Unlike power boating, sailing gives you a completely different experience, making you feel united with your environment as you move through the wind.
There are many types of sailboats out there which include cruisers, racers, cruiser-racers, center cockpits and pilothouses.
This is a great time to be a first time buyer. Prices are so, so low and deals are for the making! The best place to start looking for a sailboat is at a boat show. There you will be able to experience firsthand how each boat looks and feels as you move about the cockpit and cabin. Most first time sailboat shoppers opt for a 25-30 foot cruiser, since they are easy to handle.
When you are more experienced, your choice becomes refined. You start where you feel comfortable, just as you would with a car, and, after a while, you may like cruising and go for a larger sailboat with more speed and comfort. Or you may turn to racing – a great sport the whole family can enjoy. You learn quite a bit about sail handling and usually join the club. They may have cookouts and activities lined up the year through. There are racing machine sailboats out there in all sizes, but with sparse interiors, less weight and more speed. But a new breed of sailboats has been coming out, getting better year after year. It is the racer-cruiser, capturing the best of both worlds.
The center cockpit gives you deck area both forward and aft. The cockpit is in the center, just as its name implies. This set-up lets you and your guests relax outside the cockpit area. You’ll find built-in seating on the stern railing, and many offer deck mats to layout in the sun.
Below the cockpit, the cabin consists of the salon (living room), forward stateroom (bedroom), with a head (bathroom), and to the rear of the salon there is another stateroom with an ensuite head. Typically, this is a large, comfortable area, depending upon the size of the boat. This is a great area to relax in privacy.
The pilothouse is a nice change. This type of sailboat features an aft cockpit with steering and, if the weather gets bad or if it is raining, you can duck in to the cabin ahead, which is usually raised and also contains a cockpit. That becomes your salon with another cabin area further ahead and below. Sleeping accommodations are in the salon like all sailboats and also up forward. The pilothouse gives you great visibility and everything can be handled out of the weather.
Choosing from the numerous options available is an exciting part of shopping for a boat. As soon as you’re ready to make your purchase, contact your local boat dealer or yacht broker who can help you find the best boat to fit your need. They will look out for your best interest, since they want your repeat business.
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