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Look for new sailboat under 25 ft.

7K views 33 replies 16 participants last post by  SHNOOL 
#1 ·
Does anyone have any ideas on new boats 20 to 25 that I could day sail alone in a delaware Bay. I am looking to have a small cabin for one night sleep overs when the drive home is 2 plus hours.
hunter 22
Benataue first 20
Catalina
Or others . I would love to hear what the best ideas are. Money is not primary . Nice boats that are easy to sail means most
 
#2 ·
Is it just you? If I was going to single hand I would look at a Cape Dory Typhoon. 19', cutaway full keel, very shippy little boat. I had a Catalina 22 years ago and loved it. I also have owned a Tanzer 22, (like a Cal 25 but a little smaller) and it's a tough, fast little boat. All three of these can be had for not much money. The C22 and the T22 can be trailered which might open up some other areas for you.
 
#3 ·
First of all, there's a huge difference between a 20 and 25 footer. Depending on the creature comforts you want, A Catalina 22 or 25 are worth looking at. The 25 will feel huge inside the cabin compared to the 22. Compared to the Catalinas, the Capri 22 and 25 are also worth looking at, but both Capri's offer smaller cabins than the Catalina's.
 
#4 ·
#5 · (Edited)
Where on the Delaware Bay will you base the boat?
Trailer or at a slip and haulout with a travel lift?
Go to the marinas in your future home waters and talk with those with sailboats, they know the waters and may suggest the boats to look at.

The next few weeks when folks are hauling out for the winter is a good time to find the boat owners.

The bay does have areas with shallow water but most of the bay will be have enough water depth for most sailboats.

On the lower bay which has the most challenging wind conditions I have seen many sub-20ft sailboats out having a good time, but larger 25ft plus boats are more common.

Montgomery has tough little boats http://www.montgomeryboats.com
 
#6 ·
Does anyone have any ideas on new boats 20 to 25 that I could day sail alone in a delaware Bay. I am looking to have a small cabin for one night sleep overs when the drive home is 2 plus hours.
hunter 22
Benataue first 20
Catalina
Or others . I would love to hear what the best ideas are. Money is not primary . Nice boats that are easy to sail means most
Thank you all for this great information. I will be sailing out of Lewes Delaware . The is a great little marina near the yacht club right in town. Easy access right into the bay. I will be looking at all the boats mentioned. I am probably looking closely at the First 20 because of the nice cabin and good size covkpit. Also has the retracting keel.
 
#7 ·
If money is not a big concern check out the Nonsuch 22. Really easy to sail, terrific accommodations for 2 (and two only) including standing headroom.
 
#8 ·
Do you literally mean a NEW boat? as opposed to second hand, not just 'new-to-you'?
 
#11 ·
Thank you. I like the Harbor but too much for me. I am liking the Catalina 22 and First 20 idea. I really should have posted 20 to 22. I like the 25 Harbor but overpriced IMO. The 20 has no sleeping at all. The First 20 is pricy but has nice small cabin for a overnight
 
#13 ·
Ok, new boat 20-23 foot....
Faster:
J22
J70 (no overnighting there)

Racer/Cruiser
Capri 22

Cruiser
Capri 18 (which if you are leaning towards a 20, then Capri 18 is really more like a 20).
Catalina 22 (which is really the Catalina 22 Sport similar to the Capri 22)
Precision 23, or 21
Compac 23

If you are considering used, the market considers many more... and if you are leaning towards the First 20 (a good boat) then the First 235 should be on your list (again used).

Also used brings up other boats like the
Hunter 23 (more cruiser)...
S2 Grand Slam 6.9 (racer/cruiser)
Potter 19
Holder 20
Starwind 222
Oday 222
Oday 192

Just throwing out some older boats just in case.
 
#14 ·
Ok, new boat 20-23 foot....
Faster:
J22
J70 (no overnighting there)

Racer/Cruiser
Capri 22

Cruiser
Capri 18 (which if you are leaning towards a 20, then Capri 18 is really more like a 20).
Catalina 22 (which is really the Catalina 22 Sport similar to the Capri 22)
Precision 23, or 21
Compac 23

If you are considering used, the market considers many more... and if you are leaning towards the First 20 (a good boat) then the First 235 should be on your list (again used).

Also used brings up other boats like the
Hunter 23 (more cruiser)...
S2 Grand Slam 6.9 (racer/cruiser)
Potter 19
Holder 20
Starwind 222
Oday 222
Oday 192

Just throwing out some older boats just in case.
This is excellent infornatin. I need to take a look at guess at the Catalina 22 sport . It is mentioned several times here on this forum and others.
Thank you again. This information is extremely valuable . Thank you for taking the time to help.

