What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

[HBs]

Hello,
We recently decided that when we retire we want to sail around the world.
But, we have zero experience with any boating at all.

We have a good 30+ years before we get to retirement age but, would like to get started learning how to do all that now.
We were thinking of buying a used boat to start out with and would love any information or guidance about how to go about getting started and which type, size, etc boat to look for.

We live in the pacific Northwest Seattle/Tacoma area!
I heard that matters because you can only have certain boats in certain waters or something?

Thank you for any and all info you can offer! :joyous:

 

[Slip Away]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

:joyous:

 

[bullcity101]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

Wow that is a question! So just for starters, To sail around the world takes quite the sailboat. Hope you are a doctor just kidding I seriously want to do the same thing, except maybe the great loop in a trawler for starters. I would suggest something like the west wright potter 15 or 19. Look em' up. Cool little sailboats.

Would you moor it, trailer it, keep it in a slip? If you trailer it, that will really limit your choices depending on your tow vechicle.
THe West Wright's can be trailered by almost anything.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

I may be told I'm wrong, but I would start with a power boat. Learn all the basics of boating on a boat that moves itself, then move to a smallish sail boat and then to a sail boat large enough for your circumnavigation.

I'd suggest something like an Arima or C-Dory as a good starting boat. They are popular in your area and very seaworthy.

 

[joelybob]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

I agree with rotary. baby steps isn't a bad thing. good luck

 

[Don S]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

There are sailing schools all over the place, take some lessons, learn how to sail. Or get yourself a small dingy sailboat and give it a try. If you like sailing, then find yourself a good used small trailerable sail boat around 20 feet long and really start learning. Turning a key to start a motor won't teach you much about sailing.

Subscribe to Latitude 38 - The West's Leading Sailing and Marine Magazine and just read it each month.


Here is a picture of my home for many years.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

There are sailing schools all over the place, take some lessons, learn how to sail. Or get yourself a small dingy sailboat and give it a try. If you like sailing, then find yourself a good used small trailerable sail boat around 20 feet long and really start learning. Turning a key to start a motor won't teach you much about sailing.

+2222 on what Don has here and here's why.

Back in 1980 I had my very first ever experience on a boat which was a 22'er sailboat that a family invited me to sail with out of Long Beach.

Absolutely loved the feeling of being on the water but just went to slow for me but I was hooked. Between then and 1987 owned 5 power boats then got out of boating to get married, by a house, etc. etc. Of course in 2010 got back in to boating.

If I ever get to the point of being able to afford a slip at a marina but just not interested in doing much more than a little cruising around local harbors and spending several nights on the boat at once or anchored, I would seriously consider getting a sailboat again with a diesel engine.

So by doing the learning and testing phase first as Don indicated, you may learn more than just how to sail.

A buddy of mine loves sailing but has never owned a sail boat a day in his life.
He joins sailing/yacht clubs where he would rent as needed and would have a chance at different varieties without ever having to own one.
Something like that might be good for you as you learn and progress for the next several years.

Mark

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

opcorn:

​Catalina 22 is a good starter boat, check out my sailing link in my signature.

 

[rallyart]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

Start with a small standard class open sailboat to learn how to handle a boat and deal with winds. If you really like that then you could move up to a 20'+ sailboat with a cabin and start taking trips from Seattle. If you really like that and handle a week vacation traveling North you will have a good base and much more knowledge to travel. Get a powerboat if you find sailing frustrating or want other activities. You can travel around the world on a powerboat but the cost is much higher for the boat and the trip.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

You need to ask your self a few questions and answer them with very specific answers.

How much is in the budget for the purchase?
How much is in the budget for each month/year after the purchase?

What do you see yourself doing with the boat THIS SUMMER?
Specifically, were do you see yourself operating the boat? River, Bay, Ocean?
Do you see yourself out for a few days at a time or do you want to return home every night.
Is a comfy bed and a warm shower an important factor?

Do you intend to trailer the boat back home or leave it in a marina for the summer? ($$$) Tow vehicle?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

isnt this the 3rd such similar question posted in the past few years?

......newbie never on water, wants to sail around the world........

I would start by enrolling in a sailing course, then as mentioned, start small.

many many blow-boat friends of mine, started with small 20'-ish boats like a catalina and slowly over many years graduated to 35-45' sailing vessels. Many making the trip up/down the east coast, as well as the Bahamas, etc.

However the key to the type of boat is the amount of experience in the people sailing it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What kind of boat would be good to start out with?

first question is how much do you and your wife like each other? spend a weekend in an unheated closet with a couple cans of sardines, a jar of water, and a coffee can for a latrine and see how it works out.