Newbie looking for brand advice

[hep303]

I just bought a lakefront home and have a dock suitable for up to a 35' boat. I have researched the Hunter 240 and Hunter 22. I like the large cockpit on these boats in relation to similar length catalina and oday sailboats. I really would like any opinions on hunter as a brand and if anyone has any thoughts on these models. The h240 has water ballast. I won't be trailering my boat regularly so is this a plus or minus? I have 2 friends who are experienced sailors and will teach me what I need to know so I don't feel the need to start on a sunfish or some other tiny thing. I was told that sailboats do better on a mooring than a dock. True? My dock is well protected with a stone jetty and I have about 5 feet of water so with keel up it should be deep enough. Feel free to respond with any comments, suggestions or opinions.

Mike

[Harborless]

Hunters are perfect boats for what you are seeking. Question is just the model which is right for you. I would however steer clear of water ballast on small boats. A cubic foot of water is around 17 pounds while a cubic foot of ead is over 60. This means the amount of water you would need in a ballast would need to be 4X that for a lead ballast. On small boats, space is at a premium so this makes water ballast types less optimal in my opinion.

[hep303]

Do you think water ballast on a 24 footer is OK? I am interested in maximum cockpit space and just enough area in the cabin for a cooler and some storage. The h240 seems to have more space than I need

[Harborless]

Ok how? Basically that boat will be a lot lighter than the same size boat with a lead or iron keel. This means that your boat will be more bobber-like as weather increases. This means that you will be more limited as to when you will be able to sail. Also, your righting ratio will be different. The water ballast is a way for boats to be made cheaper- water is a lot cheaper than lead or iron.
I think you would better off with a lead or iron keeled boat. However, if you are sold on the water ballast then go for it. Just do a little more reading on water ballast boats and how they sail so you know what your getting in to.

[Harborless]

I would check out the J-24 man- great boats with great cockpit space and sailing ability.

[tommays]

The J24 is terrible for more than two people and makes everybody else HATE sailing as they slide back and forth under the boom on every tack



IMHP water ballast is a required tradeoff to keep a larger trailer boat light enough and should otherwise be avoided