What advice would you give a 'newbie' and why?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Another reason for a boat under 12 meters. Smaller engine, less consumption. Coming down to Mananaland, I averaged .37 gallons an hour...not too shabby!

being able to motor 24hrs using around a jerry can of fuel a day will keep cruising affordable as fuel gets more expensive,espesially in europe where cheap duty free fuel is a thing of the past.

[laika]

Just go do it, buying a boat that's not gonna destroy you financially, and see how it pans out. I agree with Oceandeep that it should ideally also be one you like to look at, because it's going to be more labor-intensive than you think if you're at all serious about it.

While I really don't like the sailor/maintainer distinction, yes to becoming a sailor before you become a maintainer, lest you spend years refitting a boat only to discover cruising isn't for you. That doesn't mean you cant or shouldn't still lavish your boat with attention throughout

I'm still a youngen, only been sailing for about 6 years, but have actively cruised for a couple. I've working hard for my boat, and I've worked hard on my boat. I don't care if her teak gets dirty or her hull gets scratched and loses it shine, but I want her to treat me as well on the ocean as I treat her in the yard. And I like things that are built to last.

Pride of ownership and a sense of self-reliance and responsibility for everything on board should be just as important as anything else.

[svBeBe]

Originally Posted by Dame.n.Jess

"if you were doing it all over again, what would be some of the things you would want to tell other people who are starting out, and why"

We are 3/4ths complete on our circumnavigation (S/V BeBe). I learned that almost everything I was told on a forum was told by someone with little or no real experience...and I would have been better off to have not sought information there/here.

That said, you will get the answer that you want to hear in forums...

Bill

[captain58sailin]

So what you are really saying is either go with 12m or less, or step up to the 14m. All around advice is keep things as simple as possible, learn what you don't like in a vessel as what you do like, before buying a vessel and as said before, be able to fix or repair your own vessel. The less you have to rely on the other guy the better.

[pathlesschosen]

svBeBe. Nice website and boat. I agree with your forum conclusions. However, feel free to support with more "relevant" knowledge when applicable. Cheers!

[Boatyarddog]

Good thing to remember, ask yourself, will I have a hard time reselling this boat if and when I decide it's time to stop sailing.
As boats in general are NOT great investments, this will,be important down the road. Someday.
Some vessels have a good reputation for resell, some you'd be lucky to give away.


Sent from my iPad SV Cloud Duster

[ozzieKochie]

I embarked on preparing for my dream of sailing with the intent to cruise to far off locations a year ago. I am still learning, so what I have found helpful is read as much as you can (books, blogs, etc). Do a sailing course or two- it helps if you know terminology and some techniques. And it helps if you join up as crew at your local yacht club. Most yacht owners are looking for crew. With the right attitude you can learn a lot, at minimal cost to yourself, with all parties benefitting from the experience.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum