Hi Paul,
I've owned two boats, one an 18 foot aluminum runabout with an outboard
and a 16 foot Chrysler Sailboat. I've piloted several different vessels, one
a 25 foot sailboat. I felt the larger sailboat was easier to handle than the
small one. Make a mistake on the small one and you ended up righting it out
of the water. I'm planning to buy another boat this spring, it'll be a 30
foot Sea Ray Weekender. I think the key is to take it slow and easy. Take
the boat out in calm conditions and drop some milk jugs attached to a
weighted line to facilitate a boat dock. Practice bringing your boat into
this "dock". Practice backing into it, come in slow and fast and get a feel
for the weight of the boat and how it reacts to the helm and engines.
Practice this later in windier conditions, it'll sharpen your skills and
familiarize you with how the boat reacts in different conditions. Plus you
won't bank into anything. You can practice turning into the dock where
starting the turn at the correct time is critical. Happy boating.
Paul

"pmiller" wrote in message
...
I have a question for this group, The past couple years I have been
looking
to buy a small cruiser The boat I have in mind is a Wellcraft St Tropez
32'
Here is my question ... I have never owned a boat before... Some of my
friends
are saying I am crazy to buy a boat that size for my first boat. But
really
anything
smaller just doesnt seem to have the room to be comfortable I am 6'3
and want to be able to be comfortable both moving around and sleeping.
I want to be able to spend a couple days at a time (weekend) comfortably.

Id love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Thanks

Paul