| The term "yacht" invokes images of rich people with | | | | behind the family SUV or pickup truck, a boat pushing |
| champagne glasses, sailing in the sunset off the coast | | | | the 40' mark will have to be permanently docked. |
| of some exotic island. I'll admit, seeing those sails and | | | | Towing something that size is just to much of a hassle, |
| relying on the wind for power is very daunting. Sure, | | | | not to mention the good size truck you'll need (if you |
| most yachts (which come in all sizes by the way) | | | | don't already have one.) Expect to find boats in the |
| have a small motor of some kind. Whether it be an | | | | $25,000 and up range. |
| inboard diesel or outboard 2 stroke engine, most | | | | On the plus side, who can argue with the increased |
| sailboats....yachts...use them for slow navigation in and | | | | size and stability! Boats over 30' can do very well in |
| out of the marina. The fun really begins when the | | | | rougher water, making trips into the ocean entirely |
| engine shuts off and the sails go up!! | | | | possible. Besides, isn't it great to invite your friends over |
| Which yacht is right for you? Well, that's a lot like me | | | | for an "offshore cruise" on "our yacht!!" (Don't you just |
| trying to answer which car is best for you. It all | | | | feel snobbish already!?) |
| depends on your plans, time, and of course the | | | | I highly suggest narrowing down WHAT you plan to |
| almighty dollar. | | | | use the boat for, then price out slips, and of course |
| Yacht's come in all sizes. From the 22' Catalina to the | | | | insurance. (Most all marinas require you to show an |
| mega (which most of us would never sail | | | | active insurance policy.) I personally like the Catalina |
| anyways...that's what hired crews are for!!), there is a | | | | brand of boats, mainly because that is what I'm familiar |
| size for everybody. A family of four might do quite | | | | with. They make all different shapes and sizes, and |
| well with a 22-28' size, as they probably only use it | | | | being very popular you are sure to find someone who |
| once or twice a month. (In between soccer games, | | | | can help you with any particular problem you might |
| recitals, and friends sleepovers!) The smaller yacht will | | | | have. There are many other good brands out there, |
| be just right for the occasional overnight trip on the | | | | one just needs to shop around and see what is |
| lake or bay, and it won't break the bank either. Look in | | | | available. |
| the want ads, and you'll find many Catalina 22's in the | | | | The most important part of boat ownership, in my |
| sub-$5,000 range. | | | | opinion however, is to get the family involved!! Don't do |
| Moving up in size, say to the 30-40' range, we see a | | | | all the work yourself! Let the kids steer, control the |
| dramatic increase in price. A slip (the place where you | | | | engine, raise and lower sails, throw out bumpers, |
| "park" your boat) may be in the $200-$250 range per | | | | etc...What young boy wouldn't have fun throwing the |
| month for a sub 30' boat. Over 30' and the price | | | | anchor overboard, or tying knots on the dock? (Just |
| seems to go up quite a bit. (Depending on where you | | | | be sure to check them good!!) The right boat, |
| live and the availability.) Bigger boats mean bigger | | | | purchased at the right time and for the right reasons |
| engines, which of course require more maintenance | | | | can make many lasting memories that you all will enjoy |
| and parts. Whereas a smaller boat may be "towable" | | | | as the years go by. Happy boating!! |