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Dry sailing Melges 24 and J-80 or is facilitated by the single lift point. The J-80 has a fixed keel v. the retractable keel for the Melges. Therefore, the J-80 needs more water at the launch point than the Melges. On the other hand, if you have enough water the J-80 avoids the pain of dealing with the retractable keel on the Melges every time you launch and pull the boat. You’ll get a workout dragging either from your drysail space to the lift and back.
Although I have no experience raising the mast on either, I wouldn’t think they are practical for your intended use unless you can leave the boat rigged and just drop it in the water with a crane
Having crewed on both it is my sense that the Melges requires a more athletic crew and more bodies. J-80’s around here regularly race with a crew of three; you , your wife, and two kids seems eminently doable
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