What is the ideal boat for a first time sailer

[alant]

I had a Hunter 701, basic but friendly and we even lived aboard it for 5-6 months, my favourite and most friendly little boat was a Trapper 500 and this little diamond I would recommend for anyone who has never sailed.

What would you recommend?

Someone elses!

[alant]

Anything small, simple and cheap - certainly not much over 22ft.

Had the same question from my SIL.

Advised & he bought an old (but not knackered) drop keel Jaguar 22.

Not too expensive, dry as a bone inside, stable even with keel up, roller headsail/slab main, so he can bash/scrape/ground etc, without any major tears.

Oh, forgot, sails OK too.

As a complete beginner with reasonable common sense, you are going to make lots of cock-ups whilst learning basic boat handling, so this is one of the ways I would go for.

[Seajet]

That's unfortunate !

I've seen several drop keel Jaguar 22's where the hull is so weak it sagged ( permanently ) all around the keel stub when ashore...

[alant]

That's unfortunate !

I've seen several drop keel Jaguar 22's where the hull is so weak it sagged ( permanently ) all around the keel stub when ashore...

Yes, yes, we all know your 22' preference is an Anderson shelter.

[Seajet]

You'll notice I didn't mention Andersons; what I say about Jaguar 22 drop keelers is based on personally seeing several ashore.

[alant]

You'll notice I didn't mention Andersons; what I say about Jaguar 22 drop keelers is based on personally seeing several ashore.

Well, this one doesn't have any weakness around that area.

[Seajet]

Well, this one doesn't have any weakness around that area.

Spiffing; might be worth checking and considering some reinforcement, though that would be a serious amount of work.

[Mavanier]

I always thought the Wayfarer sailors were the wimps

Fighting talk!
How about a race across the Minch- I'll take the Wayfarer, you take something small and tippy.

[richardbayle]

+1

As usual thread gone away a bit, but the most useful advice was "somebody else's"

[doug748]

I don't think you are after a dinghy name, but a Mirror 10 is ideal for learning. Loads of reasons, I think we all know them.
For a GRP boat with a sleeping cabin, the only thing that matters is getting an inexpensive deal on a sound ish boat. This sort of thing:

http://www.boatingworldsw.co.uk/#/sail-4/4527685843

The learner can then sell it sharpish when they know what they want. One season and you have had a good deal, any cash return is a bonus. The same kind of logic leads many drivers to run old bangers.