Yet there are a growing number of people trading in their beach chairs
for the experience of trimming these sunset sails, a chance at the helm
of their very own sailboat. After all, sunsets are just as pretty from
the deck of your boat as they are from the shore; some would say even
better. Both landlubbers and novice sailors alike are taking the plunge
into boat ownership and the rewards and challenges that come with it.
If you’re contemplating becoming your own captain, there are a few
considerations. It is wisely and widely known that the sea is no place
for the inexperienced. Fair enough, but we all need to start somewhere.
Deb Duren of Yacht Works says, “The most important factor in first
boat ownership is sailing lessons.” Too often this simple and seemingly
obvious element is overlooked before the purchase of a sailboat.
Rick Wylie, co-owner of the Ephraim Sailing Center, echoes this view for
new sailors. “My rule of thumb for boating is: don’t buy anything
you haven’t sailed. You should have practical experience before
purchasing a boat,” he says. A great way to determine if a boat
is right for you is to simply take one for a spin. Wylie’s organization,
operating out of both South Shore Pier and Nicolet Beach in Peninsula
State Park, allows new sailors to do just that by renting either a Precision
15, a similar-sized Hunter, or a new kayak/sailboat hybrid. Over the years,
they have also made their used boats available for purchase each fall.
Whether you wish to own a boat – small or large – the ideal
vessel to learn on is the smallest. The real importance in mastering sailing
on a smaller boat comes in the knowledge gained from your own weight placement,
helmsmanship, and sail trim. Attempting to learn on a large boat is like
trying to ascertain the nuances of flying a 747 instead of a small single
prop plane. This can’t be underscored enough for those seeking to
become proficient sailors.
For those who have paid their dues through sailing lessons or as amateur
racing crew, your work has been done. Now comes the pleasure of kicking
keels in parking lots and shuffling down docks in search of your perfect
first boat. The first factor in your quest should frame your search. Determine
what you seek to do with your boat. For example, how far do you see sailing
alone or with friends and family? Duren suggests not crossing Lake Michigan
on anything less than 30 feet. Theoretically, a wave on Lake Michigan
can reach 36 feet; perhaps Duren’s advice should be heeded. But
for those not seeking to cross our big pond right away, a smaller sailing
dinghy could be a great start. A sailing dinghy is an open boat with a
centerboard that does not typically have ballast to keep the boat from
capsizing. Sailing dinghies are affordable, fun for most members of the
family, and make great starter boats.
For limber adults and children growing their skill sets, the Walker Bay
sailing dinghy is what Duren recommends. She points out that not only
is the Walker Bay affordable, it also has more sail area for a high performance
sail or a day with lighter wind. This also will make a great dinghy for
shore access during extensive cruising on a larger sailboat because it
can be rowed. In addition, Yacht Works carries the Sunfish, a popular
13-foot sailboat with an active nationwide fleet for both racing and day
sailing. Unlike the Walker Bay, this boat cannot be rowed, only paddled
in the case of a fading breeze. It is more similar to a small surfboard:
wet, fun and seemingly indestructible.
The Walker Bay and Sunfish brands represent just the tip of the iceberg.
When it comes to purchasing a boat, it is truly a buyer’s market.
There are hundreds of sailing dinghy models and name brands out there.
For resale purposes, it is a good idea to stick with a boat that has an
active fleet. Another widely-used boat to consider is a single-handed
sailing dinghy called a Laser. This Olympic-class boat is a bit bigger
than a Sunfish, surfs more readily on waves, and is raced collegiately.
Trailerablity is common to virtually all sailing dinghies and many, such
as the Sunfish and Laser, can even be car-topped.
Yet another common boat in this class is the Flying Scott. Both the Ephraim
Yacht Club and the Sturgeon Bay Sail Training Foundation make these 19-foot
daysailers available. These boats have an added feature of extra room
forward of the mast allowing for gear storage and crude shelter from rain.
Rick Langdon, an avid Door County sailor who has moved up from a 23-foot
Pearson to a 34-foot racer-cruiser, says, “A person should start
with a trailerable boat for convenience of storage and to keep costs down.”
