was Moody 31, I'd looked at smaller ones (price) but SWMBO said since she was coming too she wanted a bit of comfort and couldn't take the language when I hit my head on the smaller ones with lack of headroom.

The 31 sailed well, coped with rough conditions very well, taught us a lot and gave us loads of fun. We finally sold her to a couple who had a friend who was an instructor and threatened never to sail again with them if they bought a new Ben, Jen, Bav etc as he felt they'd be safer and happier in something well built and able to sail well. They too had a ball.

I'd recommend something older, (if you're learning you'll bang into something - come to think of it even experienced sailors do that too!) it'll be cheaper and the wrench on parting won't be quite so great and best of all - all the wretched maintenance you'll have to do will add immeasurably to your skills. There's nothing like no wind and the engine overheating when you're near the Needles to concentrate the mechanical fault finding skills. (Hose had perished for those interested).

Finally, absolutely no sympathy, it's a drug and you're hooked. Welcome to the addicts club.