Friday, January 27, 2012
Alberg designs
Lately, I've been looking at sailboats designed by Alberg, like the Cape Dory and Pearson (I think). They have some really nice shape to them, mostly full-keel and seem to have a strong following with good reviews. About a month and a half left, I get to go on a road trip and start looking at some of these boats.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Questions to ask
Even though it'll be a few months before I can start looking in person. I'm looking forward to getting on some boats and getting hands-on with the search.
There's one boat I was just looking at that is listed with a broker. While researching the type of boat, I was able to find the owner and asked questions directly. I'm not going to put what the boat is just yet. When I start looking in person, I'm looking at putting pictures here along the way. The answers I got so far look promising and hope to take a look.
The questions I asked,
Does the boat have a state title or USCG documented?
How was the boat sailed before? Daysailing, short cruising?
Has the boat seen much heavy weather?
Any previous damage due to weather, collision or grounding?
Does the boat have a history with blisters on the hull?
How long since bottom was last inspected/painted?
Have there ever been any soft spots/water in the deck core?
How long since the deck hardware and windows were last sealed?
How old is the standing and running rigging?
What is the age and condition of the sails?
Have the tanks been cleaned out or serviced? (water, fuel, holding)
Any issues with water in the fuel tank?
Has any of the electrical wiring and hoses been replaced since first built?
When was the last time the Engine was serviced?
How old are the batteries?
Is there anything you would say needs to be fixed, repaired or replaced?
Anything else you think would be good to know about the boat?
There's one boat I was just looking at that is listed with a broker. While researching the type of boat, I was able to find the owner and asked questions directly. I'm not going to put what the boat is just yet. When I start looking in person, I'm looking at putting pictures here along the way. The answers I got so far look promising and hope to take a look.
The questions I asked,
Does the boat have a state title or USCG documented?
How was the boat sailed before? Daysailing, short cruising?
Has the boat seen much heavy weather?
Any previous damage due to weather, collision or grounding?
Does the boat have a history with blisters on the hull?
How long since bottom was last inspected/painted?
Have there ever been any soft spots/water in the deck core?
How long since the deck hardware and windows were last sealed?
How old is the standing and running rigging?
What is the age and condition of the sails?
Have the tanks been cleaned out or serviced? (water, fuel, holding)
Any issues with water in the fuel tank?
Has any of the electrical wiring and hoses been replaced since first built?
When was the last time the Engine was serviced?
How old are the batteries?
Is there anything you would say needs to be fixed, repaired or replaced?
Anything else you think would be good to know about the boat?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Inspection Tips
I've seen lots of advice on different forums. As I look through the threads about buying a boat, surveys and inspections I am getting a pretty good idea of what to look out for when I go shopping around.
I found this article on Boat inspections that look pretty good. Boat Inspection Tips. One piece of advice on that page is about getting a moisture meter like this one: Moisture meter. Looks like it might be worth it to get one for the search. I'm considering to get one as I'm sure it'll come in use even when upgrading to larger boats. I'll work on getting a little kit together of tools for doing a survey. I found some nice looking boats but I always wonder what else is hidden that isn't mentioned in the ad.
I found this article on Boat inspections that look pretty good. Boat Inspection Tips. One piece of advice on that page is about getting a moisture meter like this one: Moisture meter. Looks like it might be worth it to get one for the search. I'm considering to get one as I'm sure it'll come in use even when upgrading to larger boats. I'll work on getting a little kit together of tools for doing a survey. I found some nice looking boats but I always wonder what else is hidden that isn't mentioned in the ad.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Transportation
I was thinking (yet again)...
If I'm going to get a boat that is much smaller than I originally planned, one thing I need to consider is how to move the boat. Something as small as what I've listed so far are likely to be trailer sailers. Some boats I've seen do not have a trailer so that is one hurdle to overcome if/when I find MY boat. Then, another issue is to figure out how to move the whole package. I'm thinking I might end up having to get a gas guzzling truck to haul it around. Might not be too bad as it would expand the sailing waters I could explore by going to different lakes. Might be fun but I'm not too crazy about the added cost. But then again, everything costs money these days.
I was looking at the specs of different trucks. I've mainly been looking at the towing capacity of trucks. I was looking at a 2006 F-150 and found it has a towing capacity of 9900 pounds. I also found a 2008 Silverado 1500 with a towing capacity of 10500 pounds. I'm not sure if either of these numbers is the gross weight (including vehicle) or the payload weight. Although I don't like Dodge trucks, I looked up a 2008 Ram 1500 anyway and found the towing capacity depended on the size of the engine between 3400 and 8750 pounds.
