What is a good beginner sailboat?

Question

I'm not rich and i do not want a dingy, i do plan to sail distances in open water{of course not for a few years} but i would like to do it in this same boat. my price range is 3-5k

Answer 1

Honestly, if you aren't planning on keeping your next boat til' death do you part.  I'd suggest going cheap.  If you have ever owned any kind of sail boat, you know that you can sink a lot of money into it that you will never get back out.  Don't get anything over a 28 footer.  If you are thinking like weekend excursions that would be plenty.  Also, if you are ever going to race you need to check and see what kind of support there is for the different makes.

Answer 2

check out the papers and local sailing clubs you learn a lot by just looking but it does take time and a lot of patience especially if you are keen to sail. Volunteer as crew on racing boats. It is a lot of fun and you do learn. You do not need to have experience as the captain? will tell you what to do and sometimes yell---you are racing! Your price is low but OK for small boat so good luck---am in the same position so hope we are not competing

Answer 3

Jumping into medium sized boats is a bad idea if you're just a novice sailor. I'd recommend renting a topper (very forgiving and responsive) and honing your skills until you can be trusted with a bigger boat. Work up your way to a streaker, J24, Sonar, Flying 15, Hobie 16, etc, plus of course navigation, rules of the road and other necessary sailing skills for offshore sailing.

Look up daysailers and miniyachts. If your sailing skills are good, offer to crew in yacht clubs, and join regattas so you can experience how different boats handle and see who's selling a boat of your choice. Or join a boat builder's club and make your own boat.

Answer 4

At 3 to 5 thousand for a sloop for open water you are looking at one that really needs fixing up. You might check with universities near you or where you are willing to travel. We just heard of a Cape Dory Intrepid, ,around 30 feet, that the University of RI was selling for 6000, It was donated to them and had been dropped off the cradle. It had been surveyed and the damage was cosmetic.