Searching for a boat

forkbeard69 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011

Hello,newbie here,am currently looking around for a trailer sailer to get myself and my wife out on the waters around Vanc. Island,but not sure which boat to go for. Have heard that Cal 20s are good and also Catalina 22.What about a US 22?

DonScribner · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011

Pick up a copy of The Complete Trailer Sailor by Brian Gilbert. He has tons of things on trailering, sailing, launching and the like. But he also has a section in the back that has 50 or so sailboats from 16' to 28'. He includes photos, sketches and specs so you can decide what is right for you. One big thing in my mind is . . . where's the head. Most of the trailerables place the porta-potti in the middle of the cabin floor for all to enjoy. Not for the likes of me but fine for others. Head room is another issue to keep in mind.

Don't limit yourself to a 20 footer. It's a sizable boat for sure but if you go just a little larger, you can get twice the boat and if the you shop a little (especially in the fall) you can get great deals. We bought our Lancer 25 on CraigsList in November of '08. She was completely seaworthy but in the past few years we have upgraded this and improved that. We trailer her every time we sail so we've gotten pretty good at that. And stepping the mast only takes about 15 minutes with the two of us. We just got back from a 6 day excursion up the Maine Coast.

Best of luck!

Don
Biddeford, Maine USA

forkbeard69 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011

Thanks for the info Don, will get the book you mentioned but I guess the best thing is to go and have a look at boats for sale to get an idea of the differences between them all.

DRFerron · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by forkbeard69

I guess the best thing is to go and have a look at boats for sale to get an idea of the differences between them all.

That, and if you have a lake frequented by trailer sailors, spend some time near the set up area where they raise their masts, chat up some of the owners of boats that you find interesting looking (but don't take up too much of their time if they're in line to launch). Boaters love talking about their boats.

Also, dock walking marinas is helpful if you are near one that is not gated.

I almost forgot, it's popular now for sellers to post video of their boats for sale on youtube. You can see a walkthrough of the boat. Actually, searching for sail and sailing videos on youtube is almost as big a Vortex as Sailnet for me.

Good luck!