Helping You Choose Your Sailboats
There are so many companies selling sailboats these days that it can be hard to choose. Alerion Express, American Sail, Broadblue Catamarans USA, Bruckmann Yachts, Caliber Yachts, Catalina Yachts, Colgate 26 Yachts, Discovery Yachts, Ensign Class, Hunter Marine, Morris Yachts, Performance Cruising, Precision Boatworks, Seawind Catamarans and Trintella Yachts are just a few of the big names in the industry of sail boats. No matter which company you choose or whether you decide upon used or new boats, you should consider length, material, price, condition and ratings.
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.
You’ll also want to have a budget in mind while looking at sailboats. Brand new boats are expensive and usually do not come with sails, rigging equipment and other gear you will need to get your boating hobby started. On the other hand, used boats for sale can come with these extras and save you a lot of money. It makes sense to have an inspector check out your boat before you buy, just as you would have a home inspector look at a prospective house purchase. You should also check out the Blue Book value of your boat before you buy, as you would with a used automobile purchase.
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!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 7:01 am and is filed under Boating. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.