Looking for dinghy recommendations

[kawest]

There are a lot of different dingys that would meet your needs including a number already mentioned. Another great family boat would be a Wayfarer dingy. They are similar in size and weight to a C15 with a slightly larger beam and more stability. They have been sailed across the north sea so they would meet your stability requirement even when out on LI Sound. They were built up until 2006 in North America and there is a knock off, the CL16, that may still be in production. They solo pretty well and can be launched singlehanded. There are a number for sail on the US and Canadian Wayfarer Association sites.

[kilarney]

Thanks for some great ideas. I'll check into them. You guys had some suggestions that were new to me, which I really appreciate.

[Faster]

Have you considered a Wayfarer? Famous British one-design - made somewhat famous by someone who's name escapes me at the moment - they did some extensive cruising in one. Designed by Ian Proctor, available in several renditions from wood to FRP. Should be plenty available in 'merry old'..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayfarer_(dinghy)

EDIT:.... Now I see Kawest beat me to it! Great minds..........
EDIT 2:... great mind - BAH.... now I see your in NEW England... time for another coffee...

[SlowButSteady]

How about a West Wight Potter?

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Originally Posted by kilarney

- Easily trailerable. (I have a car and a van - nothing heavy duty.)

What vehicles do you have? The tow rating is important. Good brakes on the trailer are very important if you are near #2000 total weight trailer, boat, and sailing supplies, there is a legal limit here on requiring brakes for a lot of states. Maybe less on the total weight if your vehicle has a low tow weight rating. It can be a real scare (or more) if the car ahead of you hits the brakes hard and you cannot brake in the same distance.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Originally Posted by kilarney

I live in northern New England, and sail in lakes. Offshore sailing and large waves are not an issue - although I'd like to be able to occasionally use the boat in protected ocean bays or Long Island Sound...
I'm also starting to think that I should just go with a 25 foot weekender type boat, but's that a thread for another day. The biggest problem with going up to that size is the lack of late model used boats and the fixed costs associated with a boat that is not routinely trailered...

Here is a book with some 360 boats to choose from to 25 feet: The Sailor's Book of Small Crusing Sailboats, by Steve Henkel. Take a look at chapters 11, 12 & 13 to help with the selection process.

There are ways to rig the boat while on the trailer that makes it easier.

[MarkCK]

You might look into this manufacturer. They make some nice traditional looking boats.

Gig Harbor Boat Works - Builders of fine rowing & sailing craft

[kilarney]

I think I've narrowed it down to the Picnic Cat and the Catalina 14.2.

If I get the Catalina, I'm struggling between traditional sloop rig and the "Expo" cat rig. I'm leaning toward traditional since it will help me move onto bigger boats if I get the urge (which I am sure I will).

Thanks for the input, everyone.

[SHNOOL]

I owned a 14.2 for quite some time. I can see the ease of use of the Expo, but the tradition OD fleet is nice.

One thing though. You want to drive a centerboard for a family boat? Everyone swims right?

I found my 14.2 to be fun at 8knots of wind. 10 knots and 1 captin and crew becomes necessary. 15 knots and 2 experienced sailors.

The 14.2 is fast, planes easy, and is a helluva lot of fun. It is a true racing dingy though, and should not be looked upon as a nice family daysailing cruiser.

Several people comment on how tender it is. I personally never turtled it. However, I filled the cockpit on a regular basis! I've personally clocked 9mph on the thing surfing, downwind, and I am not a racer, nor did I have it racing rigged.

14.2 with a keel? Different animal... Plus I'd strongly suggest more cockpit, like a 16.5... a 16.5 with a keel would be best, as long as launch ramp permits.

[Siamese]

Oh......old post