[TSOJOURNER]

I am new to this site and am looking for advice. I am planning to spend a month in the bahamas cruising in two years, but my problem is I live in IL. I have sailed lake michigan for two years in a macgregor venturer 222 and am looking to buy the biggest sailboat I can trailer to florida and take to the bahamas. My tow vehicle is a 2001 dodge 3500 dually diesel 4x4, so bigger the better. Any suggestions?

 

[joeybkcmo]

think the beam of the boat is going to be your biggest concern. Unless you are willing to do the "wide load" permit route for each state. If I remember correctly 8' is about the widest that you can trailer in most states without permits. I know that C&C made a "Mega 30" with an 8' beam, and it seems like there are a couple of new designs with 8' beams as well. So short answer from there is, it depends on what interior features you are looking for, headroom, etc. Of course I like my O'day 26 (8' beam, 5'8" headroom) sleeps 4 in comfort, has a small head area.

 

[tommays]

From and easy standpoint your limit is 8'6" beam as thats a whole LOT of states to travel through with a wide load

If the trip is a one time deal you may be better chartering a boat OR paying to have it moved

I cant think of a any trailer boats that really have the water and fuel tanks to kick around the bahamas

 

[sailingdog]

Most states allow 8'6" before a wide load permit is required. Anything over that will require a wide load permit, and boats that are over 10' will require escort vehicles in many states.

What is your budget? That will determine a lot about what boats you will be able to afford. There are some excellent, larger trailerable boats, but many of them are newer designs and require a bigger budget.

I'd point out that there is a difference between a trailerable boat and a boat that can be put on a trailer and towed. IMHO, a trailerable boat is launchable without external assistance from a crane or travellift.

 

[Cruisingdad]

From and easy standpoint your limit is 8'6" beam as thats a whole LOT of states to travel through with a wide load

If the trip is a one time deal you may be better chartering a boat OR paying to have it moved

I cant think of a any trailer boats that really have the water and fuel tanks to kick around the bahamas

You can make it work on a small boat... but I agree with Tommays that you might be better off trying to find a boat in FL or even buying one you like up there and having it shipped. Worst case, ship her East and take her down the cut to the Bahamas.

Just my opinions, but I have owned a Catalina 250 (trailerable). It is a good boat, but I sure wouldn't want to live aboard her for any length of time.

- CD

 

[sailortjk1]

Why not charter down there? Or why not buy in Florida something more appropriate for your intentions?
Are you really going to cross the Stream in a trailerable boat?
I suppose its no big deal and could be done, but I would think you would want a little more vessel under you when you do it.

Edit: I see we are all thinking along the same lines.
Dad, when are you coming to Chi - Town?

 

[Cruisingdad]

Dad, when are you coming to Chi - Town?

Don't you think having me and Sway in that close of proximity is inherintley dangerous??

HEHE!

DOn't know. I cannot hardly tell you what I am going to do in ten minutes, versus tomorrow or next week!

Brian

 

[patrickstickler]

For livability and versatility, I really like my MacGregor 26X. And the swing keel/rudders are ideal for the Bahamas (shallow draft, beaching, etc.)

Narrow enough to tow anywhere without a permit.

And the 50hp (or larger) outboard allows you to get out of the way of snotty weather, or reach a safe haven alot faster/easier than your typical sailboat.

Stock MacGregors are rather spartan, but many folks "enhance" them. Some extensively (as in my case).

If you don't care about trailering, or motoring, there are *alot* of better boats to choose from, but IMO it strikes an excellent balance between sailability, motorability, livability, trailerability, and value.

Cheers,

Patrick

 

[nk235]

I wouldn't want to be on a MacGregor 26x crossing the gulf stream and making a trip to the Bahamas, but then again I don't think I would want to be on one crossing a puddle either....

I agree with everyone else you are better off looking for a better boat in Florida or chartering if for shorter period of time.

