thanks for the replies guys.

jose: appreciate the advice, but im 58 and i think ill learn on a little
bigger boat than a dingy. probly would learn faster, but would like at least
a little comfort.

alan s. appreciate the input on what to look for. price of the boat is 2500
american. standing rigging looks ok. didnt see any rust or fraying. some of
the sheets will need replacing, not a big deal on a boat this size. sails
are useable for what i need them to do, only plan to use this thing for a
year or so. head is a porta-potty, not ideal but adequete(spelling?). seat
cushions are in very good shape. small v-berth is long enough and cushions
good. crawled up in and pretty comfortable. have no idea when the bottom was
last done. looks like the windows have been leaking a bit. deck seems solid.
stove is an old alchohol unit i dont think works, but also has a propane
barbie that works. has a 7.5 honda outboard for power. sink pump seems to
have friction, but water tank was empty so dont know if it works or not. in
any case not an expensive fix. if nothing else, carry some on board. boat
has been in fresh water and will be slipped at lake mead in las vegas, no
trailer. have not checked the water tanks or the seacocks, good idea and i
will check it out. hatch isnt leaking. i did a google on it and came up
empty. looked in yachtworld and found 2 of em with very little info on
ballast etc. i will be using it for weekends and day sails to get my sea
legs and learn to sail. this will not be my last boat, only a means to an
end. there is also a cal 25 for sale at a good price, but i cant stand up in
that one. the american marine has a step down floor and has quite a bit of
headroom in it for such a small craft. i would guess 5'10 or so. cant stand
straight up, but not bent over at the waist as in the cal. boat shows well
for its age, deck and hull not stress cracked, interior in very good shape.
rudder and tiller in decent shape. rudder needs some cleaning, so would
assume the rest of the bottom does also. anyway, thanks again for reading
and advice. noted and taken. best regards, j.d.