Downsizing

[drynoc]

I currently sail a Santana 35 on the Potomac River. It is my first boat, and has been a good, but I find that I don't need a boat that big. I day sail exclusively, three to four hours at a time, with no over nighters or cruising.

I'm thinking of moving down to a small daysailor for all of the obvious reasons (less cost, less maintenance, less slip fees, etc.) and I would appreciate some advice on the subject. I don't think that I want a dinghy because I don't want to work that hard at it. I think I would really prefer a small keel boat such as a J22, a J27, or a Colgate 26. What else is out there that might fit in this category? J80? Harbor 20? I also would like to hear about any relatively stable smaller boats, such as the Vanguard Nomad. Budget is about $30K, which is what I think I can get for the Santana.

[TSteele65]

A Pearson Ensign might be a good option.

[rsn48]

A few decades ago, I trained on a 22 footer but I don't recall what it was, though I think it was a Cal. I recall thinking that for lazy day sailing (I'm not into racing) the Cal was a great boat.

To really save money, why don't you search out clubs that allow you to rent their boats. In California there is such a one that rents out Cals and other boats. If I was just into day sails, I think I'd head in this direction; why own the boat at all?

[sailingdog]

Drynoc-

If all you do is daysailing, then RSN48's suggestion of finding a club makes a lot of sense. Is there any reason you need to own the boat, or would having access to a fleet of boats make more sense. You wouldn't have to pay for docking/mooring fees, insurance, or maintenance.

[ehmanta]

DRYNOC:
I have a friend that is selling his beloved Seaward 23 that he keeps on Cobb Island down the Potomac, Might be the ticket for you, it's a good looking boat that if you need to overnight on it, it will accomodate 4 people. I believe he would like $4500 for it, no trailer, but its in good shape.

[drynoc]

Thanks for the responses thus far. As to the clubs, there aren't any particularly near my house, and I tried renting at the marina where my boat is presently in the past. It always seemed as if the boat I wanted was either out, or out of commission. I also like to day sail at night, and the rentals rarely permit this. I'm selfish: I want it when I want it and where I want it.

I will look at the Pearson and the Seaward to see what they offer.

[GySgt]

I have been day sailing little Catalina Capri 22s for the last 2 months for practice. Nice boat IMHO.

[Freesail99]

I'll second the capri 22. I sailed one a few times on the Delaware river. Nice fun boat.

[drynoc]

I'll look at the Capri 22 as well. I seem to recall that Catalina made a 27' Capri at one time also.

[Valiente]

Kirby 24s, J-22s, Viking 28s...even a Shark, which are cheap in most cases.

I guess it depends if you ever want to race and how important standing head room or "sleepability" is to you.