Smaller boats will cost less to maintain because they can be stored in
a backyard or garage. If these boats have a motor it is typically an outboard,
which can be easily winterized and stored away in a basement. So, for
affordability, make sure you can take your boat home.
Langdon notes that the benefits of upgrading to a larger boat, once the
owner is ready, are greater comfort with standing headroom and more spacious
accommodations. Also apparent is the handling in rougher seas; heavier
boats with longer waterlines perform better when the breeze is up. And
though this may be an obvious factor, the downside, Langdon adds, is that
larger boats are less maneuverable within the confines of a marina.
Tim Leonard, a veteran of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay sailing
team, has gone through a similar transition of purchasing more waterline.
Leonard, a seasoned dinghy sailor, took a step from his 19-foot Lightning
into a Rodgers 26 and offers some advice for prospective boat owners.
He highly recommends spending ample time on the internet because it is
a perfect way to research the pros and cons of similar boats. Design reviews
and test sail commentary, as well as unique features and flaws, are commonly
spelled out for most brokered boats.
For those who are willing to take the deep plunge into extensive cruising
and/or racing, your search will begin with a larger boat. Once you’ve
determined the size to accommodate your needs, your search can be narrowed.
If you think you have found the perfect boat, pass the rose-colored glasses
to other family members so they, too, can picture themselves in this newfound
lap of luxury. If the excitement is as high as the fear, then it’s
probably time to consider a purchase. Before signing on the dotted line,
especially with larger boats, get your dream surveyed by a professional
surveyor. Your insurance company will most likely need this document anyway
and you will be better off making your purchase with a professional’s
objective opinion. This may be the best money spent on your new floating
adventure.
Too often, inexperienced sailors will buy the biggest boat that they can
afford. This is usually a mistake. Keep in mind that although you now
have a stable platform from which to operate, you also have large amounts
of sail area, an inboard engine (which will fail eventually), and a myriad
of mechanical systems. The chunk of lead we know as an inboard diesel
engine will not only require a working knowledge of its mechanics, but
will also utilize raw water coming through a hole in your boat. There
will be a lot of holes in your boat below the waterline allowing for the
intake and outflow of water for the engine and various systems. This factor
alone makes the maintenance and inspection of your boat a more serious
and rigorous process than that with smaller sailing dinghies.
For the mechanically-minded, these challenges may not only pique an interest,
but may even be enjoyable. Do-it-yourselfers within the boating world
form a large and serious cult of their own. There is even a periodical
with just that name, DIY Boat Owner: The Marine Maintenance Magazine,
with a wealth of information for just such boating enthusiasts.
For those who still insist on the amenities of a large boat but don’t
want the bother of the maintenance, boatyards are happily standing by
to take care of your every need though, of course, for a price. A good
rule to keep in mind is that everything mechanical on your boat will eventually
fail. When looking at older boats, particularly in age of 20 years or
more, less is more. Electronics and gadgetry that are dated will most
likely need replacing in the near future. Avoid older boats that are “loaded”
unless the equipment is recently installed and warranties still remain.
The real find is an older boat with a dry hull and a deck that has been
well maintained with the absence of complex systems like air conditioners,
refrigerators or water makers. Chances are, anyway, if you need a whole
lot of amenities in order to be comfortable, you won’t want to spend
your vacation sailing.
The construction of older boats in many cases is superior to today’s
construction where shortcuts have been taken to reduce cost. Today’s
designs have changed to accommodate dockside entertaining over the concerns
of proper sea keeping once offshore.
Old or new, take your time and choose wisely. If you have put your time
in as a crew member and chosen a boat within your means and abilities,
your time onboard will be spent underway instead of at the dock with the
fearful and overworked. Take your time in your search, ask many questions,
and get a professional survey. If boat ownership is achieved carefully,
you, your family and friends will enjoy years of adventure, fun and excitement.
Oh, and don’t forget to pull her seaward as the sun sets so the
rest of us can enjoy the view too!
