Thanks Richard,
We would be keeping it dry docked on our property since the lakes/rivers
can ice over here, and that leaves me feeling unhappy with keeping the boat
conditioned in it's tip top.

We probably would do day trips, but I would love over nighters. We
aren't on the ocean, but my asperations are to eventually move us near the
coast again. I grew up on Pacific, so I miss the big open ocean.

You've given me a lot to think about! Thanks for giving more questions.
I wanted to ask about insurance, how bad or good has it been with your boat
insured? Did you see a moderate increase or is this an extra expense.

I'll remember that saying. We joked about getting one of these mini
15'11" pirate ships because we do Renaissance and Pirate enactment during
the year, to "sail" at faires with lakes in the centers. Our business there
opening this year pertains to clothing of sea captains, and pirates, etc.
Along with sea shells, and other goods. It's my hope to bring apart of me
that is so important to those that may have never seen the sea.

Thanks for all yoru great questions, I'm going to save your post, so that
I can refer to it as we go through the process. I'm in the "I'm saving"
process currently. I've got some money, but no large amount, but it'll grow.


Thanks!



"rotoryracer" wrote in message
news:u%dNb.65273$8H.106346@attbi_s03...
A great deal in the decision process depends upon what you wish to do in
both the long and short term. What is your budget? Do you wish to
perhaps
sleep on the boat from time to time? Day sail only, or perhaps short
overnight trips (or longer...)? Are you strictly interested in short fair
weather day sails close to a marina? Do you need to be able to trailer
the
boat or will you keep it wet?

My wife and I recently (1.5yr ago) took a sailing class and bought a 1984
25' Catalina with a good complement of sails and intruments for $11K. We
have it in a slip in Texas, and sail year round (but so far not
overnight).
We have participated in a bare boat cruise in the British Virgin Islands
and
now aspire to retire living part of the year on a 'cruiser' sailing yacht
in
the caibbean. We both enjoy sailing. My wife is becoming more confident
driving in higher wind conditions (15-25 MPH). I often solo sail our
boat,
and find that with training and practice it is very manageable for a
beginner.

Regardless of your objectives, my only suggestion is that you purchase a
boat in good 'sail today' condition so that you may slowly learn how to
maintain the standing and running rigging (as I am now doing). That
remind
me,... my boom vang snapped at the shackle last time out so I need to go
fix
it. Remember the old proverb that 'Boats are a hole in the water into
which
you pour money'.

Best regards,
Richard Browning of the sloop "Sun of a Beach"

"Weathered Rose" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hello,
My husband and I live where there are a lot of water ways, rivers
and
lakes that are open to sail boats. Does anyone have any good advice on
what
is a good sized boat for a two person crew from your experiance? I used
to
live on the Pacific and we took out a 15 foot boat, which was wonderful
for
two, but my husband who's never sailed and me who is limited want
something
we can enjoy with little difficulty.

I'm going to take sailing classes for my birthday locally which
should
give me a lot more knowlege of the craft, how to take care of it. The
whole
thing.

Thanks!
Rose