I do not know if this is a useless idea, as it may result in the 'blind
leading the blind', but it would be interesting to have a conversation
with those who are planning to buy your first sailboat within the next
year or so. If you are like me, you have hit the forums, have been
asking questions of those who have already taken a number of plunges,
and generally have stayed up too late so as to explore and obsess over
reading material.
I am planning a trip to Annapolis this weekend. I do not have any
intentions other than to wonder around. Perhaps I will run into a
broker that I feel is authentic. Perhaps I'll be able to narrow-down
what seems to be an ever-expanding list.
I, for example, am looking for a solid hull boat large enough for a
few adults, but capable of single-handling. I tend to favor boats like
the Bristol 35.5, the Tartan 33 & 37, the older Wausquiez's, older
Pacific Seacrafts (can't even really afford the older ones, the Ericson
38 and the First series Beneteaus. I will do most of my sailing in the
lighter airs of the upper Chesapeake, but want a boat that I will feel
comfortable in going offshore (probably north) for a number of weeks.
Though I am an endurance athlete into adreneline-junky sports, I have
little desire to circumnavigate (my family would not let me), but for
my sixtieth birthday (7 years hence), I would love to sail across the
Atlantic and back.
What are you experiencing. What pitfalls and hassles are you
encountering? I generally dislike haggling and sales-people. What can I
expect? Any thoughts on these businesses in the Annapolis area;
Rouguewaves, Crusader, Bristol, AYS ? Brian, southeastern PA