| Sailboats are fun, plain and simple. Any proud sail | | | | sure you have a committed partner before |
| boats owner will tell you that powerboats just | | | | making your purchase. |
| don't give you the same thrill of being close to the | | | | You'll also want to have a budget in mind while |
| water, feeling the wind in your hair and the ocean | | | | looking at sailboats. Brand new boats are |
| spray on your face. To buy a boat is the dream | | | | expensive and usually do not come with sails, |
| of many Americans, although it is not always | | | | rigging equipment and other gear you will need to |
| practical. The care and cost of any boat exceeds | | | | get your boating hobby started. On the other |
| reason if you live in a climate where you may | | | | hand, used boats for sale can come with these |
| only use your boat a couple times each year. It is | | | | extras and save you a lot of money. It makes |
| a good idea to find a friend with a boat or take a | | | | sense to have an inspector check out your boat |
| sailing vacation, get your feet wet, before you | | | | before you buy, just as you would have a home |
| leap into anything. | | | | inspector look at a prospective house purchase. |
| Length is one consideration when looking for a | | | | You should also check out the Blue Book value of |
| sailboat to buy. Remember that "size does | | | | your boat before you buy, as you would with a |
| matter" when it comes to boat prices. This is not | | | | used automobile purchase. |
| just for the boat itself but also for the monthly | | | | Sail Magazine's "Best Boats of 2009" can help you |
| docking charges at the marina. Of course, if you | | | | search the best sailboats. If you are looking for a |
| still want that ultra-long one but don't want to pay | | | | long luxurious yacht of a sailboat, then the |
| the fees, then you can always grab a little | | | | Outbound 52 is your sailing vessel, which also won |
| rowboat and anchor your boat out in the bay. A | | | | the award for the "best deck/cockpit." For a |
| small sailboat is better for day trips, sailing in | | | | light-weight, high-performance catamaran, try the |
| regattas and zipping around. | | | | Moxie 37. Another high performing boat is the |
| However, if you plan to sail on longer journeys, | | | | Santa Cruz 37. |
| then you will want to buy a boat that is sturdier | | | | For smaller sail boats that are less than 25 feet, |
| and less likely to capsize. If you are plowing | | | | the Bug is a fun ride. To cruise in style, the |
| through choppy water, you will be more than glad | | | | Hunter 50 has everything from a built-in coffee |
| you opted for the longer deck. Also, longer sail | | | | maker and extra linen storage to a swivel |
| boats that range from 25 to 35 feet often include | | | | captain's chair and Jacuzzi tub. The Tartan 5300 |
| enough living space to travel, relax and take a | | | | was chosen for "best system," which has all the |
| break from the elements. Of course, you will | | | | electrical controls within reach for quick access. |
| need a helping hand if you buy a bigger one so be | | | | Happy boat hunting! |