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The First Boat The classified section of your local paper is the first place to start. After that the local 'Buy it Here' Paper They call it the 'GreenSheet' in my area. I do not recommend Boat brokers for smaller boats because with their profit your cost could jump 20% or more. As you move to larger boats, the boat broker however becomes invaluable. If you have a boat show in your area this is a great spot to see the different types of boats and 'Kick a few tires'. buying a used boat usualy means all those things that you have to buy on a new boat are thier already. these can add up fast. Any of the boats listed below(or this type) would make a good first boat. |
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The Sunfish is the most successful board boat ever produced (250,000 sold) About 14 feet in length,
Lateen rigged sail and 130 Lbs or so. It is easily towed by the smallest car or
loaded in the back of a pick up ( thats Truck to you Non Texans).
I have even seen then towed behind motorcycles! These Board-boats are a great way to learn sailing without killing your Pocketbook. � You might look in the sailing photos for Jeannies Sunfish. We often camped out at Lake Travis with our boats, sailing and grilling up hamburgers. |
| I purchased the my Dolphin(shown left) By simply looking around the neighborhood. As people move up in size, or don't use their boat, they often sale for little or nothing if asked. This method has worked for several of my friends. These little boats are almost indestructible if taken care of. If you capsize they are easy to right, crawl aboard, and take off again. With one of these and a little practice, off you go to the lake or Bay.� These are 'Wet" boats and Swimsuits are recommended. But that's what makes them fun! This close to the water on a fast reach you feel like you are flying. |
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At this point there is the added expense of an outboard motor. However for learning in a dryer environment. I recommend the Mariner 19 or something of this type. Built from the Rhodes 19 hull design, a centerboard drops to 4.5' or so for good control. Weighing in at around 1,000 Lbs it is easy to tow and off load with a small Trailer winch. The advantage of this type of boat is a Cutty Cabin with place for camping gear and porta-potty. With two sleeping berths you can do a weekend on the water at your favorite lake or protected bay. |
| For a 2+ week vacation in the Florida Keys or Biloxi, or Mobile bay. This is your Boat. Most boats of this type weigh in at 2,000 to 3,000 Lbs. Properly towed with the family truck or one of the bigger Vehicles. Some of this Type are the O'Day 22, the Venture 21,and the Balboa 24. Boats of this Type can be outfitted to fit any way that suits you. and they are all trailerable( no slip fee!). I have seen a Family of four vacations on the O'Day 24 for a month. They had a Bimini top with netting for cool sleeping and bug free environment every evening at sundown. |
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