One of the best opportunities for new people to get into sailing is to visit 'Craig's List' and restore a boat that's been languishing in a field. Yes, it might require some parts, some work and some elbow grease but many of today's sailors started when 'do-it-yourself' was the only way go.
There are tons more options today from single fee clubs to buying a new boat but buying and saving an old boat should definitely be in for consideration. One thing about fixing up old boats too is you learn about them. Buy a new dinghy and you may never learn what a gudgeon is but buy an old boat with a missing gudgeon and look how your sailing vocabulary suddenly expands!
Check out this boat from Craig's List:
Hobie 16 Catamaran - $750 (san jose east)
Solid Boat
Galvanized trailer
Serviceable sails
Tramp needs new lacing
do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers
post id: 4723756846 posted: 2 days ago email to friend ♥ best of [?]
Below are my daughters sailing last summer on a Hobie 16 my brother bought for $500. It cost a bit more to get it sailing but it was a nice start.
There are loads of great old boats available for rescue and fun - Sunfish, Hobies, Rhodes 19s, Santana 22s - you can find them everywhere. Wouldn't it be great to bring one back to life by Summer Sailstice 2015?
When you do you'll become a sustaining member of the Sailboat Rescue League!