28' recommendations?

[Scuppers52]

I'm looking for the "right" boat for my 28' slip on Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. I'm mostly interested in daysailing, not racing, and am happiest with a sheet in one hand and beverage in the other. I will mostly stay in Kaneohe Bay, which can be windy with coral heads and sand bars to be managed, but would consider making the cruise to neighbor islands under the right condiitons.

I've looked at a CAL 29 (but never sailed one), and have chartered a Catalina 27 as well as bigger Beneteaus (32', 40', 45'). Leaving price and new-vs-used out of it for now - what do are the recommendations out there?

I greatly appreciate advice.

S52

[Faster]

I don't know what availability is like in your area, but the Cal 29, Ranger 29 &30, C&C 30 (and of course others) would all fit the bill if you're looking at boats of that vintage.

Up the budget and you can look at CS30, C&C 30MkII and the larger/newer models of other mainstream builders such as Catalina 30, Beneteau and (gasp) Hunters (mid 80s or older IMHO)

Assuming they'll let you put a 30 footer in that slip...

[artbyjody]

Since you have sailed the Cal-29 - I would actually recommend a Cal -27 to whatever.. Very forgiving, and if you get one that has a decent interior... a blast to sail. Remember you get charged for the overhangs etc at marinas...

If you are a strictly day sailor - minimum investment the C-27 or C-29 is not a bad choice...

[flyinmike]

Thanks for the info

[Lion35]

You may want to add the Islander 28 to the list of boats to look at.

[kwaltersmi]

Check out the Sabre 28. It's a very well respected and affordable 28 footer that's made to good standards.

[sailingdog]

I'd recommend the Telstar 28... My opinion may be a bit biased... but it's a great day sailer and has a very shallow draft... and fits in a single slip...but is very stable when the amas are extended to its full 18' beam.

[nolatom]

You on a budget?

Pearson Triton, and oldie but a goodie.

[thesnort]

For your location, you might be able to find a Farrier (Corsair). Trimaran, which will make coral heads less of a worry, unless they're inches under the water. The only thing that's not so great about these boats is their lack of space down below- not exactly comfortable for cruising.

[sailingdog]

Snort-

The Telstar 28 is a lot roomier down below than a Corsair 28, having a cabin almost the size of the one found on a Corsair 31.