Got 13 foot slip, need boat

LookingForCruiser · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Just got a letter in the mail, I got a dinghy slip. Of course it's still another 10 years or so for a mooring. Funny, that's how long they said it would take when I applied 3 years ago.

I'm still psyched, I was going to buy a smaller sailboat at some point this year anyways, and now I won't have to be trailering it around. But the size is capped at 13'.

Two caveats:

a. I'd prefer something that didn't need bailing, as I won't be around the boat after every rainstorm. The harbor master will charge me if he has to come by and bail the boat out. Guess I could get some kind of cover, but that seems like it would get pricey

b. The mast can't be up while it's tied up at the dock, there are cables overhead. So I'll be carting a mast back & forth from my parents' garage

Any ideas? I lean towards the Hobie Bravo because it doesn't need bailing and is simple to rig, and is only 12' long. But presumably I'd have to put bottom paint on it, which seems weird for a rotomolded plastic hull, and there's not much of a used market, so I might have to buy new, and I hate spending money.

TrueBlue · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Congratulations LFC,
Even if it's a "dinghy slip", a Hobie Bravo's 53" beam should not exceed the maximum beam requirement. Sounds like a great plan and best of luck in finding a used one.

NOLAsailing · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

At 13 ft. what's the advantage of a slip. Why not keep it in dry storage - probably cheaper and definitely better on the boat. You can launch a 13 ft boat easily off of a dolly and you could probably leave it rigged.

LookingForCruiser · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Because I don't have to tow it, and don't have to beg my parents to let me keep a trailer & boat in their yard.

Now when I go down to drop my daughter off & pick her up when she's visiting my folks, I can go sailing without having to worry about trailering, etc.

TrueBlue · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

If you take the route of hauling it, instead of the marina experience, the Hobie Adventure Island is only 3 feet longer. Looks like a fun alternative, the pedal system is a nice bonus for close quarter maneuvering and when the winds dies off.

VIDEO

poltergeist · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

I think what NOLA was suggesting was dry storing whatever you purchase AT the marina, instead of in the back yard. In any case, that's what I would suggest.

Another concern is that, tied up to a dock, stepping a mast is probably going to be a challenge on a boat that small, and an invitation to a swim or damaging the boat. That's why most 13-ft boats are rigged ashore and then dollied or beach launched.

And if the mast can't be up at the dock, how are you going to sail away and back?

Have I missed something?

Kurt

NOLAsailing · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Yes, I was suggesting keeping it at a marina or club dry storage yard. You can keep a 13 ft boat on a dolly and launch it by hand down a floating dock or ramp. You can also launch with a small hoist if you rig a bridle. You can leave the rig up and the storage fees will almost certainly be less.

If it's dry sailed, you don't have to worry about sinking, bottom paint, or any of the other hazards of in the water storage. Also, I'm sure a 13 ft boat won't have an engine. How will you get in and out of the slip under sail (particularly when it's breezy)?

txmatt · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOLAsailing

How will you get in and out of the slip under sail (particularly when it's breezy)?

Especially after you have unstepped the mast somewhere else (I assume you have to do this before you go to your slip since there is not enough clearance there.) I agree that from what has been said it seems like dry storage (at a marina) would be a better option. If you are going to go through the trouble of stepping the mast every time anyhow it's really not much more effort to launch a dinghy. And it would have the added bonus of keeping the bottom of your boat nice (bottom jobs are a hassle), plus you likely wouldn't have quite such a strict length requirement which would open your options tremendously (like maybe a C-15 or a Laser or even a Scow).

artbyjody · #9 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

Plus will you not still have to store the mast at your parents? While not as much room is required, still have to store it there... The marina storage is usually cheaper too...

LookingForCruiser · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008

There's no marina involved here, it's the town landing. I'd paddle the boat from the slip to the main wharf to step the mast.