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Step 1
Congratulations on making a decision to consider finding out what the
different kinds of sailboats are. We can still enjoy the serenity
associated with boating by choosing to go sailing. Dancing on the wind,
using Mother Nature's free source of power, the wind!
Sailing is absolutely the answer. Considering what is happening with the
oil cartels around the world, our fuel costs are skyrocketing out of
control. This is having a devastating and dramatic impact on recreational
boating. You can do your part by conserving our fossil fuel, saving your
family money while still enjoying one of the fastest growing recreational
activities. By the way, I recently calculated that I get on average 87
miles per gallon of fuel. Does your car or power boat beat or even come
close to that? -
Step 2
There are several kinds of sailboats. Two of which are single-hulled
sailboats that are designed for either deep water or ocean and the other
for shallow waters or shoal boats. The deep water boats are of a type
with either a heavy full keel design or narrow deep keel which may
sometimes have a wing on the bottom.
The other kinds of sailboats are wet and dry beginner boats, more
advanced kinds of sailboats are catamarans and cabin sailboats. For the
beginning sailor it may be best to start with a two person dry or wet
sailboat until you learn the basics of sailing. These kinds of boats
usually 10'-12' in length have either a centerboard or daggerboard keel
that can be raised when beaching or putting it on a trailer to take it
home. -
Step 3
Before you buy any of the different kinds of sailboats, there are several
things you should take into consideration.
1. Ask yourself, will you be sailing in fresh water or salt water?
2. If your boat can not be hauled on a trailer, where will it be moored?
Check with your marina or yacht club to verify if a slip or anchor
buoy is available!
3. Where will you get your boaters insurance.
4. Will you require financing, if so from whom?
5. If this is a pre-owned boat you may want to call the U.S. Coast Guard
at 1-800-368-5647 and have them verify if there are any manufacturer
recalls for your boat.
6. Again if this is a pre-owned boat you will want to check and verify
the seller's proof of ownership. "If the price is too good to be
true" it most probably is and could actually be stolen or have some
major flaws!
7. If you are satisfied with the above and are buying a used boat, you
will want to have your mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine. A
marine engine when operating is under much more stress than an
automobile engine. Was the engine warm when you started the
inspection? A warm engine may raise a warning flag that someone
is trying to cover up a cold start problem.
8. Different kinds of sailboats should have a marine surveyor
inspect the boat if it is pre-owned and 25' or longer. He
should provide a written report on every aspect of the boat's
condition including its value, this could cost upwards of
$5.00 or $6.00 per foot. You should always be present when
any inspection is taking place so that you will have a thorough
understanding of all the findings and have the opportunity to get
your questions answered right away.
9. If you are unsure of any of these steps or processes, you may find it
very comforting to hire a licensed yacht broker. They can and will be
happy to guide you through all the steps of purchasing any of these
kinds of boats.
10. As you wouldn't purchase an automobile without test driving it, you
will also want to take your prospective boat out for a test sail.
Put the boat through all of the paces and extremes you can think of
and ask a lot of questions. Be sure to operate everything on the
boat, if you don't know ask your broker to demonstrate. -
Step 4
Your broker wants you to purchase a safe, fun and easy to operate boat.
No more than one or two people should easily be able to sale your boat.
In many instances boat insurance companies will often surprise you and
offer discounts on your premiums if you have completed a boater safety
course. Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United
States Power Squadron.
Comments
goodselfme said
on 10/22/2009 Spoken like a true sailor with the love of the water and all it has to offer. Tx for the info about a sailboat. I fully enjoyed and learned from your well done post.5* and a recommend.
mvalora said
on 9/22/2009 Good tips on how to choose a sailboat.