Virgin Post

[Friendofaboatowner]

Sorry, not a service for would be suicide bombers, just my first post on the forum.

It's not an original request either as I'm looking for direction and information for getting my first boat.

My intention is to create a list of likely candidates for my first boat, try and sail as many of them as possible to eventually move on to purchase. This will take some time which, going by comments on the forum is the best way to avoid disappointment.

I'm looking for a boat which is ideal for a first boat, can be sailed single or short handed,West Coast of Scotland is my preferred sailing area to where I live. The boat is going to be used for cruising but I'm not looking for facilities for liveaboard but, reasonable headroom, some galley facilites and a useable seatoilet.

Not really looking for dinghy performance either, I'm new to sailing so I want to have a good time and not get into something which is too much.

Budget is a consideration so that limits what is available due to marina costs and other ongoing etc. So, trying to be realistic would a Beneteau First 25 be suitable?

Cheers

 

[DJE]

That's a huge question. Provide a bit more background and you might get a few more replies. What is the budget? What sort of boats have you sailed before?

Oh and welcome to the forum.

 

[snowleopard]

Virgins should be posted in the Lounge.

Before suggesting boats with headroom it might help to know how tall you are and what you think of as 'reasonable'. One man might be happy with 4 ft sitting headroom, another might be 6'4" and want to stand upright throughout.

You might also indicate whether your budget is say under £5k or over £50k.

 

[Sybarite]

Sorry, not a service for would be suicide bombers, just my first post on the forum.

It's not an original request either as I'm looking for direction and information for getting my first boat.

My intention is to create a list of likely candidates for my first boat, try and sail as many of them as possible to eventually move on to purchase. This will take some time which, going by comments on the forum is the best way to avoid disappointment.

I'm looking for a boat which is ideal for a first boat, can be sailed single or short handed,West Coast of Scotland is my preferred sailing area to where I live. The boat is going to be used for cruising but I'm not looking for facilities for liveaboard but, reasonable headroom, some galley facilites and a useable seatoilet.

Not really looking for dinghy performance either, I'm new to sailing so I want to have a good time and not get into something which is too much.

Budget is a consideration so that limits what is available due to marina costs and other ongoing etc. So, trying to be realistic would a Beneteau First 25 be suitable?

Cheers

I originally wanted to buy a 27'/28' and was advised to go to 30'. That made all the difference in terms of comfort because you can have full standing headroom. I chartered a 29' before and could only stand upright under the main hatch. I believe that it is a very good compromise size:- cost : comfort : performance.

PS Another suggestion : don't limit your search to boats in the UK; you can have a much wider selection.

 

[SHUG]

You are the first virgin I have come across in 40 years. What are your hobbies and interests and what is your bust measurement. Its all very exciting!!!!!!

 

[Kelpie]

Bit daft to narrow yourself to a particular model of boat. They're all good, one way or another!

I thought I wanted a quarter tonner but ended up buying a Vega because it was for sale locally- and am extremely happy with her.

 

[Quandary]

Yes, just keep looking around until you see something that really takes your fancy and that you can afford. You will be changing again in a couple of years as you decide what you really want to get out of sailing and boat ownership, and you will be better informed then, if you buy something that is in demand you will pay a bit more but you will not lose any money on it. Just avoid 'projects' until you know more about it.
If you want to sail but do not want to own a boat there are more crewing opportunities than you will ever be able to take up.
I have noticed this winter, that around here, more than half the local boats seem to be on the market, with owners talking of giving up, this despite the relatively low cost of mooring and winter storage locally, however buyers seem to be very scarce indeed. There is no doubt that things are changing and there will soon be a glut of older cheaper boats that are not being used cluttering up the yards and moorings

 

[Monique]

My 2 bits worth..

Depending on your life skills, getting the boat you want first time out may not be a bad idea.

For instance, factor in budget, technical DIY skills and experience as a sailor and a few other dynamic endeavours and yes, you can buy a 46 footer.

No regrets, great sailing and no scapes or groundings....

After you determine the size of your stash, find the nicest boat which fits your profile.

Type A personality??? Go for a fast boat perhaps?

 

[Lakesailor]

Lots of people change their first boat quite quickly when they refine their requirements.
So don't get too hung up on getting it right straight away.

 

[V1701]

Go for something relatively easily resellable if you can for your first one, as someone else said though you will be more restricted for choice due to your location than you would say in the Solent. I bought a modern (Jeanneau) 30 footer for my first, sold at a significant profit a year later, then bought an Albin Vega (27ft). Happily lived on both boats full time...

 

[floebs]

In a similar situation as yourself, except I just bought my first boat - a 27ft long keeler - I'm seeing her as a first step... something to get me more time on the water, to learn about boat ownership, rather than just sailing, and to test out what I like and dont like, which (hopefully) should stand me in good stead for my next purchase! Maybe, its about just buying a boat, and then seeing how she goes!

Things I'm liking about mine so far: full headroom, largish/deep cockpit, decent galley area. The things that need work: heads compartment is a little small, the seating/berthing layout in the saloon a little funky, and the electrics need a serious overhaul. But other than that, I'm loving the move into 'owning' rather than just sailing! Good luck in your search!!

 

[Friendofaboatowner]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll keep looking and I will not restrict my search to the local area. The boat I referred to, venereal First 25 is available locally and in budget. Does anyone have any comments on it's suitability as a first boat for cruising and increasing my sailing experience?

I might also look into crewing to save money but, ownership is part of the experience too!

By the way I on response to the question of my chest size, 46" and 6 ft tall and particularly ugly as a woman;-)

 

[Monique]

A First 25 is a very nice vessel. The First series from Beneteau is their "performance" group.

If you have doubts about your abilities, spend some moolah on training

GL

 

[Lakesailor]

venereal First 25

I'd avoid anything with a socially transmitted disease

 

[Victoria Sponge]

Our first bigger boat was a First 21. We had it for one season and then bought a Beneteau 323 Oceanis.

The First was a bit too lively for what we wanted, plus we really needed something with a bit more room. Have a look at the Oceanis range.

 

[FullCircle]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll keep looking and I will not restrict my search to the local area. The boat I referred to, venereal First 25 is available locally and in budget. Does anyone have any comments on it's suitability as a first boat for cruising and increasing my sailing experience?

I might also look into crewing to save money but, ownership is part of the experience too!

By the way I on response to the question of my chest size, 46" and 6 ft tall and particularly ugly as a woman;-)

I like them. I used to race against one in my Evo25 and had to bite my lip at pot presenting time more often than not.

 

[alan_d]

It is a good idea for a first boat to choose a popular model produced in reasonable numbers rather than a more unusual, niche vessel. You won't know your true requirements until you have owned your boat for a while. The balance of probability is that your requirements will be similar to most other people's, so the popular boat will suit. If, however, you discover that you are a niche-boat person, it will be much easier to sell a popular boat and buy an unusual one than to do it the other way round.