Hey there.. I’m new here and this is my first post. I hope to get some advice on purchasing a sailboat.
Here is the info:
Any other comments on any of the above, or any other suggestions/recommendations that would be a good "fit" for us?
Regards,
Michael
Here is the info:
- We live on a condo on a smallish lake in the Berkshires of Mass (its about 500 Acres).
- We have access to a dock, so it will be hitched to the dock and floating during the warm months, so we don't need to worry about "launching" or "trailering" it. It will just be tied-up (moored?) to a dock for the season.
- We plan to have it delivered/removed and stored by a local marina for us each season, so don't need to worry about it being "car toppable" or a "Trailer".
- We are in our mid-50s, and although we are fit, I would prefer something with enough room that we can "sit in" without having to duck the boom or scramble across the deck, so that eliminates anything too small or with a flat deck such as a catamaran.
- I will be sailing it by myself probably 50% of the time, my wife will probably join me another 25% of the time, and our kids (and their kids) will be up and visit and want to take it out another 25% of the time.
- So, I want something that I can sail "singlehanded" by myself, but also has enough room for two full-sized adults or two adults and a kid or two (maybe sail it without the Jib so they can sit in front?).
- I want something quick/simple to rig and easy to break-down and just leave "floating" and tied to the dock. If I get the urge to sail, I don't want to have to spend 45 minutes rigging it up and then another 45 minutes breaking it down.
- I sailed a bit when I was younger (primarily smaller boats such as Sunfish, Sailfish, and Hoby Cats), but I also have been sailing with an Uncle on a much larger boat (30 foot Capt Dory?) so I know the "basics", but am definitely still a "novice".
- Now that I am located on a lake, I want to get back into sailing and will maybe want something with the option of a Mainsail and an "optional" Jib (which will also give the second person something to do).
- I want something that will be "fun" to sail (no slow "tubs") but isn't crazy/tricky to sail, and would be unlikely to Turtle unless I really push things.
- I want something that if it turtles, won't "full turtle" (floats on the mast) and can be easily righted by one person
- I want something I can "learn and grow with". Can start "simple" and then add more sails/complexity as I gain skills.
- Would be fine to get something "used" but will get "new" if I need to. Would like to spend in the $3K to $5K range, but maybe would go a bit "higher" for the "right boat".
- RS Sailing's Neo (although I think it only has a mainsail), Zest (has mainsail and a jib option, but not sure about that ugly yellow color), and Quest boats. The Neo and Zest may fit the bill, although may be a bit "tight" on space. The "Quest" looks bigger, but may actually be a bit too big and expensive for me and not sure if it is something I can 'singlehand' and have fun with by myself on a windy day. And would worry about turtling a boat that size and righting it by myself.
- Catalina Expo 12.5 (although I believe only has a mainsail with no option for a jib and may be a bit too small for two adults?) and the Catalina Capri 14.2 (but that looks like it may get pricey and not sure if it hits the "fun factor" for sailing by myself.. I want to go out and have some fun when I want to).
- Hartley 12 (this one looks pretty good all around, and looks like it has a "jib" package).
- Topper Topaz, Mango, and Argo (these all look very nice, but just read about these and still need to learn more about the differences between them.
Any other comments on any of the above, or any other suggestions/recommendations that would be a good "fit" for us?
Regards,
Michael