Which sailboat?

I'm looking to buy my first estuary/inshore sailboat and am bewildered by the variety of boats out there.

My previous sailing experience is limited to singlehanded dinghies so I'm looking for something forgiving and stable, that can be comfortably sailed singlehanded, that will take the mud and will allow two adults a decent nights sleep.

Any suggestions/advice?

 

Myself, I would see what's cheap in the local newspaper, rather than fix on an idealized boat.
Dan

 

Dan's right, have a look and see what s available in your price range. A good place to get an idea is something like "Trade-A-Boat" magazine (here in Australia). Its a 550 page sales mag. with nothing but hundreds of photographs and short descriptions/prices of all types of vessels (private sales and broker) I imagine there's something similiar where you are.
Also make some contact with local cruising clubs, they will be a really good source of general knowledge and eventually cruising company (they will also have the odd yacht for sale). Maybe go and hang-out down at a hardstand and talk to some of the people that have yachts that you like.


Good Luck,
Rob

 

There are hundreds if not thousands of designs for thin water, trailered, overnighter, gunk hole squatters, which seems to be what you're after, available in all ranges of price, age and condition.

What you lack is experience, so I'd suggest you think not of the ultimate craft, but of one that will suit your soon to change needs.

Camp cruising is fun and rewarding. The area in which you live (where you will sail) will provide the requirements for the boat. Check out the locals, though most will have the wrong boat for their needs, they will have ideas more developed than yours and ideas and brand names will start flying after your interest is shown.

Most production boats are intended to fit a large range of buyer's needs. Look past the built in cup holders and try to find the usable space, tenting/cabin arrangement, accommodations, etc. that will most fill you bill.

Stick with the used and less expensive boats, as you'll soon find it's not as good as the one you really want, but didn't know because you had little experience. While you're out cruising about, you will find things to make life easier, you will make changes to solve problems or just to have things nicer. Before long you will have the ideas in your head for the perfect little cruiser and you'll want that other boat I mentioned earlier, trust me . . .

 

Bruce Kirby...

Hello...

Check out this site - http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/mainpages/gallery?KID=44 ...

Cheers...

SH.