Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#26
posted to alt.sailing.asa
|
|||
|
|||
single handling crusiers
wrote in message ... jlrogers±³© wrote: All my life I've "dreamed" about retiring on a boat and sailing from here to there, as the spirit moves me. However, my only experience is some lake sailing, a little Gulf of Mexico experience, and four years on a destroyer in the navy. And, except for a couple of years in the 90's, most of my sailing was done 35 years ago. Actually, the Navy experience can be valuable. For example, the way the Navy handles dock lines is far better than the way most cruisers do. 'Dipping the eye' and apply chafe gear are just two examples. I have now retired and I signed up for a series of ASA lessons at a school in Kemah, TX, just to bone up and get my feet wet, but haven't started yet due to Ike. My plan is to take the lessons, join a sailing club, and spend some time afloat to see if the passion dissolves in the salt spray. That's an excellent plan, it can be fun too. You may find a berth crewing on a passage or delivery; best way to see if you really like it. Assuming it doesn't, I will want to acquire a relatively inexpensive cruiser for step 2. I.e., learning to live aboard, maintain the boat, and sail alone with confidence. Singlehanding is over rated IMHO. Contessa Westerly (Konsort) Endeavour 32 Plan A Cape Dory Crealock (Pacific Seacraft) Island Packet Any of those would be great boats *if* properly equipped & maintained. The Cape Dory will be the least roomy, the Endeavor the most roomy. The Crealock would be my pick for heavy weather sailing but then I'd prefer to avoid bad weather offshore. Don't underestimate the importance of draft. If you have a deep keel, you will be locked out of many desirable places on the South East coast. My preference is about 4' draft or less, but that will necessitate either a centerboard (which is a maintenance item) or severely compromising windward ability. Another caveat- if you're looking into an older boat, the level of maintenance & upgraded equipment will be far more important than the brand name stamped on the coaming. It would be easy to spend $60k outiftting a small cruising boat... and not necessarily getting any "fancy stuff." Island Packets are great boats... roomy, well built, good sailing characteristics... Cape Dories are built like tanks and good sea boats too. No core worries! Contessa 32 is a legendary boat Which brings me to my question: what boat would you recommend for the live aboard trial? Something no older that say 1983, between 28 and 35', a sloop, that could be bought for no more than $60,000. Aw heck, you can buy several for that price... the question is, what will you have in it by the time you're satisfied with the condition & equipment? My suggestions- -Consider a larger range of boats. There is no reason why a singlehander could not handle & maintain a 35-footer as well as a 30 footer. -Don't get hung up on "type of boat" until you have been actively sailing on at least a dozen different ones (and you'll rack up underway miles on different boats faster than you think, once you get started). Instead, consider characteristics & features that you like and that 'work for you.' It's a very personal choice. As for boats.... Morgan 30 & Morgan 34 Soverel 30 (older model) S2 Albin Rival Moody Maybe a bit to racy, but it's an S&S ....guaranteed classic! http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1836713 While you're in Kemah, take a look at this one http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1930404 CS built some great boats http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1752699 The Caliber is a well-respected boat too... http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1965179 I mentioned Moody, they built good boats too. Here's one of the few aft-cabin boats I like http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1615826 "Capt. Rob" wrote: We have several "old timers" at our marina who set off now and again with boats suitable for your plan. Oh really? And did you ask them what they think, Bubbles? Pearson 35....this old timer even came as a yawl and some were fit out for blue water. A bargain, even when refit. "Even came as a yawl" meaning what, exactly? Are yawls good? ..... No doubt others will have much more to add. No doubt. And there's a good reason why. "Charles Momsen" wrote: Congratulations on your retirement. Rather than get the ideal boat upfront, buy a lower cost "value" boat first He said he was retiring, not retiring in poverty with a big chip on his shoulder. More boats- I'm not a big fan of wish-booms, but the cat-ketch rig is the easiest to handle. IIRC these were built by Hinterhoeller http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1940305 Another one that's a bit on the racy side, but an awesome sailing boat & comfortable enough for cruising http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...oat_id=1874738 Oh and take a look at some Ericsons, too. There's a gazillion boats out there JL. It sounds like you're really got a handle on putting yourself into the position you want, rather than focussing on "buying a boat." Gathering info & skills, and making contacts, is a very important part of the picture. And if you find yourself in the coasstal Carolinas, by all means let us know. you'd be very welcome and I can guarantee some sailing and also meeting some long-term sailors who will be glad to talk. Fresh Breezes- Doug King The first boat I ever wanted was a Non-such. Never had one though. The second was the Caliber 40' long range cruiser. Never sailed either, just bought their hype. They are both worthy of consideration, but "fully fitted out for cruising" wouldn't they would be at least 50% to 65% more expensive than some of the other boats mentioned? And are they any better? |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Boat Handling | Cruising | |||
Cargo handling | ASA | |||
Better Handling | ASA | |||
Crusiers 3370 1990 | General | |||
Pocket Crusiers | Electronics |