Tell me about 17' - 19' boats...

[arbarnhart]

OK, I was heading down the path toward the 21' trailer sailors, but the reality of where I can park one in the near future makes it just too tight a squeeze. Even on a shorter boat, I am going to need to have the trailer worked on to make the tongue removable. But I can have a boat now within these restrictions! I will look at Ventures and I have a possible line on a local Slipper 17, which is probably as large as a 17' boat can be. I think some boats up to 19' might work, depending on actual size and profile. Mostly medium size lake cruising, some NC sound and/or ICW. I would like to carry 6 in a pinch (mostly as a ferry) but will usually only have 2 or 3 aboard. Give me some "love this", "hate that" and "be sure to check/consider _____", etc...

Thanks!

[LeftyI36]

Do you like the West Wright Potters? They start at 14', but they make a 19' that's pretty nice too.

[CapnHand]

Catboats offer a lot of space for their length. If I am ever looking for a trailerable sailboat, that's what I'll be considering. They might be right for what you want. Most of the brands are listed here http://www.catboats.org/popular_lines/linesfra.htm

[arbarnhart]

The Potters seem to come in just below and just above what I am looking for; the 14/15 might be a bit tight for the occassional ferry of the family and their 19 seems to a legitimate 19, which is too big.
I want a sloop rig mostly for the experience for when I move up to a bigger boat (which is in my plans, but circumstances prevent that from being very soon).

[sevseasail]

check ou the Cape Dory Typhoon. A 18'6" Loa that comes in two versions: daysailer and weekender.
http://www.capedory.org/specs/typhoon.htm

Good luck!

Here's one in NC: http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/c...ected=-1&ps=30

[camaraderie]

sevsea...Dittos on that...That boat gets my vote for the prettiest lines ever drawn. Someday I'm gonna buy and old one and spend a few years bringing her back to life just for the pleasure of it!

[wescarroll]

Compac also used to build a very nice 16 foot pocket cruiser I think.

[sailingdog]

BTW, there are now hinged trailer tongues, that might do the trick for shortening the trailer.

[arbarnhart]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

BTW, there are now hinged trailer tongues, that might do the trick for shortening the trailer.

Yeah, I have seen those and would be happy to get one. But taking any trailer down to the local welding shop for the sleeve and pin trick will have less budget impact.

[gigglingdolphins]

Arbarnhart,
Don't know if you have checked these out, 19' cornish crabber; 17' Norseboat explorer; 17' seaward fox, I know this is 16' but the selway fisher highlanders are nice to sail. good luck