All about Boats, Yachts and Sailing

Any owner of sailboats will tell you that, despite all the work and the cost, there is nothing in the world like a great sail. If you live near a body of water and plenty of sunshine, then sailboats can give you a wonderful way to spend your weekends, away from work stresses, away from nagging chores or home repairs and away from the couch.

When you are out on that deck, taking in the sultry smell of the sea, the blue skies and gazing upon wildlife, you will feel alive and blessed. The serenity of sailing just cannot be found on power boats and many high performance boat owners confess that the smaller sails provide more fun. However, when looking for a sailboat, there are several points to keep in mind.

Length is one consideration when looking for a sailboat to buy. Remember that “size does matter” when it comes to boat prices. This is not just for the boat itself but also for the monthly docking charges at the marina. Of course, if you still want that ultra-long boat but don’t want to pay the fees, then you can always grab a little rowboat and anchor your boat out in the bay.

A small sailboat is better for day trips, sailing in regattas and zipping around. However, if you plan to sail on longer journeys, then you will want to buy a boat that is sturdier and less likely to capsize. If you are plowing through choppy water, you will be more than glad you opted for the longer deck. Also, longer sail boats that range from 25 to 35 feet often include enough living space to travel, relax and take a break from the elements. Of course, you will need a helping hand if you buy a bigger boat so be sure you have a committed partner before making your purchase.

Important to know:

• Fiberglass is generally the preferred material for a sailboat.
• Longer sail boats include enough living space to travel and relax.
• A small sailboat is better for day trips.

When you are looking at sailboats, try to find one with a simple rig. Catboats and Optimists offer terrific performance with just one sail, making it much easy on you, as the navigator. Monohulls are also ideal for beginners, as they offer a steady ride compared to the high-performance catamarans, trimarans and multihulls.

A basic 12-foot boat should be big enough for two adults, so only buy what you absolutely need to keep the price affordable. Fiberglass boats are lighter, easier to maintain and easier to repair than wooden boats. For your keel, look for centerboard or daggerboard configurations, rather than the fussy leeboard, as this will need to be changed with each tack. Centerboard and daggerboard keels let you sail steady in shallow water.

Sail Magazine’s “Best Boats of 2009″ can help you search the best sailboats. If you are looking for a long luxurious yacht of a sailboat, then the Outbound 52 is your sailing vessel, which also won the award for the “best deck/cockpit.” For a light-weight, high-performance catamaran, try the Moxie 37.
Another high performing boat is the Santa Cruz 37.

For smaller sail boats that are less than 25 feet, the Bug is a fun ride. To cruise in style, the Hunter 50 has everything from a built-in coffee maker and extra linen storage to a swivel captain’s chair and Jacuzzi tub. The Tartan 5300 was chosen for “best system,” which has all the electrical controls within reach for quick access. Happy boat hunting!