Best Pocket Cruiser 23ft or under?

WindRush · Apr 17, 2009

I will cast my vote for the ComPac-23....see some pics of WindRush on the ComPac Social Group page...I sail mine on Galveston Bay and use it in the same manner as you propose....mainly daysailing but spend the occasional night on board...very confortable for a 23 footer...and the interior teak gives me a much warmer feeling than the Cat 23s. The ComPac is a very forgiving boat with its fixed shoal draft keel but can still get up and run when the wind picks up although you might not win too many races with the lighter 23s. I have never sailed the Precision 23 but own a Precision 15 and feel it is well made so I assume the Precusion would also be a good choice but I'm not as fond of the fiberglass and plastic feel of the Precision as I am the charm and warmth of the Compac. Good luck with your search.

WindRush

mark_swart · Apr 17, 2009

I had a 79 Oday 23 and really enjoyed it. I thought it sailed well, actually had a head in it (instead of just a porta potti under the V berth like a lot of boats in that range have). Bought it for $3K, sold it for $3K. You can find them with trailers and nicely set up for WELL under your price ceiling.
Also remember with sailboats -- they generally don't wear like cars, so going with an older boat really isn't like if you bought a car from 1979 and tried to drive it daily. It's too easy to upgrade to a new engine, sails, instruments, etc., as long as you have a good hull.
Also, check out www.lighthouselanding.com, they aren't that far from you and usually have a few sailboats on brokerage. Also www.rookesails.com would be drivable and I know they have quite a few smaller boats. But if you can find something on craigslist it will be cheaper!! Good luck!
-Mark

bffatcat · Apr 17, 2009

what pocket cruiser not to buy

You read a lot of good comments on what to buy. there are many good choices. Ill be different with some advice on what not to buy. Here a list of donts 1 Dont buy a catalina 22 if your ever planning on using it in salt water. Its says this right in the manuel on older models. most catalina 22 owners ignore this and get nothing but grief. 2 Dont buy a Mc gregor its a lightly built motorsailer not really a sailboat. 3. Dont spend $10000 for a 22 or 23 ft boat. You
dont have to you can get an excellent boat for a lot less.

48dodge · Apr 17, 2009

WindRush said:
I will cast my vote for the ComPac-23....see some pics of WindRush on the ComPac Social Group page...I sail mine on Galveston Bay and use it in the same manner as you propose....mainly daysailing but spend the occasional night on board...very confortable for a 23 footer...and the interior teak gives me a much warmer feeling than the Cat 23s. The ComPac is a very forgiving boat with its fixed shoal draft keel but can still get up and run when the wind picks up although you might not win too many races with the lighter 23s. I have never sailed the Precision 23 but own a Precision 15 and feel it is well made so I assume the Precusion would also be a good choice but I'm not as fond of the fiberglass and plastic feel of the Precision as I am the charm and warmth of the Compac. Good luck with your search.

WindRush

Even though I have an Oday and like the lines of my 222, I think Compacs are probably one of the prettiest boats out there. If I'd have a higher budget than what I'd had, I would have looked for one myself. If I were buying today, it would definitely be in my top 5 list.

Capt. Kermie · Apr 17, 2009

bffatcat said:
You read a lot of good comments on what to buy. there are many good choices. Ill be different with some advice on what not to buy. Here a list of donts 1 Dont buy a catalina 22 if your ever planning on using it in salt water. Its says this right in the manuel on older models. most catalina 22 owners ignore this and get nothing but grief. 2 Dont buy a Mc gregor its a lightly built motorsailer not really a sailboat. 3. Dont spend $10000 for a 22 or 23 ft boat. You
dont have to you can get an excellent boat for a lot less.

Not all MacGregors are motorsailers just the 26x & 26M are!
Most small boats in the OP's range are lightly built boats since they were not built for trans-oceanic travel but rather for inland lakes or protected coastal waters. They are by definition, basically light duty daysailers. A MacGregor would be a suitable choice especially a motorsailer version used in a river with current.

njerrell · Apr 17, 2009

I agree with the com-pac23 as stated in my first reply,i think its the best bang for the buck,the mid 80 vintage are running around 7-9k but its just the best built pocket cruiser in my opinion,bronze opening ports,good space below,com-pac has a great reputation,and still building small pocket cruisers today,as is catalina,but the cat 22 is no where near the com-pac line.
Nathan

