Comparable to the Merit25 today

[windprocess]

Does anyone make a comparable boat to the Merit 25 these days? Ive been looking around and although the early eighties Merit 25 boats are great they are getting some age on them. Not that they cant be refitted. Most boats I have seen lately are stricly cruisers or racers. Of course the racers other than the Merit dont have enough room for me in the Vbirth or elsewhere(J24). Further, the cruisers (Catalina 25)though more comfortable just arent as fast.

I would probably sink if I could find a brand new Merit 25 for a reasonable price...

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by windprocess

Does anyone make a comparable boat to the Merit 25 these days? Ive been looking around and although the early eighties Merit 25 boats are great they are getting some age on them. Not that they cant be refitted. Most boats I have seen lately are stricly cruisers or racers. Of course the racers other than the Merit dont have enough room for me in the Vbirth or elsewhere(J24). Further, the cruisers (Catalina 25)though more comfortable just arent as fast.

I would probably sink if I could find a brand new Merit 25 for a reasonable price...

anything typically less than 30 feet - will not get you what you want I bet. Fast and comfortable in the sailing world are in my opinion - arch enemies... and at best you get a compromise... kinda like having a truck but wanting it to handle like a sports car...You can get alot of comprises but never a true blend of either...

[sailingdog]

windprocess-

please don't post duplicate or multiple threads on the same topic. Also, please read this post to help get the most out of the time you spend on sailnet.

[camaraderie]

Thread moved from Boat design forum to buying a boat per guidelines.

[SailorMitch]

Can't tell exactly what you want -- a racer or a cruiser? And even if you could find a new boat that fits your needs, what's your budget for buying and outfitting? True that the current racing scene is dominated by "sport" boats that have minimal accommodations. But they are fast.

What do you have against a 20 year old boat anyway? Lots of us on here have boats that age and older. There's a Merit 25 for sale at my marina right now that is in great shape according to the marina owner. It will be a lot cheaper than buying something new. But it's all in what you want and how you want to spend your money.

[sidney777]

Dictators are becoming out of style(I hope).

[T34C]

What exactly do you have in the Merit that is missing on other boats. Is it just a long enough berth? If so, get a j22. You could over night and then kick the crap out of the Merit the next morning!

[T34C]

Originally Posted by sidney777

Dictators are becoming out of style(I hope).

Hadn't realized it was.

[7Psych]

How about an Express 27? Plenty fast with more room as well offered at good prices!

[windprocess]

Artbyjody, I definately agree its a delicate balance. Even a beginner like myself can see that... I want to knife through water with speed and camp for a night here or there. Lake Lanier though just a mud puddle now will eventually be back to its 400 some odd miles of shoreline..

Sorry about the duplicate thread sailingdog was a (misfire).

Definately nothing wrong with a 20 plus year old boat sailormitch. Only repairs to the keel and refitting other worn components can get a little costly. Still I think thats the boat for me (Merit 25). What are they asking for the one at your marina? I found one near me for 5k could easily put another 5 in it... Which makes me consider something newer that is comparable.

T34C, Is it true a J22 will out perform a M25? I ve never been on a J22

7psych , I will have to look at the express27. Do you have a link?



thanks for the great response everyone