Walt Simmons Wherry in the midwest

[Bob at Compass Boat]

HI,

Took my fair lady for a ride today to do some shopping.

On the way back drove into Lake Geneva( upstate for the Chicago folks). Really a neat little lake and town.
Sitting on a lawn on one of the side streets was a Walt Simmons designed and built Lincolnville Wherry,Guess a '16. Cedar on oak with all brightwork mahogany, lapstrake, copper and bronze fastened,traditional Gaff (I think not sharp on sailing rigs) sail, two pair oars, trailer etc. etc. With a for sale sign. Appeared to be very low mileage, I'd guess less then 50 hours sailing time. VERY CLEAN. Owner was not available, was for sale priced at $4600, I thought it was fair price. Any comments? Picked up a throw away camera while there, will try and post some pictures as soon as possible. I am weakening, have always wanted to build a Simmons boat or two. Gotta go back tomorrow and look again. At least give the owner a call to see how she got out here in the midwest.

How would this be for a training boat for learning to sail? No experience.
Would appreciate any comments on the price. Thanks.

Bob

[rbgarr]

Looking forward to the pictures!

A very general rule about getting into sailing for the first time is to find a well-used (inexpensive) local type of sailboat so that if it isn't for you, or you want to get a different boat, you can presumably get rid of your first boat more easily due to local interest or familiarity with the boat. A good place to start is a local sailboat dealer who sells new and used boats. He has his reputation to protect and wants you happy. Lake Geneva probably has its share of those people. Try calling Melges Boatworks in Zenda(?), WI for ideas as to type. They'll have good questions for you.

I love the Lincolnville Wherry, but ask the owner why he's giving up on it. Does the boat have a centerboard? That will make quite a difference in her sailing abilities. They don't strike me as being the best for trailersailing or lake sailing, not to mention the considerations above.