Need boat buying advice

vtsailguy · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

OK, so I need to get some of the collective wisdom here to figure out a new boat for me.

Currently I own a great Cal 29 on Lake Champlain. Really nice shape. I love the space (have 3 kids).

BUT, its becoming less frequent that all 5 of us go out, and when we do, its just for a single night overnight. The Cal would be perfect for week long jaunts round the lake, but that's not on the cards for a few years.

So, I am looking for a slightly smaller boat. Sleep 4 in comfort, 5 at a pinch for one night.

The next thing is being in Vermont, its a very short sailing season. I want something that I can trailer. I will still have a mooring, but being able to easily bring it back home (I live 1.5 hours from the mooring) for winter would save on storage and make working on her easier.

I'll admit I have been looking at MacGregors. I am not really interested in the whole power sailer thing, but a older classic (I hear they are better sailers) with a modest engine sounds like it might be a good fit. Also seems like you can get a newer MacGregor for the same money. After all, I only sail on a inland lake, I am not even coastal.

Any other ideas?

vtsailguy · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Realized this is probably in the wrong forum, should be in boat review and purchase?

tommays · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

There is no way you will be happy going that small or that much less solid I just pay for the truck and bring the Cal 29 home

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Moved your thread for you....

Agree with Tommays it's very difficult to downsize significantly and be happy with it. 6 years ago we tried to downsize from 40 to 30 and ended up with a 35... going from 28 to 40 was easy; going the other way not so much.

If the boat isn't costing you a lot then it's not a difficult boat to doublehand... keep it and really enjoy those rare times the kids join you.

vtsailguy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

I'd love a trailer like that, but have been looking for 2 months and not found anything I could use. If I had a trailer, I'd rent a truck in a heartbeat. I have even investigated trying to get a steel cradle and lift onto a flatbed.

Actually, I can solo it comfortably in 10-15 knot winds.

@Tommays
"On a more happy note we continue are quest to find out how fast a Cal 29 will go and with yesterdays gusts into the 20s we did a bunch of 7.5s with a 7.7 peak i can smell and 8.0 as we learn more about what makes the boat go fast"

I hit 8.7 knots wing on wing last weekend in a 20 knot wind

bljones · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Seaward 25/26, depending upon your budget.

or, if you like the Cylon look, a C&C Mega 30.

Both are sailable trailerables that won't break the bank or your heart.

vtsailguy · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Wow, never seen that C&C Mega 30 before. It looks like the perfect trailing boat for a family. Are they as good as the hype?
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/brochur...a/30megab4.htm

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtsailguy

Wow, never seen that C&C Mega 30 before. It looks like the perfect trailing boat for a family. Are they as good as the hype?
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/brochur...a/30megab4.htm

Not really....

tommays · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

I don't own the trailer I just hand the boat mover 400 each time as a trailer is over 8000 dollars

SHNOOL · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011

Isn't this like ditching the towncar for a prius because it is easier on gas?

SHNOOL<-who drives his pickup only while towing now, and takes a $4000 focus to work. I hate high gas prices.