Length is one consideration when looking for a sailboat to buy. Remember that “size does matter” when it comes to boat prices. This is not just for the boat itself but also for the monthly docking charges at the marina. Of course, if you still want that ultra-long one but don’t want to pay the fees, then you can always grab a little rowboat and anchor your boat out in the bay. A small sailboat is better for day trips, sailing in regattas and zipping around.

However, if you plan to sail on longer journeys, then you will want to buy a boat that is sturdier and less likely to capsize. If you are plowing through choppy water, you will be more than glad you opted for the longer deck. Also, longer sail boats that range from 25 to 35 feet often include enough living space to travel, relax and take a break from the elements. Of course, you will need a helping hand if you buy a bigger one so be sure you have a committed partner before making your purchase.

You’ll also want to have a budget in mind while looking at sailboats. Brand new boats are expensive and usually do not come with sails, rigging equipment and other gear you will need to get your boating hobby started. On the other hand, used boats for sale can come with these extras and save you a lot of money. It makes sense to have an inspector check out your boat before you buy, just as you would have a home inspector look at a prospective house purchase. You should also check out the Blue Book value of your boat before you buy, as you would with a used automobile purchase.

Sail Magazine’s “Best Boats of 2009″ can help you search the best sailboats. If you are looking for a long luxurious yacht of a sailboat, then the Outbound 52 is your sailing vessel, which also won the award for the “best deck/cockpit.” For a light-weight, high-performance catamaran, try the Moxie 37. Another high performing boat is the Santa Cruz 37.

For smaller sail boats that are less than 25 feet, the Bug is a fun ride. To cruise in style, the Hunter 50 has everything from a built-in coffee maker and extra linen storage to a swivel captain’s chair and Jacuzzi tub. The Tartan 5300 was chosen for “best system,” which has all the electrical controls within reach for quick access. Happy boat hunting!

Sloop designs are the most common variety of sailboat, The term sloop originates from the Dutch word slope. This design utilizes a mainsail and foresail with one mast. Sloops usually bend only one headsail, though this distinction is not definitive. Unlike cutters, sloops usually have only one headsail, though some sloops such as the Friendship Sloop have more than one sail. Sloops are popular with sport sailors, yachtsmen and as racing craft. Cutters are very similar to a sloop with a single mast and a mainsail. The cutter generally carries the mast further aft to allow for the use of two headsails attached towing forestays, the head stay and the inner stay carry the jib and staysail respectively. This is rarely considered a racing configuration; however, it gives much versatility to cruising boats, especially when there are high wind conditions.

Catboats today are used as a pleasure craft for day sailing. 19th century catboats were also used for racing. Ketch designs are sailing craft with two masts: a main mast, and a shorter mizzen. Both masts are rigged mainly fore-and-aft. Ketch boats are very popular among long distance cruisers. The additional sail allows for a better balance. Another popular sailboat configuration is the schooner. A schooner can have two or more masts. The second mast is at least as tall as the first mast. Sailboats are also classified by hull type. Most sailboats are built with a mono or a single hull. However, some boats are built as multi hull boats. These include catamaran and tri-maran vessels. When comparing a mono hull boat to multi-hull boat acceleration is much different. In a multi-hull boat acceleration to a top speed is very quick and almost instantaneous.

Sailing requires a high level of experience and skill. Crew must be able to quickly change rigs, rudder and dagger to change the speed and direction of the boat in a variety of sea conditions. In addition to steering the boat and managing the sails, crew must also have at least basic knowledge of some of the skills that are normally the responsibility of the captain. These can include weather forecasting, navigation, emergency repairs, marine electronics, first aid and others.