| Congratulations on making a decision to consider | | | | have them verify if there are any manufacturer |
| finding out what the different kinds of sailboats | | | | recalls for your boat. |
| are. We can still enjoy the serenity associated | | | | 6. Again if this is a pre-owned boat you will want |
| with boating by choosing to go sailing. Dancing on | | | | to check and verify the seller's proof of |
| the wind, using Mother Nature's free source of | | | | ownership. "If the price is too good to be true" it |
| power, the wind! | | | | most probably is and could actually be stolen or |
| Sailing is absolutely the answer. Considering what | | | | have some major flaws! |
| is happening with the oil cartels around the world, | | | | 7. If you are satisfied with the above and are |
| our fuel costs are skyrocketing out of control. | | | | buying a used boat, you will want to have your |
| This is having a devastating and dramatic impact | | | | mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine. A marine |
| on recreationalboating. You can do your part by | | | | engine when operating is under much more stress |
| conserving our fossil fuel, saving your family | | | | than an automobile engine. Was the engine warm |
| money while still enjoying one of the fastest | | | | when you started the inspection? A warm engine |
| growing recreational activities. By the way, I | | | | may raise a warning flag that someone is trying |
| recently calculated that I get on average 87miles | | | | to cover up a cold start problem. |
| per gallon of fuel. Does your car or power boat | | | | 8. Different kinds of sailboats should have a |
| beat or even come close to that? | | | | marine surveyor inspect the boat if it is |
| There are several kinds of sailboats. Two of | | | | pre-owned and 25' or longer. He should provide a |
| which are single-hulled sailboats that are designed | | | | written report on every aspect of the boat's |
| for either deep water or ocean and the other for | | | | condition including its value, this could cost |
| shallow waters or shoal boats. The deep water | | | | upwards of $5.00 or $6.00 per foot. You should |
| boats are of a typewith either a heavy full keel | | | | always be present when any inspection is taking |
| design or narrow deep keel which may | | | | place so that you will have a thorough |
| sometimes have a wing on the bottom. | | | | understanding of all the findings and have the |
| The other kinds of sailboats are wet and dry | | | | opportunity to get your questions answered right |
| beginner boats, more advanced kinds of sailboats | | | | away. |
| are catamarans and cabin sailboats. For the | | | | 9. If you are unsure of any of these steps or |
| beginning sailor it may be best to start with a two | | | | processes, you may find it very comforting to |
| person dry or wetsailboat until you learn the | | | | hire a licensed yacht broker. They can and will be |
| basics of sailing. These kinds of boats usually | | | | happy to guide you through all the steps of |
| 10'-12' in length have either a centerboard or | | | | purchasing any of these kinds of boats. |
| daggerboard keel that can be raised when | | | | 10. As you wouldn't purchase an automobile |
| beaching or putting it on a trailer to take it home. | | | | without test driving it, you will also want to take |
| Before you buy any of the different kinds of | | | | your prospective boat out for a test sail. Put the |
| sailboats, there are several things you should take | | | | boat through all of the paces and extremes you |
| into consideration. | | | | can think ofand ask a lot of questions. Be sure to |
| 1. Ask yourself, will you be sailing in fresh water | | | | operate everything on the boat, if you don't |
| or salt water? | | | | know ask your broker to demonstrate. |
| 2. If your boat can not be hauled on a trailer, | | | | Your broker wants you to purchase a safe, fun |
| where will it be moored? Check with your marina | | | | and easy to operate boat. No more than one or |
| or yacht club to verify if a slip or anchor buoy is | | | | two people should easily be able to sale your boat. |
| available! | | | | In many instances boat insurance companies will |
| 3. Where will you get your boaters insurance. | | | | often surprise you and offer discounts on your |
| 4. Will you require financing, if so from whom? | | | | premiums if you have completed a boater safety |
| 5. If this is a pre-owned boat you may want to | | | | course. Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard |
| call the U.S. Coast Guard at 1-800-368-5647 and | | | | Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadron. |