help me

[James DePalma]

I have about 3 years experience from my local yachclub as a crew on other peoples boat. I am looking to buy my first boat for the Great Lakes and have narrowed it down to a Cape Dory 25D and the Pacific Seacraft Flicka. I have looked at everything from Bristol 24, to a Bristol 29.9 to a Hunters, Freedoms, C & C's , O'Day's Catalina's on and On and ON.

I am going to mostly day-sail with an occasional overnight and/or weekend trip. Which is the better boat, I can't decide!!!

[Suky]

Awesome Be sure to pay for a survey before closing on purchase it will be worth it'sweight in gold. Pay particular attention to deck, standing rigging& the engin
This is the beginning of what I hope will be a long love affair with sailing. Be safe with the most comfortable
PFD you can find, use paper charts & fly fee with wind!

[LOLA]

I'm partial to Freedoms I have a Freedom 30

[James DePalma]

thanks to everyone who responded. i went with the Cape Dory! can't wait to get our there

[Suky]

Flicks is known to be SLOW ! I'd be a bit cautious.

[Terri]

Cool site, may help! http://www.atomvoyages.com/articles/boatlist.htm

[Terri]

Both excellent boats! I was interested in a CD 25D when looking for my first boat, but got sold before I could make a move. Pacific Seacraft's nice also but were out of my price range. Think the Flicka could take you further offshore nicely. I'd say sail them both again, then decide. Good Luck! Terri

[David VanDenburgh]

I own a Cape Dory 36 and sail Lake Michigan. I think you have narrowed it down to two excellent boats. I'm somewhat prejudiced toward the Carl Alberg designed CD25D because she is a bit more traditional and moderate, but either one would serve you well. If you want info on the CD25D, check out the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners' Association website (http://www.capedory.org/specs/cd25d.htm).

I assume you have been aboard both? Like shoes, whichever one feels more comfortable is the one I would buy. Good luck and let us know what you decide.