[Barry]

Well it depends a lot on what you want to do.

Do you want to just go out for daysails every now and again?

How many will go with you?

Do you want to race?

Do you want to cruise? (go somewhere and overnight on the boat)

Each of those ways to sail requires a different kind of boat.

Lasers are fun, but only for one sailing around the harbor. There are plenty of 16-20 foot daysailors that you can take a few folks around on.

If you want to race you can find some used J-22's or J-24's around for far less. If you want a racing dinghy, something like a 420 is a blast for a skipper and 1 crew.

Cruising boats with a cabin, should be a little bigger, but a J-24 will do for you and your significant other for 1 night.

There must be a broker around that you can go to and they can show you around. There are plenty of used boats to choose from to fit into your price range. If the boat is used, ask someone to recommend a surveyor that will inspect it for you before you buy.