Help with decision and direction . . .

[markfsanderson]

Who am I?​

Was an experienced sailor during his tweens and teens. From Sunfish to Morgan out islands. I could dock a large sailboat under sail with no problem. No real experience in powerboats except in my fathers 30’ powerboat many years ago and small outboard boats – tiller steer. I’ve sailed and crewed here and there for the past 40+ years so I’m still somewhat not rusty . . . but a little!
Private pilot (inactive) I can certainly navigate with no problem, but I would need a good rule of the road refresher . . . captains’ class? Any advice there in the NOVA area? Something along that line. I’ll need to buy a Chapmans and study up!

What I’m Looking for​

Trailerable without need for a Wide Load sign and escort. We have an 2020 F350 XLT SuperDuty that can do bumper pull, 5th wheel and gooseneck w/no problems. Can tow something like 32500 lbs . . . probably a bit more than needed! I don’t wish to pay for storage or slip space at this point in time.

I’ve very little experience towing trailers so I’ll probably have to spend a couple weekends at parking lots refining my technique.

A boat that is seaworthy. I will not go looking for 6-foot swells, but I want it to be able to bring us back to protected waters in case we run into those kinds of seas. My guess is that most of my boating time will be in salt/brackish (Chesapeake Bay, ICS etc.) with some trips to Lake Anna and other VA area lakes. I find Oceans more exciting that Lakes . . . this seems to eliminate I/O drives as a choice as from what I’ve read they have a reputation for being difficult to manage in Saltwater and Winterizing.

A boat we can do some light fishing from. Certainly, we won’t have 10 rods sticking out of the back of this thing, 3 or 4 would do fine.

Head, Galley, and a freshwater shower – are there still a tax incentive for boats with built-in heads that can be treated as second home for tax purposes? Or was there ever? Not sure.

Family members love to be in the water, but I’m not sure they’d put up with how ‘boring’ sailing is . . .

Be able to do short 3 or 4 day trips up and down the ICS, maybe to Maine . . .

Fast enough where I could hook up a single skier, tube etc. 30 to 35 kts . . . very lightweight requirements in that department.

Here are some of ships that I’ve researched so far for purchase new or used (I’ll probably buy used with a marine surveyor’s advice)

• Benatau Antares 7 or 8
• Cutwater 24
• Rosborough 246
• Ranger R27
• C-Dory 25/26

I could just buy 16–19-foot bowrider to keep for 2 years and gain some experience and then purchase one of the above . . . Personally, I’m not uncomfortable making the jump to a small ‘pocket cruiser’ class now . . .. Not in any order (just as I ‘discovered’ them). Opinions? What should I stay away from? Classes to take? Thanks in advance!

Mark!

 

[Stinnett21]

I would post this question on TheHullTruth forum. I suspect you'll get more response over there.

 

[dwco5051]

Either option would probably work out with your background. If I was in the same situation I would investigate joining one of the several United States Power Squadron groups in your area and go with the smaller boat as a starter. This will give you a chance to not only update your skills but also meet a lot of locals with different sizes and types of boats. After a year or so of associating with those experienced in your local waters you may be better able to know exactly what you are looking for when you make the big plunge.

 

[markfsanderson]

I would post this question on TheHullTruth forum. I suspect you'll get more response over there.

Thanks - I'll do that!

Mark

 

[markfsanderson]

Either option would probably work out with your background. If I was in the same situation I would investigate joining one of the several United States Power Squadron groups in your area and go with the smaller boat as a starter. This will give you a chance to not only update your skills but also meet a lot of locals with different sizes and types of boats. After a year or so of associating with those experienced in your local waters you may be better able to know exactly what you are looking for when you make the big plunge.

Fantastic Idea - my father was a member of the US Power Squadron . . . I'll look them up!

Thanks again!

Mark!

 

[KJM]

So what did you get, after all?