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Seeking Weekender Recommendations

3K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  SailNet Archive 
#1 ·
I''m currently looking for a weekender in the western LI Sound area. I''m considering anything from 18'' to 24'' which has at least a v-berth for the occasional overnight trip. I prefer classic boats like the Cape Dory Typhoon or Pearson Ensign. Speed and raceability are low on my list, stability, strength and ease of single-handing are high. I''d appreciate hearing the opinions of more experienced sailors than I on great small daysailer/weekenders.
 
#2 ·
While both the Typhoon and the Ensign are neat boats, (both are boats that I have spent a lot of time on at various times in my life) there are a couple issues that I want to point out to you. Both were originally built with out self-bailing cockpits or full floation. Later the designs were modified with the addition of self bailing cockpits. I would try to find one with a self-bailing cockpit as non-self bailing cockpits are subject to swamping and require more attention to keep them bailed out. Although one of the areas that I sailed an Ensign actually was on eastern Long Island Sound, neither of the boats are especially suitable for the light air and power boat slop that is so prevelent in this area. I also would not consider either boat to be especially stable but both are pretty classic designs.

Another venerable design of that era that I have alway liked is the Grampain Classic 22 (and its near sistership the Bluejacket 23). These C&C designed 22 footers are very nice sailing boats in a wide range of conditions. I owned one in the early 1980''s and daysailed and weekended it over a pretty wide area around Annapolis. These are probably the prettiest boats on this list and in many ways are probably the best single-hander except that the lacked a self-bailing cockpit.

I also like the Cal 25 for that kind of thing. They had a good size cockpit and reasonably comfortable accomodations. They are quiet stable good all around sailors. At least down here on the Chesapeake you can often find them in very nice shape for a pretty cheap price.

Also from that era, is the Pearson Commander 25. For only a little more money these were much nicer looking boats than the Ensign and offered a self bailing cockpit and a nice little cuddy cabin that is more suitable for weekending.

The Seafarer built Rhodes Meridian came in an ''overnighter version'' that was a lovely little boat and might work well for you as well.

There were a number of Alberg designs that are closely related to the Ensign. Probably the prettiest is the Sea Sprite.The 23 foot Kenner Kitiwake was a prettier more cruisy cousin of the Ensign. Bristol built a nice 22 footer whose name escapes me.

The slightly later Oday Tempest 23/24(not to be mistaken for the Olympic class Tempest 22) was a very nice little daysailor/overnighter.

While a little later design, the Ranger 23 has always been a favorite of mine in this general size range.

A somewhat classic looking later design that is very much in keeping with you sailing goals might be a 23 foot Sonar which were very popular on LIS.

Good hunting,
Jeff
 
#4 ·
We loved our Ensign, which we found to be a great day-sailer for the Narragansett Bay. It is still in fine condition after thity-five years (we have passed it along to family). I would make sure that you get a feel for the size of the cabin if you are planning to do any overnights (inside) as it is a bit on the cramped side. On the other hand, it would be difficult to find a more accommodating cockpit on a boat of that size.

Best of luck!
 
#5 ·
For the most part I agree with Jeff''s remarks particularly with regard to the C&C 22, Ranger 23, and Cal 25. I''d also ad some of the classic Ericsons.

A buddy of mine has an older Cal for sale in Kingston NY. Price likely reasonable. Get to me via email if interested.

Hudson and LI Sound video cruising guides,
http://hometown.aol.com/halyardz/myhomepage/index.html
 
#6 ·
Had a 22'' Alberg Daystar for a couple years, and found it to be a comfortable little boat. Similar to the Kittiwake that Jeff mentioned. Weekended occasionally, and it seemed to handle the "slop" fairly well. Cabin size was so-so, but tolerable. 6''6" quarterberth was nice. Good looking little boat too.
 
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