how much should i pay and what to look for

[smallboatlover]

so i am in the market for a 22-23' sailboat. i will be using the boat in the bay and also short trips to bi which is a short ride to in the ocean. so what should i look for in the boat. sails, Motor, beds? any thing that i should look for that is a must look at? also what should i be paying for a boat that size with a trailer? also the sailboat will have a drop keel. whats the advantages and the disadvantages of a drop keel or center board?

 

[capslock118]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

We almost bought a sail this year but it fell through. I'll tell you what I can:

check the keel and rudder for straight and true; check for gouges or anything that would indicate a landing. If there was evidence of a landing find out the circumstances.

Make sure you know what sails you are getting and in what condition.

Check over the engine, you want to see obvious good maintenance.

Check the bilge for standing water; if possible check the keel bolts.

Look for fiberglass spider cracks around mounted hardware, mast, life lines, etc.

Price can be anywhere, really. I found boats for $2500 that were complete garbage, found $5,000 boats in mint condition, $10,000 boats of the same quality, and $5,000 right in the middle. But that was just my findings in CT; YMMV and I had noticed RI was a bit pricier when I looked over in there.

not sure if this is kosher, but if you go to sailnet forums there is a really nice article on advantages and disadvantages of the types of keels. Nice thing about drop keel is you can sail into shallow quarters and these types of boats generally come with a trailer.

This wasn't exactly what I had in mind but it answers your question:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying-boat-articles/19477-centerboards-swing-keels.html

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

If i can't find a sailboat 22' i will proablly go for the 15' oday day sailer if i can't get a 22' sailboat

 

[capslock118]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

sounds reasonable; just be sure you take stock of your expectations.

If we were to get a sailboat today, my wife and I would want something large enough to enjoy the outside comfortably while giving enough space in the cabin to sleep 4, cook small meals, and have a waste tank in order to make weekend trips. We learned quickly our preferences required at minimum 23', but 25'+ probably makes more sense if the layout was just right.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

well the boat will be for me too sail seeing that i it's mine. i will sleep on it every now and than for fun and might anchor at places and sleep there. my father might come too but never sleep on it. i want a boat to sleep on and sail around and have fun. but iv'e bin thinking and i'm wondering if 22' is too big and if i really need to sleep on it. i don't want to get a boat like that and than decide that i don't like it. i think i will like it though. whats the diffrence in the speed between a 17' day sailer and a 22' sailboat?

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

Speed difference? not much. Just based on length the 22 will be a little faster but not that much. Maybe a knot or half a knot.

The real difference will be in room and weight. A 22 will have considerably more room and weigh a lot more. A 17 will be much lighter, most likely have a centerboard rather than a keel, and be livelier when sailing, and easier to tow (think mileage) If you want to sleep over or do weekends go for the bigger boat. If that's not important and you just want to go sailing get the smaller boat. Smaller=less complex, easier to sail, easier to tow, cheaper price, less room inside, and probably no amenities such as a toilet or galley. Bigger=more complex, more expensive, require bigger tow vehicle, more difficult to sail alone, has more room. has cabin or cuddy, may have a toilet (porta potty) and galley.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

i like the idea of having the galley and bed and porta potie on the boat seeing i will be sailing all day from morning to dusk and stopping at places. Also the reason i need the trailer with it i can't afford storage fees or haul outs. so thats why i want the trailer it will only be hauled in once and out once a year so not every time i use it.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

How is school going, SBL? I imagine finals must be coming up.
Are you looking forward to High School after the summer break?

Is it too early to ask about your plans for college?

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

i do good in school. all passing grades. i want school to be over i want summer. and college for right now i don't want to go. i rather go to trade school. they have some great trade schools around here.

 

[shrew]

Re: how much should i pay and what to look for

LOL!!! Daninja, what 14 yr old boy is thinking about college?? Not many.