new to sailing - which boat?

[alexc]

I have recently taken comp crew with my other half, and am currently learning day skip / coastal skip theory by correspondence. Unfortunatly by the time I have finished the course I am more than likely to have forgotten part of what was learnt whilst doing the practical course. I am also eager to get back on the water - and so I have decided that I would like to buy my first boat. Unfortunately I know few people who can really give me advice on the type of boat that would suit, so I was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction. I have thought about things and figure that a trailer sailer will suffice for the moment as it will help to keep costs down, and will be easy enough to handle - whilst still giving me the oportunity to practice sail handling, handling under power etc. I have a budget of about 10k, and will sail with up to 3 others onboard. Any advice/ thoughts would be appreciated - thanks


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[jonjo]

Re: Trailer sailing = extra work

The few trailer sailors I know don't do genuine trailer sailing, for them the trailer is a means to getting the boat near home during the winter. I think the labour effort involved getting a small yacht off the trailer and ready to sail is so great it discourages frequent week-end trailer sailing.

Have you considered the associated cost of upgrading to a 4WD?

> I am also eager to get back on the water

Winter sailing is quite pleasant up to Christmas.

> and will be easy enough to handle

In some respects a 25 footer provides a more forgiving stable platform compared to a smaller tippy lightweight trailer sailor.

Given the current stage of your sailing career you are likely to be moving up after a couple of years so buy something mainstream that is easy to sell. At present 2nd hand boats are selling at a glacial pace unless in pristine condition or priced at a gobsmaking discount.

A 19’ Cornish Shrimper might fit the bill, if cosy day sailing is your objective.

Where is your intended sailing area?

> I have a budget of about 10k

Given the state of the market look at boats up to 15k.

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[Ohdrat]

The best answer is to go and look at lots of boats in your price range.. read up on the pros and cons of the different classes.. all the yachty mags have a large selection of 2nd hand boat tests which you can order ...

Things to consider are trailer sailers mostly require 4 x 4 to trail and take considerable time to launch / rig..

Bilge/Triple/fin/long keels all suite different types of sailing conditions.. if you are based on the east coast or up an esturary fin and long keels are probably not an ideal starting point.. think about a multihull too in these conditions..

look for something solid and forgiving unless you have a dinghy sailing background and don't mind a bit of thrilling tippy stuff..

don't rush into buying a boat.. take your time considering the pros and cons of the different types of boat before shortlisting and keep an open mind... plenty of people have gone out looking for something specific and bought something entirely different..

See if you can get some trial sails on lots of different boats..

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[Sybarite]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Before thinking about buying consider charering for a season. I did this and changed my preconceptions.

If you decide to buy nevertheless;

In your price range I would have a look at a folk-boat. It's a lovely little thoroughbred and sails beautifully. Not a trailer sailer - I am not too keen on them for the reasons mentionned by the others.

John



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[Badger]

You may want to look at a Hunter Sonata or Hunter Duette.

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[Oldhand]

Why don't you join a club, get to know some owner members, go sailing with them, gain practical experience on sailing and boat ownership and then decide what's right for you?

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[LadyInBed]

and fill in your profile a bit. - nm

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[Ohdrat]

Re: Profile

Have to say that without a boat the profile thing seemed a little irrelevant.. didn't fill mine in until I bit the bullet and bought a boat! Wonder if the profile should be more boatless friendly?

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[LadyInBed]

Re: Profile

To know what neck of the woods you live helps:
- Type of boat suited to area
- Suitable clubs in that area
- Invite to come and try


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[KipH]

I'm pretty new to sailing too, but am considering the same question. I would not be keen to sail a boat with water ballast, as many trailer sailers have, as the weight isn't low down enough for real stability. My first boat shortlist is currently Folkboat, Contessa 26, and Sadler 25/26, all of which seem to have a reputation of being easy to sail (and of looking after you if it gets hairy out there). I'm getting associate membership of at least one of the owners clubs in the hope of unbiassed advice and some test sails, as I've not seen any for charter in the U.K.
Hope this helps, and best wishes.

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