need advice on trailer sailers (or draft >3') for the Chesapeake Bay (

[eSailor]

My in-laws are buying some property on the eastern shore of the Chessy, just south of St. Micheals, and I told them that if they buy the house then I would supple the boat. It has a nice dock but the water level is listed as a minumim of 2'.

I was original looking at 28-30' boats but need to change my thinking and look for some a little smaller that has a draft in the 2' range.

I see some boats in the 26' range that are water ballasted or swing keels. I have never been on a water ballasted boat and not sure how it will handle the bay. Boat will be used for day sailing and the weekend trips.

any insight would be great.

Thanks,
Matt

[cb32863]

A lot depends on your budget. You could do anything from a Catalina 22 or 25 with a swing keel or there are the Hake Seawards that go up to 32 feet. Lots of Hunter's, Catalina's, O' Day's, etc out there.

[G20]

Perhaps one of the mid-range Com pacs with shoal draft keels. Those are in the 2' -ish range.

[eSailor]

budget is around $20k and under if possible.

[OtterGreen]

my Santana 23' draws 12 inches with swingboard and rudder up.

[eSailor]

any major downside of a water ballast boat or swing keel? I am more concerned with comfort / stability than speed/performance.

Thanks,

[SVAuspicious]

How far off the dock is there deeper water? Maryland is very easy going about moorings. You could have quite a nice boat on a mooring and a small dinghy to get out to the boat.

[OtterGreen]

on my water ballast the only thing i have noticed is that it is a generally light boat. 1100 lbs dry and about 2600 ballast filled. at anchor it will tend to swing a little more than say a full keel. i keep the board up at anchor with rudder down to prevent keel bump. however, my friends boat has a wind vaning device that looks like a mini sail to keep from swinging at anchor. those are just small drawbacks. i can go anywhere and haul out and splash myself and tow it with my VW Tiguan. weve talked about bigger boats but then it comes in to the channel restrictions and higher costs of yard fees and storage. for the sailing i do, which is day, overnights and occasionally up to five days this time of year solo, i dont need anything bigger.

[OtterGreen]

There she is, parked usually between two ensigns with some tight docking maneuvers..

[OtterGreen]

that bouy in the background reads Caution One Foot or Less..