Update: Choosing first boat.

[TangaraToo]

Thought I'd give a little update to this thread as so many offered helpful advice.....
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?409840-How-do-you-choose-your-first-boat&highlight=
Taking on board all the comments about deciding how I would really use the boat etc. I came to the conclusion it would have to be around 30' with a reasonable performance and the comfort that might just tempt SWMBO. Looking long and hard at the running costs versus the amount of time I would spend on the boat the sums didn't look too good. Hence, I was starting to doubt boat ownership was right for me.
Then as luck would have it I found someone who owned an Achillies 9mtr who wasn't sailing her enough to justify the cost so was looking for a shared cost partner.
Long story short, we chatted on the phone then met up yesterday to move the boat from the Blackwater round to the Colne to lay her up for 3 months. A very enjoyable day was had albeit not as straight forward as it could have been. Helmed the boat from start to finish. We got on well and I now have a boat to use that matches what I think I needed.
Thanks again to all for their input. I could have made a bit mistake without.

 

[Kelpie]

Well done, sounds like a good step, sharing risks and costs, with the other partner presumably in a strong position to offer help and advice.
Any plans for next season?

 

[AndrewB]

Wow, that was quick! Excellent decision. There's a ton of advice around here about managing boat-shares, you always have to be careful just in case it goes sour. A contract is good. As many pointed out to your original post, your first boat should be regarded as a learning experience. Plan on the basis that you may well want to move on in a couple of years' time.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Good idea.I looked at an Achilles9 and was impressed with the design,but it was a bit neglected so I bought something else.Enjoy.

 

[TangaraToo]

Any plans for next season?

Sail together when both free. Alone or with friends/family if not. Possible trip across to Belgium is on the cards

Wow, that was quick! Excellent decision..

Yep, sometimes things do fall in to place.

I looked at an Achilles9 and was impressed with the design

Only sailed for a couple of hours but was impressed with her handling. Very easy to balance sails to keep helm light and certainly seemed to point well.
Interior is nice/comfortable. Looking forward to spending weekends aboard next season.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Well, another East Midlander!

There's a few of us around in the Northampton, Nottingham, Peterborough triangle.

Congrats on the boat share... hope its great fun for you!