Sailing is a unique passion--the ability to manipulate a boat using nothing more than sails, lines, a rudder, and knowledge of the elements can be both exciting and empowering. While piloting a sailboat is a lot more work than piloting a power boat, sailors often report a deep sense of satisfaction after a day out in their sailboats.

Sailboats can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are fiberglass or wood. A wooden sailboat wins in terms of romance, but does require significantly more upkeep. Conversely, a fiberglass sailboat is perfect for weekend sailors who might not be able to sail more than once every few weeks.

When purchasing a used sailboat, it's important that you take all the sails out of their bags and check them for rips, repairs, and mildew. Additionally, check the quality of the rigging, the hull, the gel coat, and the engine (if the sailboat is large enough to warrant one). Of course, when evaluating quality and condition, you may want to invest a little extra work in the boat post-purchase to save money on the initial outlay.

One good thing about boat owners is that they're often looking to upgrade. That means that you have the advantage, because they often need to get rid of their boat in order to buy a larger one. There may not be anything wrong with the boat, but you are well within your rights to try to get the best price possible. After all, how desperate a seller might be to get rid of his boat is a legitimate factor in the price.