Newbie Boat Selection Advice

[Ferring]

Tico
Yes when I went along to look at the place a few members did warn me getting in and out of the pontoons can be fun:ambivalence:
They do provide in house practical boating training which involves in and out of the moorings and was recommended to me. They also need safety boat crew for the dinghy racing at times which would be another way to gain experience.

 

[jac]

Thanks again to all for the advice.

Dedwards, a few questions please, if you don't mind.
How does the Gibsea 84 handle? Is she forgiving enough for a novice? Does she take drying moorings OK?
Please PM me details of your boat.

We used to own a Gib sea 84. Fin keel.

Build quality is adequate, rather than flash. Might want to try the bunks for size as we found the aft bunk to be too constrained under the cockpit (for example I couldn't lie on my side as no shoulder room) and the fore cabin bunk was too short - I'm 5'11" and SWMBO is 5'4" so a lot of footsie in there.

Sailing performance was good, very responsive to the helm. Decent sail area for her size but needs to be kept reasonably flat to get the best put of her.

Great boats for coastal cruising in good weather. Not sure I'd want to do long distances in one or spend a rainy cold December week in Scotland aboard.