HELP - Which boat

[Johntp]

We are looking for a used sailboat that would suit a family of 4. Currently considering a Siren 17, Goman 20 or a Santana 20. We sail on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay (fairly protected). We want a boat that "protects" one from the elements and avoids getting the crew wet (esp wife) but is a fun experience and good performer.

Any advice ???

Thanks

[eMKay]

I had a siren, not great for more than two people. It can be a great performer though, lots of sail, light weight. But I bet the Santana would be a more comfortable boat, and an even better performer. But it's not something that is easily launched, you keeping this thing docked?

[Faster]

As Mike says, the Siren doesn't really fit the bill, and the other two will be better but maybe not ideal either. The Santana will be the quicker, the Goman more volume and a more secure cockpit. Both are fixed keel boats that are not really suitable for trailering.

You don't mention your childrens' ages - that will be a factor too. A boat like a Catalina 22 would be a better family boat, I think, and is easily trailer lauched if that's an issue for you. (and fixed keel versions are out there too)

[Johntp]

Thanks for the quick replies. Some more details:

Kids are 7 and 10, but growing fast !!

I plan to keep the boat in the water at a boat access only cottage. At the end of the season I want to try to pull the boat via trailer and winch up onto the beach.

The Catalina 22 is likely getting a bit big. I had also looked at Tanzer 22. I think we are wanting to stay in the 20' range.

So likely between the Goman and the Santana - any thoughts ?? Note, I'd be buying used so the Santana has the older cockpit configuration.

Thanks again.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by Johntp

Thanks for the quick replies. Some more details:

Kids are 7 and 10, but growing fast !!

Great time to start them off sailing! Good for you.

Originally Posted by Johntp

So likely between the Goman and the Santana - any thoughts ?? Note, I'd be buying used so the Santana has the older cockpit configuration.

My recollection ( in no way guaranteed, btw ) is that the Goman has a deeper cockpit with coamings, where the Santana has more of a "pit" cockpit where you tend to sit on deck. Your kids should be fine with either as long as they can stay focused and are agile. (Rules # 1, 2 & 3 being "stay on the boat"!)

The Santana has a "sexier" look vs the Goman's slightly boxy appearance, but I suspect that the Goman therefore has a bit more room below. Your "dry" requirement would steer me to the Goman as well.

You don't say what experience you and your wife have....Both will be fairly lively boats that will reward you when you get things right. For novices they might seem a bit tender, tending to heel over easily. The Santana may rely more on crew weight and placement for righting moment.

Anyway, for your situation either would be a hoot... BUT:

Originally Posted by Johntp

I plan to keep the boat in the water at a boat access only cottage. At the end of the season I want to try to pull the boat via trailer and winch up onto the beach.

Either of these boats would require a specialty trailer with extendable frames, and/or very steep slopes for launching and retrieving. That could be the biggest limitation for you.

[Sailormann]

You should look at a Sandpiper 565 as well....

[Johntp]

Mike, the Siren 17 appears to have a big cockpit - why do you say not good for more than 2 persons - the weight ??

How many do you think would be able to fit on the Santana 20 ?

The Sanpiper looks ok too - although the performance PHRF is higher at 300 versus the Santana at 222 and the Goman at 231.

[eMKay]

It's the low seats, and low boom that bothered me. It's a very shallow cockpit, other than that and if you can live with that, it's got plenty of room, is super easy to rig and launch, and is fun to sail.

[Sailormann]

The Sanpiper looks ok too - although the performance PHRF is higher at 300 versus the Santana at 222 and the Goman at 231.

The Sandpiper is not a performance boat. The Santana is definitely miles ahead in that department compared to the others. The Siren sails very nicely. I had one and wouldn't hesitate to get another. It really is a MICRO-cruiser though. You can seat four adults for a daysail, or you can camp with two adults and one or maybe two kids, but there is not a lot of room in it, and it was not really designed with anything more than the occasional overnight in mind. The Siren is a tender boat though and not suitable for any serious winds. (Trust me - I tried )

If you want a good performing smaller boat - check out the smaller Edel boats also.

The Sandpiper is an actual "cruiser" albeit a short one. They are not performance boats, but they are about as comfortable as an 18 foot boat can get. Their build quality is pretty good.

For the same amount of money though, you should be able to pick up a Tanzer 22, CS 22, Catalina 22 or similar. They are better all-around boats. You may also like the Nordica or Halman 20.

Good Luck !

[sanjuan2R]

Why are you stuck on a 20 ft. sailboat? Are there storage concerns or what? Perhaps buy a boat with a swing keel to make launching easier. A Catalina 22 would be a better alternative to fit all 4 crew members and it is a drier boat [for the wife's sake].
Yeh, the Santana 20 might be a faster boat but does not have much of a cockpit for crew comfort. It is more of a daysailer - not much for weekending with a crew of four. If you are getting into racing - take the Santana. If not, go with the Catalina 22, Laguna 24 (swing keel), S2 -22 cb, Tanzer 22 or others. If you are going to put the boat on your trailer or on the hard during
the winter, what difference does it make how large the sailboat is? Do you think you will transport it to some other waters?
I believe you and your crew will outgrow your small 20 ft. sailboat too quickly
to suit any of them. Decide what your budget is and search the surrounding
marinas and "sailboats for sale" ads in your vicinity before making a final decision. I would purchase: the largest boat in the best condition [after having it surveyed].

Randy
C&C 27