First Boat

heybuddy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009

I need advise before I take the plunge. I am a beginning sailor, would keep my boat in the drive, need a low trailer profile for easy launch and retrieve, singlehand-able, weekend-able, easy to rig. For lake sailing and possibly Superior and the Apostles (after a good deal of practice). I have a 1 ton Pick-up so weight isn't an issue. I have enjoyed a good turn of speed and pointing ability and ( I must confess) like to heel.
I've got a long list of candidates but have no idea which are quality boats and which are not. I'm drawn to the S2s. Did they make a retractable keel? The Rhodes 22 sounds interesting. And the Balboa 26. Catalina 22 always comes up. It is bewildering.

J24mark · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009

Tanzer 22's have a long following and are very ocean capable. You can get them with a 3'5 keep or a shoal draft centerboard version which measures only 2'. Very cool little boats that are SOLID, that was our first real sailboat.

SailorGregS · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

I was thinking of buying a boat and thought the Tayana 37 would be a great choice. It's a great blue water boat I've heard.

imagine2frolic · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Look at the Cal 20's.....i2f

Cruisingdad · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybuddy

I need advise before I take the plunge. I am a beginning sailor, would keep my boat in the drive, need a low trailer profile for easy launch and retrieve, singlehand-able, weekend-able, easy to rig. For lake sailing and possibly Superior and the Apostles (after a good deal of practice). I have a 1 ton Pick-up so weight isn't an issue. I have enjoyed a good turn of speed and pointing ability and ( I must confess) like to heel.
I've got a long list of candidates but have no idea which are quality boats and which are not. I'm drawn to the S2s. Did they make a retractable keel? The Rhodes 22 sounds interesting. And the Balboa 26. Catalina 22 always comes up. It is bewildering.

The 22 is a good choice. THe 250 is a better boat for being out there on for weekends. You will enjoy pulling neither. It is not the forward-back... it is that they are top heavy, and launching and rigging, etc is really a pain. Honestly, you will use it more if you can find a marina to put her in. Take my words for it. When you can just run out, hop in your boat, and go... it is a lot more fun. But spending some hours getting there, dropping the tub, stepping the mast, etc. gets old pretty quick for most people.

Brian

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailorGregS

I was thinking of buying a boat and thought the Tayana 37 would be a great choice. It's a great blue water boat I've heard.

The t-37 is a great boat and renound cruiser. I would probably suggest opening your own thread and you could discuss the merits of it.

Brian

sailingfool · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybuddy

I need advise before I take the plunge. ..I'm drawn to the S2s. Did they make a retractable keel? ...

The S2 is a class act boat. I raced a 6.9 in MORC for a few years and enjoyed the boat a lot, very nice design and well made. I highly recommend, well worth the minor premium the name demands.

See S2 6.7, 6.9 & 22 Class Association Web Site ! .

Most S2s 26' and under came with daggerboards.

gardeningal · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Looked at a Rhodes 22, very clever concept, avid following. Too small for us in the end. Agree with prior post of leaving in a marina if possible, will use it more.

lbdavis · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfool

The S2 is a class act boat. I raced a 6.9 in MORC for a few years and enjoyed the boat a lot, very nice design and well made. I highly recommend, well worth the minor premium the name demands.

See S2 6.7, 6.9 & 22 Class Association Web Site ! .

Most S2s 26' and under came with daggerboards.

I agree with the fool, but you should note that S2's are often described as "nicely carpeted" boats.

They liked to carpet EVERYTHING.

FishFinder · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbdavis

I agree with the fool, but you should note that S2's are often described as "nicely carpeted" boats.

They liked to carpet EVERYTHING.

Indeed ... however I wouldn't let the carpeting scare you. If it's a real mess (some of mine was a disaster at 30 years old), it's a big job but totally do-able to replace. Rip carpeting down, clean/sand the fiberglass and then paint. If carpeting is the worst thing on your boat then you're probably in good shape.