I need trailer sailer advice

[IwanaBrich]

I'm looking for a used sailboat and I'm totally confused. First, I'm not an expert sailor, but I'd like to be! I've sailed smaller boats like lasers and sunfish. I live on the North Shore of Long Island NY. I own a pick-up truck and I'm looking to buy a used sailboat that can easily be trailered and launched from a shallow ramp. The boat will mainly be used on Long Island Sound. I'd like something around 17 to 23 feet, that has a small cuddy cabin, but I don't need a galley or room to sleep 4, just some space for some seating to escape the sun or rain, but it has to have room for a porta-potty!! I'd like as large a cockpit as possible. My goal is to hone my sailing skills while making sure that the bride enjoys sailing as much as I do, before I invest a lot of money.

I've always wanted to own a sailboat capable of sailing up and down the east coast. I asked the same question on another forum and a lot of folks like the Catalina 22 and Odays. I was wondering what you folks thought? Are there boats to avoid?

[craigimass]

The Catalina 22 was also suggested to me, and I took lessons on one. I ended up with Precision 18 (new). Some used ones at:
Precision Sailboats - For Sale

and elsewhere.

You probably want a swing keel if you are using a trailer often.

Also, look at Rhodes Mariner 19's......

My P-18 draws only 21" with the board up.

Also, you might give some consideration to mooring. Raising a mast and rigging each time you go might take some of the fun out of it.

Another option is to look for certain clubs and orgs nearby - for instance, in Newport RI there is a non-profit sailing center where you can rent J-22's and Rhodes 19's inexpensively. If you are going to sail only a limited number of hours, it may pay to rent.....even at certain commercial places.

Another small trailer boat is the West Wright Potter 19 - more popular on the west coast than here, but some are often listed.

A lot depends on your budget and what happens to be on the market at the exact time you look. You do have to consider the total cost of ownership - and that is where renting can be a great deal.

[jonfreeman]

I have owned a West Wight Potter 19 and a Catalina 22. Both were LOTS of fun, but the C-22 was s much better performer than the Potter. However, it was also harder to set up and launch, everything being larger, and farther from the ground on the trailer.

Additionally, parts and accessories were generally less expensive on the Potter, as the size of all the components was smaller. Sails, blocks, cables, fittings, you name it, cost is closely related to size of the boat. I really enjoyed both boats for different reasons. The Potter for the camaraderie of the enthusiastic owner groups. The Catalina 22 for it's sailing and accomodations.

I made it all the way up to a Catalina 350, and am back down to a 310. Even these two are a class apart in size and cost.

Having said all that, I would also suggest you look at the Montgomery 17. I ALMOST got one (used ones go fast, but I was on the hunt), when I thought my wife was done with sailing. I will likely have one of these when I retire, as I expect she will precede me to landlubber status. They are by ALL reports a good sailor, stable, comfortable, and well built. They are light and easily trailered, and enjoy a happy and loyal (and vocal) following.

Check 'em out at Montgomery Sailboats Owners Group and Nor'Sea Yachts builders of the Nor'sea27, 37 and Montgomery 15 and 17

[scottyt]

if you want a solid boat and have a bigger truck you could look into late 70's early 80's hunter 25's. but they do have a galley and it is a solid weekender boat. i have a churibini 27 ( hunter designer ), its a great design, and very roomy

here is a link with several for pics, they seem to sell in the 4 to 6 k range
Hunter 25 Sailboat Photo Gallery

[Tortuga12]

and love it! I paid all of $400 for mine, with trailer, and other than the trolling motor, I've put in maybe $150 into it. I might repaint it at somepoint, or I might not! The boat sails well, and is easy to rig/launch/recover. I think they're cheap because:

1. they're older boats

2. Some of the stigma of the Mac 26x slops over to the older Mac's.

The original owner of my boat was a member of the Battery Park Marina, if the window sticker is to be believed!

[bmunse]

Hunter 24 and 26 water ballast boats are light to trailer but still sail fast and close to the wind. The mast raising system is a one man affair with practice. The boat is tender so reef early. For the new wife it offers a door to the head and lots of room to entertain.