Daysailer question. Looking at Pearson Ensign!

[danielgoldberg]

Look at a J-27. There's one for sail now in Mamaroneck (I have nothing to do with it) that probably will end up in your price range by the time you haggle. It'll be a much better sailing boat than the Ensign, and it's got a good look on its own (in my opinion anyway). And you'll have a blast sailing it in NY Harbor.

[merc2dogs]

Also look at the Pearson commander. A bit larger than the ensign, but still a nice spunky day sailor.

Ken.

[chas5131]

I own an Ensign. It is my second Ensign.
The Ensign is about the 10th boat I have owned and my favorite from a Chrysler Buccaneer, to an S2 7.9, to a Tartan 33.
The seats are comfortable, if you are going to sit on the rail padded sailing shorts are good to have.

Ok, maybe the Tartan 33 was pretty good.

[AndrewMac]

I've had an Ensign for about 12 years and have absolutely loved it. I find the cockpit to very comfortable. As I understand it, the boat is not designed to be sailed at any significant angle of heel, so the idea of sitting up on the rail has never come much into play for me. Having said all that, I have found recently that I want to move to a boat with a bit higher performance. Selkie, as much as I like her, can be a bit of a sedate ride.

If you do go the Ensign route, I would absolutely recommend tenting over the cockpit to deal with the lack of self bailing. They can get a bit wet in the type of chop that you'll find in the harbor, but then again I would imagine that most boats this size would as well. Below is a link to one for sail at Northeast Sailboat Rescue. They always have several that are in need of a bit of work at decent prices. They are located in Maine, which may be a bit of a haul, but this one looks like it comes with a trailer.

Good luck!

1964 Pearson Ensign Hull # 57 sailboat for sale in Maine

[chas5131]

An electric bilge pump takes care of any water that gets in. I may T a manual bilge pump into the hose and use check valves.
Lake Dillon is known for big knockdown gusts.

ensignspars.com has just about anything an Ensign might need.
They offer a cover that is like a boom tent that is good for when the boat is in its slip. North Sails in La. can also make one.