Just bought a boat any sailors out there ?

“If you can learn to sail a 14' boat, you can sail a much bigger one with ease.
I say this as the owner of two sailboats.”

“Dayhiker, you do not need a Coast Guard license when you are operating your own boat for pleasure purposes.
Rosie is talking out of his a$$, as usual.

Alabama does require a simple Boater Safety Course which is only common sense. I used to teach them locally.
last edited: 7/01/09 2:43:58 PM”

“I used to sail in Mobile Bay about every day. It won't take long to get the hang of it.”

“Thanks for clarifying, Stove. I guess a captain's license is only necessary when taking on paying passengers?”

“My three boats are; 9ft, 8.5ft and 8ft long, dry weight fully rigged, 38lbs, 32lbs and 30lbs. Windsurfers rule.”

“It seems that to bareboat different companies require different things. On your first charter they will give you a several hour long shake down. The first time I go won't be on a boat like what we took out a few weeks back. It would more likely be two couples in a monohull that's more like low 30's in length. Also, before I did it I would charter one in Pensacola too so I'd have that on my resume then step up to the bus. partners 48'. If I can handle that then I should be good to go.


Yes, I have to take that boater safety course. I'll do that over the next few weeks.

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone. It sounds like for once, I'm not off my rocker on something.

This is the cat we had at BVI:


One question about stepping up though. Kevin, you said it's not that big a deal to step up in size. Will the fact that I'll be learning on something that doesn't have a jib be an issue when it's time for the next step?”

“well I sold my boat last night. heart breaking seeing it drive away :(

time to get the kayak in the warter!!

dayhiker, I would take classes and do what ever it takes to be the best captain of your boat! you can learn a lot. trust me!”

“I'll take classes if needed to do a charter, but I really couldn't ask for a better teacher than the co-worker who is a sailor. He's been sailing for 30 years or more, has taught me everything I know about my profession, and is an all around cool guy. Plus, the price is right 8)”

“Will the fact that I'll be learning on something that doesn't have a jib be an issue when it's time for the next step?”
dayhiker
8:12:27 AM
7/02/09

Once you learn how to 'read' the wind, and understand how it effects the power of the sails, it will be easy.

You are a fellow Engineer and understand how forces and vectors work, so you will catch on quickly.

A small 14' sailboat is much more difficult to sail than a 30'. There easy to capsize if you harness to much wind.

I started out with a 22' MacGregor and then a 24' water ballast Hunter trailer sailboats. I needed larger boats for the Mississippi Sound.
last edited: 7/02/09 7:40:22 AM”

“Thanks for the info.

Bob said to purposely flip the 14 to see just how far you can push it. Sail for a while, get hot, flip it, cool off, repeat. I think the kids will enjoy the boat too.

I'm right on a 17,000 acre lake and I think the kids have been out on it once.

Truth be told, I wish I had the cash to pick up a ski boat. Come fall people will be dumping the toys. If I can see that things are looking good down the road I may try to pick one up on the cheap. Not sure I'm willing to make that gamble though. I'm hearing there is going to be a round 3 of bad news in the commercial real estate end of things.”

“http://www.sailingtexas.com/Brochures/venturebrochure3.html

Here's my first trailer sailboat. The iron keel cranks up and down.
It's just taking up space at my dad's place.”

“Very cool.”

“What might a boat like that set someone back?”

“NADA used boat values says around 3K with trailer.”

“I may come a knockin when it's time for the next step. I don't have a clue what slip rentals run around here.”