I had an Alerion 20...loved that boat but no cabin which I need now.
A seaward 25 back then
A bravura 29 ( worst decision ever)
A maincat 20
A Santana 22

Took a five year break. Got to get it right this time .
Wayne

Wayne
 
#16 ·
if they have other Cat 22's racing then it would be fun to sail against others with the same type and you will learn racing a lot faster. if not go with the First 20 much more modern rig, flat top main, dual rudders. much faster boat in light air. and crazy fun down wind when it blows with the Asymmetric spinnaker
 
#18 ·
If the Catalina 22 sport (this is the modern equivalent to the Catalina 22, it's the same hull form)... then I strongly suggest the Capri 22. I owned the Capri 22, and for the $2-3000 more for new, it's a LOT more boat...

I call it a "sailors boat," because it (on the race model) has all the sail controls you would likely want, it has decent performance, and it's pretty comfortable below to SIT... nothing else. The berths are long (I'm 6'1") and I found it comfortable to sleep on the quarter berths. There is no sink, or storage tank, but the porta-potty solution is sort of usable... Actually I'd remove the cooler in it's location, put the porta potty there, and move the cooler forward to under the V. That's just me. Nobody can be below while using the head (just how it is)... but for 2 people or a young couple with a kid (or possibly 2) you could cruise on it.

Truth in advertising I've owned the Capri 22, and I think it's a pretty well rounded boat for the money. If you get the tall rig, race package with a fin keel, it's also a pretty killer racer. It's no J24, but well sailed it can keep up with a J22... also has a pretty favorable rating.

The build quality of the Capri 22 isn't anything close to the Benny, or the Harbor though. Only YOU can determine what level of quality/price you are willing to take. The Capri 22 is a multi-purpose tool built for a budget... for that it's a low maintenance trailerable that has decent overnight capabilities and performance.
 
#22 ·
For the OP - A friend of mine is selling a Catalina 22 with trailer - I don't know a lot about the boat, but its parked in my yard temporarily - I do know the trailer has surge brakes, and a 10 ft extension on the tongue to make launching easier - I've seen the sails which looked to be in great condition - the interior and hull look to be in great condition as well - minimal instruments and electronics, but the basics are there. You can PM or email me for additional information - I'm on Kent Island, MD - not far from the area you describe. I can arrange a meeting for you if interested. I'll work on getting a price for you.

Thanks
Eric
 
#24 ·
Sorry to hear that the Bene dealers aren't treating you well. I would think they would want to sell some sailboats! We sail a 1994 210, an ancestor of the 21s. It's a nice boat - easily to handle, relatively quick, and good build. We've spent the night in the boat, sleeping on the side bunks not in the V-berth. It's OK, but a bit primitive. The 21s has a lot more creature comforts - like water, a little stove, and a portable head.

I like the Capri 22 - we were tempted by one, but the position of the traveler in the middle of the cockpit was a deal-breaker. We don't do beer can races, and are too old and lazy to climb over constantly. Not sure, but the cabin in the 21s might be a tiny bit bigger.
 
#25 ·
Sorry to hear that the Bene dealers aren't treating you well. I would think they would want to sell some sailboats! We sail a 1994 210, an ancestor of the 21s. It's a nice boat - easily to handle, relatively quick, and good build. We've spent the night in the boat, sleeping on the side bunks not in the V-berth. It's OK, but a bit primitive. The 21s has a lot more creature comforts - like water, a little stove, and a portable head.

I like the Capri 22 - we were tempted by one, but the position of the traveler in the middle of the cockpit was a deal-breaker. We don't do beer can races, and are too old and lazy to climb over constantly. Not sure, but the cabin in the 21s might be a tiny bit bigger.
I am 80 percent sure I am going with the first 20. Thank you for information
 
#33 ·
Ulalena, you wouldn't go wrong with a Catalina 22, or some of the other boats suggested, but I agree with your choice of a Beneteau First 20. Most of the other boats have masthead rigs. The Bene First 20 has a fractional rig, which will make it easier to singlehand. Also, it appears to have a usable vberth. The head is situated right by the occupants of the vberth, which is not ideal, but it's only a 20' boat. Where else are you gonna put it? The sail controls appear to be laid out thoughtfully, and the design generally appears to be forward-thinking.
 
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