The First Boat...Help

[camartins77]

Hi all

I'm new to sailing!
Got the bug last May and since then did a dinghy sailing course and the Competent Crew one. Will soon start my shore based Day Skipper.
I can't yet afford to buy and maintain the boat I want - just a Hurley 22, but I also don't want that to stop me for sailing with my partner when the next season starts! I know I can always join a club and use the dinghies there or hire one, what I might do anyway!
What I really need, or so I think, is a small (14' up) sailing boat, not heavier than 600Kg, that I can tow to my 106 and take everywhere! If it can handle a 2hp outboard even better! I can only think of the GP14 as they are quite cheap but am wondering if anyone knows of something else. The idea would be to get the tent, the boat and explore some rivers and some carefully chosen coastal areas.
Something with a cabin would be even better and not as wet as a dinghy so that I don't scare my lady on the first day! Something like a Wayfarer or even a Leisure 17 (any opinions?) day sailing boat on a really tight budget! Any known places to get bargain boats?
Unfortunately I don’t have the space to build one as well!
I've also heard of the Stowaway boats but am yet to get info re prices!
Any ideas? Help please!
Thanks a lot

C A Martins


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

Try a Lysander 17. That's what I started with.

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[phanakapan]

Encourage your lady to do Competent Crew and Day Skipper as well- you will have enough on your plate without having to teach her yourself. The more knowledgable she is , the less scared she will be.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Little_Russel]

Keep an eye out for a Sailfish 18. Lifting keel. Little cabin. 4 hp outboard probably. Sails well. Large safe cockpit. Will not be much money. There is also an owners assoc. All the best.

<hr width=100% size=1>Sail the Se7en seas...

 

[Twister_Ken]

Wanderer - lighter alternative to the Wayfarer. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.wanderer.org.uk/>Owner's Association </A>will rent you a tent when you want to go camping.

Add a streel centreplate for increased stability.


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[philwebb]

Look at the Skipper 17 - a well designed trailer sailer. Twin lifting keels- will sleep 2,
bunks go under cockpit seats. Roller reefing genoa, main rolls round boom. Will take
an outboard up to 4hp. Chemical toilet, 2 burner cooker slides under cockpit sole.
Good if not very fast sailing. I went across the Channel in mine and have been from
St Malo to Jersey. There is an owners association and the boat is back in production
under a different name same shape but with an outbord well. I had a lot of fun with
mine -definitely worth a look.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[pegasos]

I would strongly endorse the suggestion to get your partner involved and qualified. I surprised my wife with a 2 week day skipper practical/theory course. A year later we were living aboard in the Med where we have been for the past 2 years. Best 500 quid I have ever spent.
On the other hand we have a friend with an Oyster 55 and a wife who refuses to go on board - his life is a misery!

<hr width=100% size=1>