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.