A real newbie to sailing

[Ghost Rider]

Hey guys looking to get a sailboat to combat higher gas prices but the main reason is my girlfriend know how to sail (well at least she says she can) i think she is full of it my self

Any way if i am going to have to learn how to sail i want to do it in style Go fast, drink beer maybe do some fishing..... oh the boat must have that all cool stabben cabin I am not going to jump before i can swim so i will be asking alot of question and doing some reading. (not buying the first boat i see)

Here is what i am looking for and i have reasons

It got to have a trailer (easy loading)
It needs to sleep 4 (2 adults 2 kids)
Safety is big in my book so i want something safe for my family incase i get caught in storm.....
Oh it needs to have a bathroom or as you guys say a head
kitchen but i would like a BBQ pitt on the out side
I dont want to spend more than 25k for new and half that for a used one

I am not sure about laws on driving these things but i have been told i would have to take a sailing course in order to own a boat over 20ft or something like that.


We live in Conroe Texas so the lake is only 15 min away but i would not mind taking a trip down the coast 4 or 5 day getaway

Now a little bit about me i am a Moderator for Texas Hot Boats and i run a 1980 Cole Firestar Jet boat BBC 454
so this sail boat does not need to be high maintance GR is already that lol

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Ghost,
There are quite a few trailer sailers out there and all kinds of different qualities and features. It'd be best to shop around a bit, look and some and them come back on the forum and ask if the MacGregor 26 is a good boat, or the Catalina 25 or any of the many others out there. I do prefer Catalinas but just my opinion.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Ghost Rider]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha Ghost,
There are quite a few trailer sailers out there and all kinds of different qualities and features. It'd be best to shop around a bit, look and some and them come back on the forum and ask if the MacGregor 26 is a good boat, or the Catalina 25 or any of the many others out there. I do prefer Catalinas but just my opinion.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

Thanks John but there is a slight problem i dont know anything about sailboats....now power boats i know...

I saw that MacGregor 26 but really could not find any good or bad info on it. Is it a good started boat for a family? I did like the idea that it have some power behind it.

Thanks once again
GR

[SkiprJohn]

MacGregors are ok for coastal, river and lake sailing. Just look around a bit. If you see a trailerable sailboat in the ads or at a ramp being launched and it looks good ask the owner about it. Owners are obviously proud of their vessels and won't point out some of the bad features but if you find the make then you can ask on this forum and you'll get opinions.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Ghost Rider]

bump

I thought i would ge more info come on guys post up save me some leg work lol

[neckyzips]

sounds like you need a MacGregor 26x has all you wanted, and if the sail doesnt push you fast enough its got lots of engine to get you going! and used you should be able to find it for your price range