Hi jds
If you are just starting out and will not often have crew you probably don't
want a boat much over 30 feet. Dan's idea of starting small and working up
is a good one except that you may find it difficult to live comfortably on
some of these smaller boats. Something like a Pearson 28, C&C 29, Catalina
30 might fit the bill. I think these are reasonably easy to sell at a later
date. You wouldn't want to take one of these to Hawaii but could harbour
hop up the coast. If you are going to do a lot of singlehanding a boat with
roller furling and an autopilot will make this a lot easier. I don't really
agree with Dan about starting on a dingy. In my opinion, capsizing and
being dumped into cold water is not an integral part of sailing. It may
turn you off and it most likely will not interest your girlfriend. I
basically learned to sail on J24s and I think these are sensitive enough. I
wouldn't recommend anything but a keelboat to a newcomer. I would recommend
taking a couple of ASA courses in your home area. You will learn much
faster than if you try on your own and you might find some crewmates. Take
your girlfriend along. If you are presently compatible in everything, but
sailing is a question mark, its probably a lot easier to get her into
sailing than to start all over again with someone else.
Good luck and remember, its supposed to be fun.
"jds" wrote in message
news:35N%c.16498$aW5.15058@fed1read07...
hi gordon, and thanks for the reply. as far as sailing experience, i have
none. have been on a few , but was never driving the boat, just riding. i
plan on taking some lessons and sail around in the bay for a while untill
i
am comfortable enough with my skills to go out of the breakwater. im not
on
any particular schedule, so time frame doesnt really matter.
i wont have any experienced crew. im ready to make the move, but not sure
if
my present girl friend is or not. if she does, fine , if she doesnt, ill
find one who is. i wont be going off on any long trips alone. i will be
doing a lot of single hand sailing. if the weather is good, and i want to
go
out and practice a bit, im not going to wait for somebody to decide if
they
want to go along or not. im going.
i think most of my sailing will no doubt be coastal, with the occasional
trip to oregon, possibly alaska, possibly hawaii. more often to mexico, or
santa barbara, san diego etc. just screwing around in general and enjoying
myself and significant other. being as worthless as possible, other than
tending to the boat etc.
anyway, going to fly to lax in a couple three weeks and go hit some
marinas
and get a little better idea of what im looking at and what i think my
requirements will be. should be fun and informative. get out of the heat
for
a couple days. while i think a coastal boat may suffice, i also want one
stout enough to cruise in if the feeling grabs me.
thanks again to all for the advice. it is most appreciated. best regards,
j.d.
"Gordon Wedman" wrote in message
news:NFq%c.155425$X12.69348@edtnps84...
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