Help the marriage

zperson · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2003

I need a boat that is better suited for my wife. The requirements are the following:

Length: 26 -32
Price: Less than 35K

The boat should be exceptionally easy to singlehand so I am thinking it should be a fractional rig, with the main sheet control neer the wheel or tiller.

The boat should be able to be sailed FLAT with very little heeling in winds below 12knots.

The cockpit should be sizable enough for my first mate to lay down and grab sun while I sail.

I looked at j29''s and while I liked the boat alot, the cockpit is far too small. The nonsuch is great, but very expensive.

Any ideas?

Denr · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2003

Trawler

PBzeer · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2003

The Hunter 26 would fit your requirements, most can be had for around $15K. The cockpit is roomy, fractional rig on a boat designed to sail flat. Needs a reef after 12 knots and all lines are in easy reach of the cockpit. For a bit more, you could get the newer 260. Both have enclosed heads (always a plus with the ladies), usable galley, and enough space for overnighting, or weekends.

I singlehand mine, and fine it pretty easy to do so. Good luck in your search.

Fair winds,
John

zperson · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2003

I appreciate the advice of the Hunter. I''m not sold on the looks and would still like to see something a little bigger with a wheel. Bigger hunters fit the bill but the cockpits seem to shrink as the length increases.

In some ways I also need to thank the other post in this thread. When people ask why more people don''t get involved with sailing I can point to people on this board who seem to think you should enjoy being uncomfortable on a sailboat or switch to a motorboat!

jbanta · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003

If you are looking for a production sailboat in the Hunter range but the Hunter just isn''t quit the thing. Take a look at Catalina.. In my mind a better boat than the Hunter anyway at near the same price range.

zperson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003

I have a catalina 30 and while I like the cockpit and living qtrs, it is a pain to singlehand. Masthead rig means you need a big jib, and the mainsheet control is too far away.

jbanta · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003

A headsail furling system can handle the foresail problem and a lines ran aft for halyard and reefing can do the rest. Isn''t any harder to handle than any other 30 footer.

dameware · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2003

Want to sail flat in winds less than 12 knots?

Sail downwind all the time, or look into buying a catamaran or trimaran.

jbanta · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2003

12 knots... You can''t even have fun sailing if you don''t heel at least 30 degrees some of the time...

sherbet · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2003

Yahoo personals and other websites are a good way to meet potential mates. If you specify in your criteria you''re looking for someone who likes sailing, you should be able to find a new wife pretty quickly.

just kidding.