A sailboat is a great summer time investment. When it gets hot, sailing out at sea is a good way to stay cool. Sailboats are relaxing too. Just imagine yourself out on the water, enjoying some quiet solitude, gentle wind blowing you along while you view wildlife in action around you.  Sounds like the ideal summer past-time to me!  But how do you get started?

 

Initially you may want to rent a sailboat if you live in an area where this is available.  But once you have nurtured your love of sailing, you will want to invest in your own craft.  At that point, you will need to decide a few key things- such as where you plan to sail, how large your boat needs to be, and whether you want to buy a new boat or a used boat.  

 

Where you live or plan to travel to will help you decide what type of boat you should consider. Will you need a rugged boat or a casual boat? If you plan to sail near hurricane zones, get a strong, rugged boat. This type of boat can handle the winds and the damage a hurricane can bring during hurricane season. On the other hand, if you will be in calm waters, you can consider a casual boat.  

 

Secondly, consider what size boat you require for your enjoyment. Some people buy a sailboats for solo sailing, and some buy them for families. Others may want large sailboats that can hold lots of cargo for longer trips. Of course larger boats will cost the most. Bigger is not always the best choice. If the boat is not for a family, consider getting a smaller boat. Small boats are easier to handle, which would be best choice for a beginner sailor.

 

The next consideration is buying used or new. If you are considering buying a new boat, don't forget about the hidden costs for all the equipment you will need to purchase to fully outfit your sailboat. New is always nice, but don't get in over your budget, you can always upgrade later when you have mastered the skills of sailing.  A used boat will already have most of the gear you will need, though you may have to purchase some replacement parts. If you decide on a used boat, avoid boats that are more than 15 years old. These boats might give you more problems and cost much more than you saved by buying used. 

 

Of course one other option, if you are of the creative mindset, would be to build your own sailboat. There are many sail boat plans available for this purpose, and how rewarding it would be to craft your own sailing rig and then be able to enjoy using it on the water!  

 

Before spending money on a boat, either new or used, always survey the boat and take it for a test cruise. If you do not know what to look for when surveying a boat, you can hire someone or bring a friend who knows about boats. On used boats, one of the main things to consider is salt damage from salt water. A boat that has not been cleaned will have salt water damage on the outside of the boat. On the floor of the sailboat, search for any mold or mildew. The sails and the ropes should also be clean and free of rips and tears. Make sure you go over the boat completely from bow to stern, looking for major defects that could create further costs for you. You can decide on your test sail if you like the way the boat handles or feels on the water.

 

Before you purchase the boat, you will need to consider the additional costs of owning a boat. Boat owners have to pay a dock rental fee among other things, such as the cost of cleaning, and annual haul out fees. Cleaning the boat is one of the most important maintenance issues that should be not ignored. Salt water is a special concern to your investment.

 

In summary when you buy a sailboat, decide where you will use it, what size you require, and whether you will be buying used or new. Whether you buy new or used, be sure to give it a test run before completing the sail. After that- enjoy your new investment that will be rewarding for years to come!