Jim Kolstoe · Apr 17, 2009

As you may notice, and some have admitted, there are a lot of differing views on the "best" of anything, including sailboats under 23ft. I'll admit my prejudice, I own and sail a hunter 23, which makes me puzzled when people claim its difficult to launch. Its not. However, a look through the archives on this basic topic will show a large range of opinions on actual boats, but general agreement on the importance of finding a boat that fits you and how you will use it. Talk to local sailors about how they use their boats. While you're at it, try for at least an invitation for them to show off their boat (generally doable), or possibly a short sail (many will). Make a realistic apprasal of how you'll use it. I suspect your location will have you doing mostly day sailing and weekending. That makes a comfortable cockpit important. Don't get hooked on any particular boat until you've spent time in and on it. Do a sea trial. Its possible to get lucky and buy a boat that fits you well without a sea trial, but don't bet your money on it. Oh, one last thing. Don't get hung up on the length, unless circumstances (storeage, tow vehicle, marina rules, etc.) impose a limit. Where I sail, the boats in the marina vary from 19ft to 29 ft. Because its a flood control project, the lake is down 6 months of the year, so we're all trailer sailors. Yes, bigger boats are harder work to get launched, but its manageable.Good luck and fair winds.Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

fnuttersny · Apr 17, 2009

Re: less may be better...

I used my rhodes22 like my 62 MGA. I sail on the Hudson river 80 miles north of NYC so am in tidal estuary often with conflicting wind and tide or dead calm. I'm on a mooring so I row out jump in the cockpit and am of sailing in 10 min. It is very responsive easy to horse around the mooring in rough conditions and very roomy with 8ft beam and 8ft long cockpit. I paid 1000 for it with running 9.9hp evinrude in well on 4wheel trailer. If your not sure buy cheap boat that fits your needs to try it out. boats are a dime a dozen right now...just bought hunter 27 for under 3k and had other choices....but for that price as one member put...it floats motor runs and is all there worth a shot.....good luck.......cheers frank

shemandr · Apr 19, 2009

Ranger 23 with trailer and you'll have money left over for new sails (Which are key to learning to sail and to have fun. Check out:

http://www.arvelgentry.com/index.html

RECESS · Apr 20, 2009

What are you going to pull it out of the water with? Even though you already bought it, a good couple hundred dollars spent to drive it to a marina and have a survey done will go a long way. It will help you spend your money smart. A couple hundred spent can easily save you thousands.

jackhartjr · Apr 20, 2009

Looks like a pretty nice boat to me!
Jack

Gman0447 · Apr 20, 2009

I think the Beneteau 23 is the best boat in the size range you want. I had a Precision 23 once and it is an excellent choice also. I'm not too keen on the C 22 but there are always a lot available and they really aren't bad. I checked the Strictly Sail website and they have several C 22s available right now in your price range. They also have a slightly larger Seaward 24 which is the boat I would consider first and it is marked down ro 10K. I currently sail my O'Day 28 on Cave Run Lake. Good luck in your search.

Stu Jackson · Apr 20, 2009

Congratulations on your new boat

I highly recommend this book: Patrick Royce, Sailing Illustrated. He shows a great many small boat owner tricks that will come in handy that few other books I've seen cover as well. Small physical size book, too, just right for the new boat library.

Prime Time · Apr 20, 2009

Great Boat

henrynlouisville said:
Bought the 1974 Balboa 26 today...from Strictly Sail Cincinnati!

This is a great boat. Designed by a "star". Well built. Was reviewed by practical sailor,http://www.practical-sailor.com/boatreviews/Balboa-26-boat-review.html
One major thing to look at is the swing keel pivot and cable. The other thing mentioned in the article was the chain plates. I looked at one and almost bought one. If you google the boat you will find a bunch about it.

RECESS · Apr 20, 2009

Please excuse me for not putting a healthy congratulations in my post.:dance:

OdayDave · Apr 21, 2009

Wow! Congratulations. Looks like you got a lot of boat for $3k. The motor is relatively new, it came with a double-axle trailer and 26 feet will give you lots of space down below. Plus, if you decide it is a bit too big for your purposes, I suspect you can sell it for something close to what you paid. Enjoy your new boat. They are a lot of fun.

Dave
O'Day 222

Ross in Tampa · Apr 21, 2009

SCORE!!! You hit a homerun. The Balboas are nice little boats, sail very well. You will have a blast on her. Also, at the 3K price point, you will never get hurt when you want to resell her.

congratulations, I like the Balboas. They come up for sale every once in a while here in Tampa Bay area.

Paul356 · Apr 21, 2009

I think you did very well. From what I know about sailing on the Ohio at Louisville, this boat is well suited, and going a little larger than you first thought is something you'll appreciate. Given the price, you can spend a few $$ for repairs or improvements and still come in 'way under budget. Congratulations.