Which pocket cruiser is best for me ?

dpcolohan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2001

I am hoping to switch from power boating to sailing and need advice on what kind of boat to consider. There are so many of them and I don''t know where to start. I would rate myself a novice to intermediate sailor, and much of my sailing experience has been in small boats [9-16 feet]. I plan to sail out of Charlottetown, PEI, mostly in shallow coastal waters [no rocks, sandy bottom]. Much of the time I will sail solo, occasionally accompanied by my wife, a fair-weather sailor at best. Occasionally we might be accompanied by one or two other couples, but only for day sailing. A long cruise for me would be through the Northumberland Straights to the Bras D''or Lakes of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
My priorities in a boat include ease of solo handling, stability in weather and reasonable comfort [I am 6 ft tall and weigh about 250 lbs].
I am looking at a Nonsuch 22, Jeanneau Tonic 23,O''Day 240 LE, and a Mirage 25. Are there others I should consider ? Am I in the right size range ?
Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Please E-mail me: "dpcolohan@ihis.org" or respond to this bulletin board. Thank you.

henryvand · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2001

Sailors are known to be susceptible to " Two Foot Disease " so you should go bigger if you can. You may get caught in the odd blow and a little bigger boat will be appreciated. Also an inboard engine is a big plus when your are in swells that will lift an outboard above water. You might consider looking at the Tanzers - the Tanzer 22 has a solid following and is considered quite seaworthy - the 26 and 28 would give you more live aboard room. Check out the Tanzer group website. Don''t worry about size too much for single handing. Other than when docking there is little difference in single handing between 22 ft and 32 feet. I just traded up from my Tanzer 8.5 (28 ft) to a Beneteau 331 (34 ft) and I spend much of my time solo.

dpcolohan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2001

Thank you for the advice on Tanzers. They look quite attractive. I had been wondering whetherI was looking at boats that are too small. Should I expand my search to include boats built in the 1970s ?

Centaur · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2001

Based on your listed priorities you might want to consider the 26 ft Westerly Centaur.., Its the boat I sail and I am 6ft and 200 lbs. Its twin keels will make it stable enough to satify your mate, it right on the edge regarding headroom for a 6ft person. The iron keels require a bit more maintenance and it is a slow boat but is easily single handed, very forgiving, and extremely stable. It is a more traditional design, closer to work boat than racing boat., so I don''t know what your preferences are in that regard. Most can be had for a very economical price. Best of luck in your search.

rbh1515 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2001

After much research, I am purchasing a Colgate 26. I have not sailed on one but everyone I have talked to that has one loves it. It has a very large cockpit, small cabin. It was voted the top pocket cruiser by Cruising World magazine I think in 1997. It is supposed to be very stable and easy to sail single handed. With a base price of around $26k (and that includes just about everything including sails, solar panel to charge the battery, roller furling, etc) I think its a pretty good deal. Only need to buy an outboard and sailcovers (and a trailer if you want one--it is trailerable). It has a solid hull (not cored). And its a very good looking boat. Also, its the boat that Steve Colgate uses for his Offshore Sailing School to teach. You could always try one out at one of their schools. To find their web site to see the boat and specs (sorry I don''t have it in front of me) search on Colgate 26 sailboat or Offshore Sailing School and you will find it.
Rob

dpcolohan · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2001

Thanks for the recommendations on the Westerly Centaur and Colgate 26. I''ll check them out.

rbh1515 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2001

I found the web address for the Colgate 26.
http://www.colgate26.com/
Also of note, there is a shoal draft option if draft is of concern. Recently saw a used Colgate 26 for sale on a web site that was shoal draft, I think it was in New Jersy and it came with a trailer. There are not many used Colgates out there. Let me know if you want me to find the ad for you. Rob

dpcolohan · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2001

Thanks, Rob;
I found the Colgate website. I don''t think the Colgate 26 has the cabin space I''m looking for. I think I''ll keep looking.

halyardz · #9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2001

While we need more info, I''d submit the
Beneteau 285 for your consideration. A bit big for the trailer crowd but a good mix of
what you might need. There are a number of them out there but they are often a bit pricey.

dpcolohan · #10 (**permalink**) 03-23-2001

Thank''s for the Beneteau sugestion. I''ve read a lot about the mediocre quality of French boat construction and their failure to measure up to American safety standards. Is this really an issue ? Are Jenneaus built as well [? poorly] as Beneteaus ? I am looking at a Jenneau Tonic 23. Is it stable enough to take outside a sheltered bay ? Anyone out there with experience with these boats ?