Spring is in the air and so many of us are experiencing an adventurous urge after the winter season. Now is a good time to buy that first boat you have been dreaming about. If you buy a boat now, you will likely find a boat that is already prepped for the 2006 boating season. Thus, you can enjoy it immediately. You will have more time to spend learning to use it rather than spending time prepping it for the boating season.

The Catalina

The first rule of thumb though for someone who has never had a boat is not to be enthralled by the "Porsche" of boats by a boat dealer. Someone new to boating can be easily enticed by the image of a new, luxurious boat, but unless you know what you are doing you may not be getting value for your money or needs. You may even wind up with some headaches and some nagging from your spouse.

Secondly, no particular boat does all things perfectly. If you want a boat that gives you reassurance in extreme conditions, then do not expect it to also outperform other boats in light air. A boat that is fun, relaxing and easy to use the on weekends is unlikely to also be the best boat for voyages out on the ocean. One cannot expect fast acceleration and a large weight capacity on the same vessel. You can buy a boat to sit on or to enter in a local racing program, then sail around the world later, but a boat will only do one or the other or neither very well.

It would therefore seem reasonable that figuring out which boat you should buy ought to be based on how you are going to use the boat. But the truth is that boating is a dream for many people and thus it can be challenging to think logically when you are close to making your dream reality. To overlook this truth is to risk making the wrong decision despite sound reasoning.

So the best considerations for a first boat are whether you can handle it and if it best meets your needs, because most likely a boat will not meet all of your desires. A question to ask yourself is that if you buy too much boat and spend way too much money are you really going to enjoy it? Thus, try to find function in a boat more satisfying than speed or space or a ground-breaking design. Such sense of pride is practical and is almost spiritual.

If speed is of very great importance to you, focus your quest on boats known for this, but also consider that speed also wears on a boat just like it does to a car that is driven roughly. If you are interested in sailboats, you should note that fast is a relative term. On an average day sail, the fastest yacht in the fleet will probably still be setting the anchor or packing the sails when the slowest boat arrives. If speed is not the most important to you, then do not let somebody deter you from buying a boat you like because it is "slow." Buy the boat because it functions well and meets your needs.

The sailboat pictured here is in great condition and is a great first boat or a boat for someone who does not want too many hassles. The upholstery is in top condition and has been used for most of her life as a single handed day sailor. The owner has always felt safe in this boat in all kinds of weather conditions. It is easy to get information or parts for this boat because Catalina is such a reputable company and this is a standard model. This boat is a great boat for anyone who likes to sail. It is easy to handle either by yourself or with others. It is a great boat to teach your friends and family how to sail. It also sleeps two or three very comfortably.

For more information about the boat pictured here and other water-related activities throughout the Oyster Bay area you can email the author at Jaime.VanDyke@gmail.com or reach her at 946-9464.