enigmaquandry
New Member
My dad has always talked about sailing with his childhood friend (and friend's dad) when he was a little boy. He never fully described the type of boat they were on but I'm guessing it was a very large one. I know how much he would like to get into it again so this year I wanted to try to find him a sailboat to surprise him for his birthday. Last week I found an old Butterfly (complete and in really good shape with trailer) for $500 and bought it.
My husband and I took it out yesterday for the first time (we have ZERO experience and no one around to teach us), I was terrified and we didn't accomplish much, except dumping it over. Today we got right back on the horse and took it out again, my husband has really gotten the hang of it and enjoys it, I still need some work.
Anyway, my concern is that we're in our early twenties and this boat was super challenging for us (even in very mild wind), my dad is in his mid 50's (and hasn't sailed for probably 40 years) and I just want him to be safe and enjoy himself on his new boat. Is a butterfly a good choice for him? I had looked at a Jet 14 that was a little bigger with a jib as well but it was much more expensive and far away, now I'm not sure if I should have considered it more.
Obviously I'm BRAND new to sailing but I think it's a sensational pastime and I'm hoping our family will really enjoy it. Thank you so much for your experience and advice!
My husband and I took it out yesterday for the first time (we have ZERO experience and no one around to teach us), I was terrified and we didn't accomplish much, except dumping it over. Today we got right back on the horse and took it out again, my husband has really gotten the hang of it and enjoys it, I still need some work.
Anyway, my concern is that we're in our early twenties and this boat was super challenging for us (even in very mild wind), my dad is in his mid 50's (and hasn't sailed for probably 40 years) and I just want him to be safe and enjoy himself on his new boat. Is a butterfly a good choice for him? I had looked at a Jet 14 that was a little bigger with a jib as well but it was much more expensive and far away, now I'm not sure if I should have considered it more.
Obviously I'm BRAND new to sailing but I think it's a sensational pastime and I'm hoping our family will really enjoy it. Thank you so much for your experience and advice!