What's a Good Boat for a Newbie ?

[krowbar]

Hello, New to the forums here... me and my better half were thinking about getting a sailboat, and was wondering what was a good boat to start with... we like the looks of a Catalina or Ericson... any ideas to a good boat that we can sail the bay and maybe someday sail to Catalina.. something to grow in to, not out of... Thanks

[gr8trn]

Sounds like you guys are new to sailing?
For ideas about what to start with need to know a bit more in order to make a recommendation.
Understanding that you would rather grow into and not out of is a good start, but sailing experience, budget, mooring/berthing/storage options or preference, fast or slow boat, and most importantly, what are your real likely, like really how will you use the boat? Weekends cruising, two hour day sails, these are just some questions to ask. It is a long process to find the right boat, it doesn't have to be though. But because you are asking on Cruisersforum I am imagining you are not jumping in without thinking about it a bit anyway.

Keep in mind I list and sell boats, FWIW.

Greg

[krowbar]

Hey gr8trn, thanks for the reply. We are looking for a comfortable boat, doesn't have to be fast.. something we can sleep on for the weekend, al least 27ft or bigger i'd think.. Also like an inboard engine, diesel.. I see people are'nt real fans of the Catalina... i always thought that was a good boat.. I've been looking at pic's of a Ericson, and they are good looking boats too.

[gr8trn]

Sure think Krowbar,
I am getting a better picture, let's talk more...
tiller or wheel helm?, marine head with holding tank or bucket?, fridge or ice box?, propane or alcohol stove?, oven?, pressurized water for sinks?, lots to start thinking about.
As for liking or not liking Catalina or Ericson or Newport or whatever, that is for the birds. Find the boat that fits your needs as you see them, there is nothing wrong or bad about any boat in particular, some are faster, some are stiffer in a breeze, some are more classic, some are more plastic, it is really not about what others think, it is about the right boat at the right price for you.
I am sure you can find people that think Audi is junk and BMW is better, but I like a Chevy pickup...
Greg

[krowbar]

Ok... Wheel for sure,marine head with holding tank, fridge, probably a propane stove, not sure what an alcohol stove initials... Also a boat that it'nt to difficult to sail, i've had some sailing knowledge as a kid... a Sabot.. lol. What do you mean about stiffer in a breeze?

[gr8trn]

The vernacular is "stiff" versus "tender". As a very broad generalization, stiffer is more pleased to sail in windier conditions, tender takes more adjustments to perform will in windier conditions. On the other hand, tender performs well in lighter breeze conditions. Again, very general.

Backpackers use alcohol stoves, here is a
pro/con list:Zen and the Art of the Alcohol Stove

Popular on smaller boats too. Origo is a popular marine brand.
https://www.defender.com/stoves.jsp

Greg

[krowbar]

Well.. being new to sailing.. we'd probably like a tender boat.. more likely to sail in calmer weather then windy, rough.. Need to read about propane Vs, Alcohol.. alcohol seems pretty nice, cheap.. what do you have on you boat? Also i see you have a Beneteau boat, i like the looks of those, but seem kinda spendy...

[Bash]

Originally Posted by krowbar

Well.. being new to sailing.. we'd probably like a tender boat..

in sailing parlance, "tender" is not a positive quality.

[krowbar]

Ahhh ok... so a stiffer hull is better then?

[gr8trn]

my boat has propane for the oven and stove top. most newer larger boats do the same. Propane tanks and lockers take up a bit of room, so smaller boats tend to go alcohol.

So far we are looking at easy to handle shorthanded, more on the tender/light side (usually faster if sails trimmed properly too), wheel steering, marine head, fridge, inboard diesel, at least 27 feet...
How much standing head room do you like to have? If you go below 26' most average adults start to get cramped for headroom...

You see what is happening now? We are starting to paint a picture that will help guide us to boats.

We have to know though, that The List will not likely be fulfilled by one boat. All boats are compromised is one way or another...

I am hoping we can get some more help from our forum here? A little help....

Greg

[gr8trn]

Originally Posted by Bash

in sailing parlance, "tender" is not a positive quality.

Generally not, but I find that a tender boat is much more fun to sail in under 15 knots, so for me it is positive in that respect.

Greg

[Bash]

Originally Posted by krowbar

Ahhh ok... so a stiffer hull is better then?

it's not the hull that's stiff; it's the whole package. hull--rig--ballast and the right suit of sails.

if you know what you're doing, you don't need stiff, but you don't want tender.

[gr8trn]

Originally Posted by krowbar

Ahhh ok... so a stiffer hull is better then?

not better or worse, just different designs intended for different purpose. when you get a chance to sail both in different conditions, you help form the opinion of better or worse for your tastes.

Greg signing off for the night.

[Curmudgeon]

No one has asked the $64 queston: How much are you willing to spend?

[imagine2frolic]

I would definately do my very utmost to stay away from alcohol stoves. Propane has it's dangers too, but a heck of a lot less than alcohol.

My friend has a Catalina on S.F. Bay, and it is a nice boat to sail with good weekend comforts. Where you will be sailing is yet another factor in choice of boats........i2f