So, it looks like a Chevy Silverado might be in my future. Not yet but I can at least keep my eyes open for one in case an opportunity comes up.
If I'm going to get a boat that is much smaller than I originally planned, one thing I need to consider is how to move the boat. Something as small as what I've listed so far are likely to be trailer sailers. Some boats I've seen do not have a trailer so that is one hurdle to overcome if/when I find MY boat. Then, another issue is to figure out how to move the whole package. I'm thinking I might end up having to get a gas guzzling truck to haul it around. Might not be too bad as it would expand the sailing waters I could explore by going to different lakes. Might be fun but I'm not too crazy about the added cost. But then again, everything costs money these days.
I was looking at the specs of different trucks. I've mainly been looking at the towing capacity of trucks. I was looking at a 2006 F-150 and found it has a towing capacity of 9900 pounds. I also found a 2008 Silverado 1500 with a towing capacity of 10500 pounds. I'm not sure if either of these numbers is the gross weight (including vehicle) or the payload weight. Although I don't like Dodge trucks, I looked up a 2008 Ram 1500 anyway and found the towing capacity depended on the size of the engine between 3400 and 8750 pounds.
So, it looks like a Chevy Silverado might be in my future. Not yet but I can at least keep my eyes open for one in case an opportunity comes up.
Which boat do I get?
One of the decisions I'm looking at now is to see which boat I really want to get. I'm trying not to get hung up on specific make/model but while researching, some reviews look good and others not so much. Professional reviews are usually looking at the positive side of things so I'm looking at owner reviews - So much more honest in how certain boats handle and what the issues are. Still lots of research to do but one thing I have to remember to do is not to get "stuck" not finding something because of work that needs to be done. Boats need fixing and maintenance all the time so I don't see myself avoiding it.
Since I will soon move to a location with lakes, I'm thinking to get something smaller than my "ideal" boat. Some suggestions I've seen before say to start small and work your way up. I was thinking of that then switched to "buy last boat first" but that might be too big for me. I'm trying to stay realistic in my abilities. I'm thinking now, get something smaller with simple systems. The systems would be the same as found on larger boats but only smaller.
Some of the details I'm looking at is a boat that is small enough to learn and make mistakes and fix up if needed without breaking the bank. I don't want to start off with a project boat either.
Currently my criteria is:
Regular head (bathroom) and not a porta-potty
galley stove (propane)
inboard (internal) engine
Mostly looking for boats from the 80's
All of which are still found on larger boats. Smaller systems don't cost as much to fix/replace. Wheel or tiller stearing isn't much of an issue with me right now. I'm leaning towards tiller since that would allow more space in the cockpit. The type of sailing I'm interested in is just for cruising. Since I'm looking at smaller boats, it will probably start out with daysails and weekend outtings.
Some boats I'm looking at right now online... List may be updated over time.
Bayfield 25
Bristol 27 (not sure if these have regular heads)
Cape Dory 27
Cape Dory 25?
Catalina 27 (might be easier to sell later on)
Catalina 25?
Pearson Renegade 27
Nor'sea 27 (nice to look at but very costly)
Suggestions given to others in posts I found elsewhere:
Grampian 26
Pearson Triton 28
Newport 27
Other boats I might consider for my first boat:
Bayfield 29c
Catalina 30
Cal 31
Maybe something else around 30' (still looking)
As I look at more boats, I'll add them here but this is what I'm finding that might be suitable at the moment.
Since I will soon move to a location with lakes, I'm thinking to get something smaller than my "ideal" boat. Some suggestions I've seen before say to start small and work your way up. I was thinking of that then switched to "buy last boat first" but that might be too big for me. I'm trying to stay realistic in my abilities. I'm thinking now, get something smaller with simple systems. The systems would be the same as found on larger boats but only smaller.
Some of the details I'm looking at is a boat that is small enough to learn and make mistakes and fix up if needed without breaking the bank. I don't want to start off with a project boat either.
Currently my criteria is:
Regular head (bathroom) and not a porta-potty
galley stove (propane)
inboard (internal) engine
Mostly looking for boats from the 80's
All of which are still found on larger boats. Smaller systems don't cost as much to fix/replace. Wheel or tiller stearing isn't much of an issue with me right now. I'm leaning towards tiller since that would allow more space in the cockpit. The type of sailing I'm interested in is just for cruising. Since I'm looking at smaller boats, it will probably start out with daysails and weekend outtings.
