Sailboats as a rule are slow-moving vessels. Much of the joy of the sport is derived from the slower pace of life aboard, providing more time to enjoy the natural world than its power boat cousin racing along at 40 knots.
While history abounds with tales of people sailing long distances in micro-sailboats a more practical approach to the sport is advised. Often a sailors’ first sailboat will be small. As skills and the sense of adventure increases a sailor frequently catches a thoroughly enjoyable disease called “Two-Foot-itis”. Keep in mind that for every two foot increase in size the more likely the boat will possess the owner. Sailboats don’t have to be expensive, large or complicated to safely enjoy the sport.
Types of Sailboats
Sailboats are designed for specific types of sailing. Racing boats are light weight, wet, fast and thrilling. There are few conveniences. A cruising boat is heavy, stable, dry and has the necessary amenities for extended trips. A racing enthusiast will not likely enjoy a boat designed for extended cruising. Boats intended to do both are known as Racer/Cruisers and although popular, neither perform as well as a serious enthusiast may expect.
Large Sailboats 30 Feet and Above
Bigger might mean better sailing, but it does, however, suggest more complications from additional onboard systems that take time and expense to repair. In addition, the monthly expenses required to maintain the boat in operating condition are significant.
The increased risk compared to smaller boats tends to make sailors less adventuresome. While it is always good to be cautious, owners of larger boats seem to find more reasons not to use the boat.
For instance, if a 20-foot sailboat runs aground a crew member jumps overboard and pushes the boat into deeper water. If the same thing happens to a larger boat, expensive towing fees and the risk of significant damage is a real possibility. Thus the larger boat captains tend to motor more and sail less.
Small Sailboats, 8 to 25 feet
Small boats on the other hand are easy to sail and inexpensive to maintain. Most can be stored on a trailer in a driveway or back yard. Some are designed with a cuddy cabin that is handy to store beach gear. Many designs less than twenty feet long offer a cabin large enough to camp in. As boat size approaches 25 feet comfort increases but so do the maintenance costs some of which are not boat-related, such as purchasing a tow vehicle or a trailer.
The smaller the boat the more intense the sailing experience. A small sailboat may take an hour to sail across a lake for instance while a larger sailboat can cover the distance in half the time. The lake has decreased in size from a sailor’s perspective.
Sailboat Expenses
Sailboat expenses vary widely but a good rule is to calculate the cost of each use of the boat to determine the value in terms of what other forms of entertainment are available for a similar cost and the time available to enjoy them.
The best boat to buy is the one that is affordable now and ready to sail. Do not fall into the trap of the perfect sailboat. It does not exist and even if it did the definition of the perfect sailboat will change with the needs and skills of the sailor.
Matt Maloy - Matt Maloy, writer, artist and photographer has been sailing small boats for nearly thirty years. Based in Largo Florida, he chronicles ...
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