[quote=DamonLinkous][quote=edwardsone]I have a Optimist Type (cement box type hull) 9' long, 4' wide Wooden Sail Boat. It has two sails. I have had a "reefer" put in one of them. It has a center board that tilts up. It also has shrouds, forestay and backstay. This boat was made by a friend some 50 years ago. What is the thinking as to using this as my first boat (training on) as opposed to purchasing a Hobie Wave or Getaway as my first boat? I am indecisive as to the Wave or Getaway thus putting off the decision makes some since if the exsisting Optimist Type will work for traning purpose?[/quote]
Sounds good if the boat is complete and seaworthy, if you are at the "sailing for dummies" stage the first thing is to get out there. If you have anyone who knows how to sail that can go with you it will vastly shorten your learning curve. It's not difficult, but many things aren't obvious.
[quote]The Optimist Type does not have a drain plug in the bottom. My thinking is to install one so the boat will not collect water? I then can leave the boat in tact up on the shore relative to the ease of "going sailing" (not have to rig it each time). Any thoughts on this?[/quote]
Is the boat so big you can't just dump the water out of it? This boat has gone 50 years without a drain, sounds like it doesn't need one, just something else to leak or forget to do before you launch.
[quote]
I have an Old Evinude 3 HP Outboard that has the gas tank in the head of the motor. Will this work on the Hobie Wave or Getaway. If I keep the Hobie in the harbor, I am thinking it would be good to use the Outboard to get out to open water?[/quote]
Don't do this right away, carry a paddle or two and don't get too far from home, after a season you can decide if an outboard makes sense. Usually outboards are only carried on beachcats when there is know other choice, like having to launch from the back of a crowded marina where there is no chance of sailing in and out.[/quote]
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