Buying my First Boat
 

I have been renting Sunfish at the local lake for a while and am hooked.

I now want to look at getting a boat that will hold me and a couple of
kids/adults that is fun with a little room to relax (not too much).
I am fairly fit and absolutely luv it when the wind really catches the
sails and its trying to lean like a sun-of-a-gun.
So I want something that'll help me learn but will be fun enough for
someone who is adventurous.

Now, I am drawn to the Vanguard Nomad for no other reason than its made
by the Sunfish manufacturer.

Are there any other boats in this class worth considering
How do you buy something like this?
The local dealer doesnt have any in stock and he simply has to order it.
But I wantedd to run my fingers over it first ;-)

Thx
Lee

Buying my First Boat
 

Lee,
Don't buy anything new without looking over the local used market first.
There are an awful lot of boats around that are doing nothing and can be
had for just a little more.
Plus - If you do it right you can end up with the complete kit as the
package.
Fair wind and Smooth Sea
Matt Colie - Lifelong Waterman - Pathological Sailor

Lee B wrote:

I have been renting Sunfish at the local lake for a while and am hooked.

I now want to look at getting a boat that will hold me and a couple of
kids/adults that is fun with a little room to relax (not too much).
I am fairly fit and absolutely luv it when the wind really catches the
sails and its trying to lean like a sun-of-a-gun.
So I want something that'll help me learn but will be fun enough for
someone who is adventurous.

Now, I am drawn to the Vanguard Nomad for no other reason than its made
by the Sunfish manufacturer.

Are there any other boats in this class worth considering
How do you buy something like this?
The local dealer doesnt have any in stock and he simply has to order it.
But I wantedd to run my fingers over it first ;-)

Thx
Lee

Buying my First Boat
 

In the old days, Sunfish were manufactured by Alcort. Now it's
Vanguard. I agree with the previous post, buy a used boat, there are
many around that are great, and you'll save a bunch of money.

My favorite small boat is the Flying Scot, perfect for a family, lots
of room, but easy enough to handle. It's a real boat, unlike a Sunfish.
I sailed Sunfish as a kid, but once you get your hands on a really
good boat, you'll never look back.

Other good options are Coronado 15, Lido 14s, and a few others. Stay
away from wood boats unless you are inclined to do the (possibly)
necessary work.

Your choice of boat is somewhat related to where you live, some classes
are more popular in some areas than others. It's good to buy a popular
boat, and it's good to buy a boat you can eventually race, even if you
don't intend to right away.

good luck

Luc
Lee B wrote:
I have been renting Sunfish at the local lake for a while and am hooked.

I now want to look at getting a boat that will hold me and a couple of
kids/adults that is fun with a little room to relax (not too much).
I am fairly fit and absolutely luv it when the wind really catches the
sails and its trying to lean like a sun-of-a-gun.
So I want something that'll help me learn but will be fun enough for
someone who is adventurous.

Now, I am drawn to the Vanguard Nomad for no other reason than its made
by the Sunfish manufacturer.

Are there any other boats in this class worth considering
How do you buy something like this?
The local dealer doesnt have any in stock and he simply has to order it.
But I wantedd to run my fingers over it first ;-)

Thx
Lee

Buying my First Boat
 

check the used boats aroud your area for a used alcort sunbird
i had one for 6 years and it's perfect for 4 people and has a cuddy forward
with just enough space to lie down in in case you want to try some cruising
round bu fairly flat bottom and
nice large main small jib
very easy to singlehand too and main comes with jiffyreefing
in heavy air you can reef main and sail with just that.
also you can reef the main and let the kids take it out by themselves in
light air.
run amf sunbird on google fo an idea what this looks like
smo

Buying my First Boat
 

Have you looked at HobieCat? Different than a sunfish but great for a
bigger gang on a small lake! (BTW, I know one for sale.)

Cheers!



Lee B wrote:
I have been renting Sunfish at the local lake for a while and am hooked.

I now want to look at getting a boat that will hold me and a couple of
kids/adults that is fun with a little room to relax (not too much).
I am fairly fit and absolutely luv it when the wind really catches the
sails and its trying to lean like a sun-of-a-gun.
So I want something that'll help me learn but will be fun enough for
someone who is adventurous.

Now, I am drawn to the Vanguard Nomad for no other reason than its made
by the Sunfish manufacturer.

Are there any other boats in this class worth considering
How do you buy something like this?
The local dealer doesnt have any in stock and he simply has to order it.
But I wantedd to run my fingers over it first ;-)

Thx
Lee