Sailboat Question
 

I'm looking into getting an older sailboat. It's probably 20 years old. The sails are in great shape, almost new, the hull is solid albeit in need of a cleaning. It is watertight as it's docked in a slip in a nearby bay.

Anyone here have a sailboat and any horror stories or advice for a potential sailboater?

ICQ me or post to this thread.

no horror stories, but for many this is a fantasy type idea until you spend any significant time on a boat...because the reality ain't the same as the fantasy.

offshore cruising requires a certain mindset, it is lonely boredom, punctuated by some terror---and the problem is when the terror hits it is difficult to get away from it for many hours (or days).

a liveaboard is not for the claustrophobic, it is musty, moldy, smelly, cold, and being like in a prison cell---without the comforts of a prison cell.

now go spend some real time on at 40+ footer and then come back and ask about buying a boat.

i wouldn't consider anything less than an "unsinkable" design for off shore cruising. best place to buy a sailboat is not FL, but seasonable cold weather areas.

remember the most dangerous place to cruise is in coastal waters.

best place to own and actually use a sailboat is probably the philippines.

good luck.

What is the hull made out of? Is it wood? Fiberglass? Steel?

I lived on a boat when I was a kid, with my father...and I sailed often with my grandfather growing up. My other grandfather was the Commodore of The Abbey in Lake Geneva, WI. I have a little knowledge and experience with boats.

I've been thinking about getting a sailboat, but I've decided to take a sailing course and rent a sailboat on the weekends for a while to make sure it's an investment I want to make.

There are plenty of places in Tampa Bay that you can rent a decent boat for up to a couple weeks at a time.

Hit me up if you need info. I buy and sell sail boats all the time. It is a great hobby for me... I, like yourself look for older boats. The age does not matter as much as condition once boats reach a certain age. As long as you get a proper survey done or one is provided with the boat, you should be fine.

Look CLOSELY at the electronics and the instruments, the motors if it has any.

Have it appraised by an EXPERT.


Edit: Go over the masts, winches and tacking crap with a fine tooth comb.

Here is the deal. Basically it's free, it would be a trade for a motorbike I have in storage that I no longer ride.

The information that I have is.

1979 AMF 23'
Fiberglass Hull
Needs motor 6hp or so
Needs paint

It's much like this one

http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/3341

I think it's this one. I'd buy it :D


http://nuvisiongroup.com/random/luna.jpg

I thought Prada made fashion accessories.

Where's Chio when ya need him!

Prada is the main sponsor of Luna Rossa. It was actually called Prada prior to this America's Cup.