I am looking to buy a used sailboat for weekend or day trips around Lake Ontario.

I’ve looked into insurance and mooring/winter storage etc. and understand the extra costs.

However, I’ve never bought a boat before (just have done sailing lessons over seas). I love being on the water and this is a dream. I came into some money and am looking to spend $6000. Which from what I’ve seen is doable for a starter sailboat with minimum maintenance. I don’t need anything fancy. Something that would be good for learning on, and for taking a couple friends out, and maybe sleep in one night here and there on longer trips.

Any advice on what I should look for and what I should avoid buying second hand would be much appreciated!