Looking for biggest Weekender I can tow

[DaveC426913]

We are about to purchase a used boat. We have taken lessons but this will br our first ownership. We have a pretty good idea of our sailing needs and have done extensive online research.

We reeeally want something that would be comfortable week-ending - or longer - on. And want it to be trailerable so we can explore new places. That pretty much means a retractable keel.

My dream boat would be a MacGregor.

But my poor car will only tow 2000lbs. That severely limits what I can buy. I've got to consider trailer and gear in addition to the boat itself.

I'd like to find the largest boat that can be towed by my vehicle. By "largest", I mean cabin-space.

I am interested in all suggestions.

Currently, my best pick is the Matilda 20 - 1550lb, 8ft-wide cabin with galley and partially-enclosed head. Few boats seem to come close to it in weight versus roominess.

Can anyone point me elsewhere?

Remember: 2000lbs all-in, trailerable, largest cabin.

[sailingdog]

A Com-Pac Legacy might fit the bill. Displaces only 1000, leaving plenty of towing capacity for the trailer and your gear.

I'd point out that if your car can only tow 2000 lbs... and the boat weighs 1550 lbs...and your gear will likely weigh at least another 200 or so....do you think you might be overburdening your car, since the trailer for a 1550 lb. boat is likely to be at least 400 lbs... Just a thought...

[DaveC426913]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

A Com-Pac Legacy might fit the bill. Displaces only 1000, leaving plenty of towing capacity for the trailer and your gear.

Thanks but it's a bit wanting in the cabin-space department, which is a priority.

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I'd point out that if your car can only tow 2000 lbs... and the boat weighs 1550 lbs...and your gear will likely weigh at least another 200 or so....do you think you might be overburdening your car, since the trailer for a 1550 lb. boat is likely to be at least 400 lbs... Just a thought...

Yup. It'll be flirting with the limit for sure. No way around that. Course, that's the Warranty-approved rate, so probably has some wiggle room.

Not going far though. 1-2 hour drives, tops. Most drives will be < 10 minutes to local dock.

[Guzzi]

Since your car is somewhat limited in towing capacity you may want to consider buying a beater pickup to use just for towing the boat you really want.
Good luck in your search.

I've pulled a friend's Mac 26S with a V6 Dakota with zero problems.

[Watermelon]

West Wight Potter 19
Precision 18
Catalina 18
Hunter 18 (or is it 17)
just to name a few

beater pickup may be the way to go if you want larger.

[Sailormann]

Currently, my best pick is the Matilda 20 - 1550lb, 8ft-wide cabin with galley and partially-enclosed head. Few boats seem to come close to it in weight versus roominess.

These boats have an incredible amount of weather helm. The tiller will pull your arm out. The keel mechanism casing tends to leak.

Much, much better to get a West Wight Potter.

[craigimass]

The tough thing is the comfy interior.
I just bought a Precision 18, but I am only day sailing. You have to be a hardy couple to want to do two nights or more on a boat under 20 feet. I know people who have happily done it, though.

The P-18 trailers easily with my Subaru Forester. I think it will be about 1800 lbs with outboard, trailer, boat and gear. I drove 2 hours to pick it up - with no problem on the way back.

We have a house near the water in RI, so won't have to stay on the boat.

I'd have to agree the upgrading the vehicle and looking at 21 to 24 foot might make for a happier weekend.

[DaveC426913]

thats gunna git old.quick

Really. I guess me and about ten thousand other trailer sailors have just had it wrong all along.

I think you'll find there's a lot more to trailer sailing than you seem to think.

[DaveC426913]

You have to be a hardy couple to want to do two nights or more on a boat under 20 feet. I know people who have happily done it, though.

We know we are comfortable in tight spaces. We've spent years vacationing in camper-vans for two weeks at time.

And an enclosed bimini will probably be my first mod to the boat, effectively doubling the space.

[DaveC426913]

Originally Posted by Watermelon

West Wight Potter 19
Precision 18
Catalina 18
Hunter 18 (or is it 17)
just to name a few

beater pickup may be the way to go if you want larger.

WWP is perfect! What a beautiful boat! Alas, I am not the only one who seems to think so. They don't seem to sell for less than $12,000CDN.

The Matilda has one thing that that rest of those don't - an enclosed head.