 

[tager]

People knock on the macgregors all the time. It seems like a lot of stupid hearsay to me. I doubt many of us have even been on one. I have never sailed one myself, but to me they seem fine. Sure they are not really a great sailboat... whatever! I bet they are great for cruising, as long as you are not trying to sail in heavy wind, they are probably fine!

 

[patrickstickler]

I wouldn't want to be on a MacGregor 26x crossing the gulf stream and making a trip to the Bahamas,

Lots of folks sail the Bahamas in MacGregors. Crossing the stream (for most boats, and all wise captains) depends on the weather. You wait until it's right. And with that 50hp (or larger) on the back, it's a lot shorter trip than you might think (not speaking from experience, just based on numerous trip reports by other folks in MacGregors).

...but then again I don't think I would want to be on one crossing a puddle either....

Er... duh.... it's hardly a blue water cruiser, but then how many easily trailerable boats are? none? The need for reducing weight means reduced strength. To have a hull strong enough to take significant breaking waves in the middle of the ocean would make it far to heavy to easily trailer.

But crossing the Gulf Stream, and cruising the Bahamas are well within the capabilities of a MacGregor (as has been proven more than sufficiently).

 

[patrickstickler]

... I bet they are great for cruising,

That they are. For the size, the amount of living space is amazing.

as long as you are not trying to sail in heavy wind, they are probably fine!

Well, aside from it simply being prudent to avoid bad weather, whatever boat you're in (I presume we're talking cruising and not some race which mandates being "out there" no matter the conditions), the MacGregors aren't incapable of handling relatively snotty conditions.

C.f. http://macgregor26.com/photo_gallery_page_4_gale_force_ winds/photo_gallery_page_4_heavy_weather.htm

 

[Captain Spike]

Seaward Eagle

It has 10' 6" beam but a beautiful boat for Bahama's. Friend of mine just returned from Florida to Ohio with his; pulled with Ford F350 on ball hitch. Yes it's illegal, but he stayed off toll roads and only drove during daylight hours. His plan- play stupid, it worked for the cabinet tax cheats.

 

[JimsCAL]

Largest trailerable sailboat I know of is the Hobie 33. It's a racer that was designed to be trailered to races at locations far from home waters. Only 8 foot beam and a retractable keel.

 

[nk235]

Lots of folks sail the Bahamas in MacGregors. Crossing the stream (for most boats, and all wise captains) depends on the weather. You wait until it's right. And with that 50hp (or larger) on the back, it's a lot shorter trip than you might think (not speaking from experience, just based on numerous trip reports by other folks in MacGregors).

Er... duh.... it's hardly a blue water cruiser, but then how many easily trailerable boats are? none? The need for reducing weight means reduced strength. To have a hull strong enough to take significant breaking waves in the middle of the ocean would make it far to heavy to easily trailer.

But crossing the Gulf Stream, and cruising the Bahamas are well within the capabilities of a MacGregor (as has been proven more than sufficiently).

The original poster said he wanted a boat to SAIL to the bahamas..."waiting till it's right and then using the 50hp motor"...is not sailing. If you want to motor to the bahamas in a sailboat then I would say yes a MacGregor is the way to go but if you want to sail to the bahamas and plan on being in 'blue water" for any period of time than I would choose something different. A MacGregor may be a great trailerable boat but I think the OP is far better off buying or chartering a boat in the water in Florida once he gets there.

 

[escapaide]

HAKE Yachts makes the seaward line of trailerables.
Hake Yachts

 

[jim77]

Boating in a MacGregor is NOT sailing!

 

[christyleigh]

I don't think the beefiest trailerable I've ever heard of - the NorSea 27 was mentioned. Discussed on this site at http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/40257-nor-sea-27-they-slow-they-look.html

 

[tommays]

NorSea 27

Other than the INSANE price and weight it looks like a nice boat

 

[ehmanta]

I'll second the Norsea 27. A friend of mine had one of these pocket cruisers and it was built like a tank, 3' draft, Lyle Hess design. Some of these were owner finished and some were factory, so buyer beware. These boats can handle just about anything!!!