Opinions needed -TrailerSailing

[mattu]

Looking for the best 26' trailerable cruising sailboat. Starting to shop on sailboatlistings. Help please! :/

[sailingfool]

Short answer, only answer: S2 7.9, see S2 7.9 Class web page

Also http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-r...-s2-7-9-a.html

[jjablonowski]

What's the budget? How far is "cruising"? What kind of waters (inshore? Great Lakes?)? How much weight are you willing--capable--to haul over the road?

[CaptKermie]

MacGregor manufactures more trailerables than any other manufacturer bar none. They have the most experience and the most sales and most owners and have cornered the maket on trailerables. Several models to choose from, have a look at a few.

[bljones]

If you are looking for a NEW true trailerable sailboat, the Seaward 26 is a decent choice:

Hake Yachts 26RK

[mattu]

Thanks for the help I'm pretty familar with MacGregor. They seem to have the market cornered.

Most of my sailing will be in Lake Erie, with occational trips to Huron and Michigan. I'd like to do a lot of overnight anchoring, so the interior is as important as the trailorability. Most of my sailing will be out of Monroe Michigan with the Ohio Islands being the main destination (my wife and I were married on Kelley's Island).

I drive a 8 cylinder Chevy Silverado, so I'm hoping that should cover most of the load capacities that I would see in these types of boats.

By and large I think I'd lean towards comfort and safety over speed. I like the MacGregor retractable dagger board style but the interiors don't look all that appealling.

Also, I'm looking used because my budget is low. 10K maybe. Hopefully when I'm more experienced I can move up to a nice boat but right now the "floating camper" would best describe my mind-set.

[mattu]

You're right! the s2 7.9 is a great looking boat. I'm going to keep my eyes open for one of these.

[oomfh]

Have you considered a Catalina 25 wing keel? Structurally sound, comfortable interior, great factory support and very active users forum. My 1/2t Chevy manages this package well - though the trailer does have quad discs.

[CalebD]

I have sailed on a MacGregor 26 S (earlier NON 50HP model) and it sails well. The cabin is surprisingly large if you do not mind not being able to stand up most of the time. There is a pop-top that will allow you to stand when anchored.
OTOH, while those lakes may be inland they are definitely 'big water' (aka Great) lakes. The S2 7.9 sounds like a good choice. I also think there are some San Juan makes a 21', 23', 24' and 26' that might also be worth a look.

[wegman]

Consider also the Laguna 26 27, the Cal 25, and the Bristol 26.