What is the ideal boat for a first time sailer

[ukmctc]

I had a Hunter 701, basic but friendly and we even lived aboard it for 5-6 months, my favourite and most friendly little boat was a Trapper 500 and this little diamond I would recommend for anyone who has never sailed.

What would you recommend?

 

[Seajet]

As long as the novice is reasonably fit and healthy, a sailing dinghy and go out with an experienced bod a few times.

 

[richardbayle]

Wayfarer. Stable, fun for the family, strong class, good racing and great fun.

 

[Seajet]

Wayfarers weigh the same as a small planet ( 420lbs I think ); so require plenty of helpers if getting the thing up a slippery slipway; the capsize behaviour is surprisingly bad for a training boat too, can be a pig to right.

A smaller version like a Wanderer or Leader might be more self sufficient; depending on crew complement a Miracle is relatively light, versatile & cheap.

 

[RupertW]

Apart from dinghies then I'd say small, cheap, pre-bashed, and with a double vee berth for you and partner. The berth is probably the most important feature if you are auditioning for the sailing partner you want to share the dream with, so you don't have to give it all up a few years later when "It's hardly a priority for us this year!"

Anything else from more size, comfort, elegance or performance can wait for boat number 2 when you have found what kind of sailing you really like and with who.

 

[Kukri]

Anything small, simple and cheap - certainly not much over 22ft.

 

[richardbayle]

Wayfarers weigh the same as a small planet ( 420lbs I think ); so require plenty of helpers if getting the thing up a slippery slipway; the capsize behaviour is surprisingly bad for a training boat too, can be a pig to right.

A smaller version like a Wanderer or Leader might be more self sufficient; depending on crew complement a Miracle is relatively light, versatile & cheap.

Nah, wimps. Sailed wayfarers for most of my teenage years from 16 onwards. Capsize, just takes practice, two can pull it up a slip if on a launch trolley. And the big plus you can stand on the side without it tipping over.

Hey ho, take a long look at all the options, get down to your local sailing club or the one you think you'll want to join, see what they're sailing and do some crewing, you'll figure out what's best for you

Whichever boat you choose, you'll have a great time.

 

[Seajet]

I always thought the Wayfarer sailors were the wimps; I prefer demanding performance boats like Ospreys, International 14's, Fireball's and the rest; plenty of capsize experience, and since 1970 have seen plenty of Wayfarers struggle both to right after capsize and getting up a slipway, where I usually was one of the helpers.

 

[Kukri]

I can still singlehand my son's Firefly, and getting her up the ramp is a doddle...

She's also a fun boat to sail - roll tacking up through moorings is just as much fun as a screaming spinnaker reach (imho!)

 

[aquaplane]

What is the ideal new sailor? They (boats) are all a compromise and everyone has different priorities.

Rupert and Minn have it about right, something with the newness worn off, not too big and probably a popular model that will be easy to sell when your needs/ideas/priorities change.

Of course the best answer is the type of boat I started in because I did it the best way and that's obviously the only way.

 

[alant]

I had a Hunter 701, basic but friendly and we even lived aboard it for 5-6 months, my favourite and most friendly little boat was a Trapper 500 and this little diamond I would recommend for anyone who has never sailed.

What would you recommend?

Someone elses!

 

[alant]

Anything small, simple and cheap - certainly not much over 22ft.

Had the same question from my SIL.

Advised & he bought an old (but not knackered) drop keel Jaguar 22.

Not too expensive, dry as a bone inside, stable even with keel up, roller headsail/slab main, so he can bash/scrape/ground etc, without any major tears.

Oh, forgot, sails OK too.

As a complete beginner with reasonable common sense, you are going to make lots of cock-ups whilst learning basic boat handling, so this is one of the ways I would go for.

 

[Seajet]

That's unfortunate !

I've seen several drop keel Jaguar 22's where the hull is so weak it sagged ( permanently ) all around the keel stub when ashore...

 

[alant]

That's unfortunate !

I've seen several drop keel Jaguar 22's where the hull is so weak it sagged ( permanently ) all around the keel stub when ashore...

Yes, yes, we all know your 22' preference is an Anderson shelter.

 

[Seajet]

You'll notice I didn't mention Andersons; what I say about Jaguar 22 drop keelers is based on personally seeing several ashore.

 

[alant]

You'll notice I didn't mention Andersons; what I say about Jaguar 22 drop keelers is based on personally seeing several ashore.

Well, this one doesn't have any weakness around that area.

 

[Seajet]

Well, this one doesn't have any weakness around that area.

Spiffing; might be worth checking and considering some reinforcement, though that would be a serious amount of work.

 

[Kelpie]

I always thought the Wayfarer sailors were the wimps

Fighting talk!
How about a race across the Minch- I'll take the Wayfarer, you take something small and tippy.

 

[richardbayle]

+1

As usual thread gone away a bit, but the most useful advice was "somebody else's"

 

[doug748]

I don't think you are after a dinghy name, but a Mirror 10 is ideal for learning. Loads of reasons, I think we all know them.
For a GRP boat with a sleeping cabin, the only thing that matters is getting an inexpensive deal on a sound ish boat. This sort of thing:

http://www.boatingworldsw.co.uk/#/sail-4/4527685843

The learner can then sell it sharpish when they know what they want. One season and you have had a good deal, any cash return is a bonus. The same kind of logic leads many drivers to run old bangers.