[lkuhn]

Rhodes22

CK,

I've owned a recycled 1986 Rhodes22 for 4 years and I must say that you've received some pretty good advice.

All boats are a series of compromises. That's why it's so critical to know which features are important to you. Where you sail and how you like to sail may be two of the top considerations. Unfortunately it's difficult to really know what you want until you get a lot of experience. Based on that, Jotun's advice to get a Catalina22 for a fraction of the price is pretty smart. I can't agree that you would have the same amount of fun. I love Catalina22s and they have a few "compromises" that I like better than the Rhodes22 (price is by far the biggest). If a Catalina22 is the type of boat you want, then I am confident that you would prefer a Rhodes22 much more, even with the price difference.

My wife will buy a pair of shoes on sale because they were such a good deal, and then never wear them because she likes her other (100s of) shoes better. You will enjoy a Rhodes22 more and spend more time using it.

You owe it to yourself to sail both boats at least once. Ideally you should sail both boats in a variety of similar conditions but few people have the time. My boat is on Kent Island, MD in the Chesapeake Bay. I will gladly take you out for a demo sail if you can't find a Rhodes22 closer to you.

Based on what you think you want, the Rhodes22 is easy to trailer, rig, and launch; but not as easy as most trailerables. Most people keep cruising trailerables in a slip and only launch their boats at the beginning of the season or to take them on a vacation. If you plan on launching it everytime you sail, get a small daysailor and bring a tent to go camping.

A MacGregor26 is easy to launch/rig and has a nice cabin for cruising, but then you're talking a whole new set of positive and negative compromises.

Good luck!

Lee
202.476.5369

 

[lkuhn]

Rhodes22

CK,

I've owned a recycled 1986 Rhodes22 for 4 years and I must say that you've received some pretty good advice.

All boats are a series of compromises. That's why it's so critical to know which features are important to you. Where you sail and how you like to sail may be two of the top considerations. Unfortunately it's difficult to really know what you want until you get a lot of experience. Based on that, Jotun's advice to get a Catalina22 for a fraction of the price is pretty smart. I can't agree that you would have the same amount of fun. I love Catalina22s and they have a few "compromises" that I like better than the Rhodes22 (price is by far the biggest). If a Catalina22 is the type of boat you want, then I am confident that you would prefer a Rhodes22 much more, even with the price difference.

My wife will buy a pair of shoes on sale because they were such a good deal, and then never wear them because she likes her other (100s of) shoes better. You will enjoy a Rhodes22 more and spend more time using it.

You owe it to yourself to sail both boats at least once. Ideally you should sail both boats in a variety of similar conditions but few people have the time. My boat is on Kent Island, MD in the Chesapeake Bay. I will gladly take you out for a demo sail if you can't find a Rhodes22 closer to you.

Based on what you think you want, the Rhodes22 is easy to trailer, rig, and launch; but not as easy as most trailerables. Most people keep cruising trailerables in a slip and only launch their boats at the beginning of the season or to take them on a vacation. If you plan on launching it everytime you sail, get a small daysailor and bring a tent to go camping.

A MacGregor26 is easy to launch/rig and has a nice cabin for cruising, but then you're talking a whole new set of positive and negative compromises.

Good luck!

Lee
202.476.5369