Good Weekend Sailboat?

[mmazour]

Look at the S2 7.3 I had one with a saildrive. It was excellent starter boat fixed keel, 4' draft, rock solid, fairly quick, stable and fun. Sleeping 4 might be a tad tight unless your talking about 2 adults and 2 children (or short people)

[BoatKid5]

i am sort of leaning to the catalina 22 because it would cost less to own a slip. If we do end up buying a sailboat i will likely be paying for the slip

[fullkeel7]

The only C22 I've been on had a very small slide out galley w/maybe 5 gal. of water and I think the owner said it was an option. I'm not sure I'd even consider it a 'galley'.

I'd also recommend the 25 footer if you're leaning toward a Catalina. You will be surprised at the difference in cabin volume and it will make those planned 3 -4 day trips on the Chesapeake much more comfortable. Another plus is the enclosed head which is always popular with the ladies.

BTW, if I had my druthers, I'd go with the keel version of the C25. I've read that it sails better than the swing keel and it gives a bit more headroom. Happy hunting.

Add: Oh yeah, the 3 foot addition shouldn't be all that much more, in 'boat bucks' that is, for the slip charges. $25/35 mo.?

[Sarguy]

Originally Posted by Hesper

I'm someone who doesn't believe in "starter" anything. I want the right item the first time - wife, house, boat - and I've accomplished that. When I went for my first (and last) boat one criterion was that it be the largest that I felt comfortable handling alone. For me, that was 28 feet. Stretched my budget a little bit, but I've had it 9 seasons now and it's still right for me. That saves me a lot of money and hassle in the long run (saved even more getting the right wife first time out!).

I've had my starter wife for 34 years now, and her trade in value is a lot less than she is worth to me now. My next (first) keel boat will be my last boat, and the choice will be made by what boats are available, storage availability, and a little bit by budget. I'm comfortable handling 36 - 44 footers, but they are somewhat out of my price range.

[Sabreman]

I know that Catalina 22 quite well. My father owned 3 Catalinas (22, 27, 30) and I worked for two dealers in the South Jersey area in the late 70's. I think that Catalina in general is a fine boat for its intended purpose (overnighting and coastal sailing). You won't go wrong owning one.

I do not think that you will be happy trying to squeeze 4 people inside the 22 for anything more than an hour. You can not come close to standing and the "galley" is a joke. It's a great day sailor or overnighter for a couple of adults on a cool night; it gets REAL stuffy REAL fast in warm weather. You would do much better to get a Catalina 25 or 27 or something similar. Go older if the price is a problem; the great thing about Catalinas is that there are lots of them and the prices are appropriately low.

As to difficulty handling a first boat; it's like anything else. Practice, ask questions, don't be afraid to mess up. EVERYONE on Sailnet has messed up (see the Bonehead Moves thread ). if you haven't messed up more than once, you haven't been on the water long.

My recommendation is to go with the 25, take some lessons on the boat, read, ask questions, don't get too uptight when you mess up (you will), seriously analyze when you mess up, and have fun. This boating stuff isn't magic though boat yards, riggers, sailmakers, engine mechanics, and assorted dock rats will lead you to believe so.

Good luck.

[voice3]

Originally Posted by BoatKid5

I am looking at buying a good weekend sailboat. I have had previous experience sailing on sunfishes and hope to get more formal sailing lessons. Both my parents know how to sail. I am looking at a good sailboat that would be good for day trips and weekend sailing trips. I would want it to have a galley and be able to sleep 4 with a little room for gear(not always sleeping 4) I have always wanted a sailboat and am now saving up for one.

some sailboats that i am looking at are
-catalina 22
-Cal T/4
-MacGregor 25
-O'day 22

any input appreciated!
THANKS

Last year I was in the same position myself. I ended up buying an Eastward Ho 31'. It's a bit bigger than the boats you're looking at, however because it's not a popular boat you can pick them up for a good price. It's my first sailboat, but I have no problem single handing it. It's has a very comfortable motion, and although it's a traditional full keel design and a fairly heavy boat, I have no problem getting it up to hull speed in 10kt winds. It maybe a bit more suitable for sleeping four than the boats you're currently considering. I've only been sailing it for one season, but so far I'm very happy with it.

[timebandit]

might wanna look here--

Mac26S_PromoCD.wmv

[BrokeNotBroken]

We are looking for a smaller boat for 2 adults and 2 kids. Something easy to sail and not too expensive. I wanted the boat to be trailerable so that I didn't have to pay dock fees and so that I could take it home to work on it. With two small boys, spending my weekend at the dock fixing stuff is not a good option. Anyway, I narrowed it down to the Hunter 260 and the MacGregor 26s. I found this review from someone that owned both. I thought it was a balanced review and offered good insight.

Hunter 260 vs 1991 Macregor 26s - SailboatOwners.com

Best of luck,
-david

[MarkCK]

I also think you ought to go with a catalina 25 over the other boats mentioned. Catalina builds a good boat for the money. The Catalina 22 is probably too short if you are actually going to spend time in the cabin. Hunter and Magregor both build a decent boat for their intended purpose but I have always liked Catalina's better.

[BoatKid5]

Thanks for all the replies. Lucky there is one near me that is for sale and is in good condition

it has the following sails: Mainsail, Jib, and 150 Genoa.
-is that enough to go and sail or will i have to buy more sails for it?

I am still trying to convince my parents that we should really do this. I hope we can do it. Any important things to know before buying a boat or to think about before buying a boat