Some boats I'm looking at right now online... List may be updated over time.
Bayfield 25
Bristol 27 (not sure if these have regular heads)
Cape Dory 27
Cape Dory 25?
Catalina 27 (might be easier to sell later on)
Catalina 25?
Pearson Renegade 27
Nor'sea 27 (nice to look at but very costly)
Suggestions given to others in posts I found elsewhere:
Grampian 26
Pearson Triton 28
Newport 27
Other boats I might consider for my first boat:
Bayfield 29c
Catalina 30
Cal 31
Maybe something else around 30' (still looking)
As I look at more boats, I'll add them here but this is what I'm finding that might be suitable at the moment.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sailing future
I started this blog while looking into tiny houses. I still think it would a fun project to build one but my focus is now towards sailing. Sailing can be similar to tiny houses as it allows for a simple lifestyle. I don't need a lot of "stuff" to be happy and can be happy with what I already have.
I'm going to try changing my pages a bit. I might keep the tiny house info around or get rid of it. Who knows? I do think now that I will continue with this blog and hopefully be a bit more active with it. I might even make posts of the boats I go to look at. I'm already looking online at various sites for my first boat which I'm thinking will be around 27' as they usually have the same types of systems as larger boats, but only smaller.
Maybe sometime down the line, someone will actually read this blog, haha.
I'm going to try changing my pages a bit. I might keep the tiny house info around or get rid of it. Who knows? I do think now that I will continue with this blog and hopefully be a bit more active with it. I might even make posts of the boats I go to look at. I'm already looking online at various sites for my first boat which I'm thinking will be around 27' as they usually have the same types of systems as larger boats, but only smaller.
Maybe sometime down the line, someone will actually read this blog, haha.
The Search Is On for My First Boat
Today is a happy day.
I just got my reassignment instructions. In Apr, I'll be moving from Germany to Tenn. It'll be nice to be back in the US and I'll be able to search for my first sailboat. Personally, I'd like to be near a coast (East or Gulf). I've been looking around online at different boats and now I'm looking forward for the chance to actually go look at some in person. Even though I'll be inland, I'm still considering the idea of getting a boat and keeping it at a coastal marina.
I've seen that TN has lots of lakes and I could possibly get a trailer sailor but I don't have a truck and prefer not to get one. I've seen comments about whether to start small and work the way up or just get last boat first. I'm leaning more towards last boat first. On the other hand, I still have 6years to retirement so getting something smaller than my ideal boat to start off with might not be a bad idea. Right now, I'm thinking to reitire in the Houston areas. I've been to Kemah a couple times and enjoy the area. Once I start looking at them in person, I'll be able to get more of an idea of what to look out for. Reading the books are nice but I like the hands-on approach.
Part of what I'm considering is the size of the boats because of my height of 6'5". In my research, I've been trying to look as much as I can on reviews in articles or other first hand opinions like here on CF or sailnet. Since I'll be traveling in April, I might go take a look at a few boats if I have time.
I'm looking forward to getting out on the water. I think I hear the seas calling for me.
I just got my reassignment instructions. In Apr, I'll be moving from Germany to Tenn. It'll be nice to be back in the US and I'll be able to search for my first sailboat. Personally, I'd like to be near a coast (East or Gulf). I've been looking around online at different boats and now I'm looking forward for the chance to actually go look at some in person. Even though I'll be inland, I'm still considering the idea of getting a boat and keeping it at a coastal marina.
I've seen that TN has lots of lakes and I could possibly get a trailer sailor but I don't have a truck and prefer not to get one. I've seen comments about whether to start small and work the way up or just get last boat first. I'm leaning more towards last boat first. On the other hand, I still have 6years to retirement so getting something smaller than my ideal boat to start off with might not be a bad idea. Right now, I'm thinking to reitire in the Houston areas. I've been to Kemah a couple times and enjoy the area. Once I start looking at them in person, I'll be able to get more of an idea of what to look out for. Reading the books are nice but I like the hands-on approach.
Part of what I'm considering is the size of the boats because of my height of 6'5". In my research, I've been trying to look as much as I can on reviews in articles or other first hand opinions like here on CF or sailnet. Since I'll be traveling in April, I might go take a look at a few boats if I have time.
I'm looking forward to getting out on the water. I think I hear the seas calling for me.
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