Hi folks - first post (and not sure if this is the right sub-forum)
As an empty nester and a relatively recent transplant to Seattle, I'm itching to get back into boating. I grew up on the South Shore of Boston sailing and racing in Quincy Bay, starting with dinghies (Turnabouts and N20s) then moving up to 420s and then International 110s. I owned a powerboat in Texas for blasting around the lakes when my kids were young, but the main thing I took away from that experience is that I don't ever want to trailer a boat again. I'm drawn to classic looking boats and don't mind having to do some work - I actually need projects and like working with my hands to keep myself sane. I plan on daysailing or occasional weekending and originally started looking at the "classic plastics" (Cape Dory's, Bristols, Pearsons) in the 25-30' range - there are some to choose from that are very affordable. But I really get excited when I stumble across a wooden boat in decent shape. So I've subscribed to Wooden Boat, joined the Center for Wooden Boats, and now I'm starting to get serious about actually pulling the trigger on buying something.
So the questions:
1) Anyone have experience in the Seattle area with where to keep a classic, older wooden sailboat? Seems like I have to figure that out first since I don't have any place to store the boat. I'm shocked by how many of the marinas I have visited are very sad places - run down docks filled with neglected boats. Also surprising that given this state of affairs that every place seems to have waitlists. How is it that marinas can be full of people that can pay moorage leases but seem to have forgotten that they own a boat?
2) I'm planning on daysailing and maybe weekending, mostly single-handing (I'll have my wife and dog along but this is my passion, not hers). Is a 30' full-keel boat manageable to get into and out of a slip single-handed (obviously with some practice?) or should I be going smaller?
3) Assuming that I find the right boat, what should I budget for maintenance of a boat that surveys well and has been taken care of? I can (and will) do most of the routine stuff myself (engine maintenance, paint, varnish, rigging, etc.) but how often is a haul-out and total strip/paint needed and what is the typical cost?
4) I doubt anyone will try to talk me out of buying an older wooden boat on this forum, but I'm doing everything I can to educate myself about the potential issues vs. a plastic boat. Other than a good survey, any other advice before I go down this road?
Thanks and looking forward to becoming part of the community!
-Steve