Trailerable Sailboats Under 5,000lbs

[rustyw007]

Hi,

I'm trying to compile a list of all trailerable sailboats that meet the following requirements. I'm sure there are very strong opinions about which boat is "better" - but at this point all I'm trying to do is identify what boats fit the "requirements".

• less than 5,000lbs with engine and basic gear (not all the stuff we tend to accumulate)
• enclosed head (porta-pottie OK but must be enclosed)
• min draft of 24" (must be able to get to skinny water and be easy to launch via standard boat ramp)
  
• less than $15,000

The list I have so far seems pretty short. That last bullet item (draft) seems to guarantee the list will include only swing keels and/or water ballast boats. The enclosed head rules out some great boats like the C-22.

My list so far:

1. Macgregor 26
2. Hunter 26, 260
3. Catalina 250
4. Catalina 25 (swing keel) - too heavy?

Appreciate any other boats you might think of!
Thanks!

 

[svchickadee]

Oday 25 centerboard model with an after market kick up rudder (Rudder Craft for example). Draft is 2.25' with the board up.

 

[Bosman]

2004+ TES 678BT / 720BT available in Canada will fit your criteria. There was a used one sold recently in Ontario for ~$24,000 Canadian so about US $17,000.

 

[billbag414]

I am trying doing the same, for a purchase today. the 5000# is not as important to me. Trailerable is , a big lake in my hood, livingston Texas, does not have any travel lift, thus occasionally we will need a trailer.
The Catalina 22 various, original is presently off my list, SLOW.
The Catalina 22 Sport, Catalina Capri 22, both have good PHRF numbers, which means they will move. The Hunter 216 is a good choice, but has issues with the material they built it from. My opinion. The Hunter 23 various? ? A recent 22 Hunter?
My thoughts surround J 22/24 but I really need shoal draft. Gotta lot of miles, offshore in a J24.
That's my thoughts quick version. Keep me in your loop, or I will drag out my hand written. Try to add to your spread sheet.
Regds billbag414@gmail.com

 

[Cat 310 #1 in GA]

Check out the Rhodes 22. No finer trailerable cruising boat.

 

[billbag414]

Thanks, have not seen one in my neighborhood. Problem, drive 1000 miles, boat is OK, how do we get it back to home? The trailer is most important in these little pos boats.
How is the trailer??
I am in Houston area, got one, advise.
Thanks, Bill

 

[rustyw007]

Check out the Rhodes 22. No finer trailerable cruising boat.

Interesting... I dismissed the Rhodes thinking "No Enclosed Head" - like the C-22. I don't count a privacy curtain as "enclosed". However, upon closer inspection I see they do have a rather unique way of making an enclosed head out of folding partitions. Adding it to my list... thanks!

1. Macgregor 26
2. Hunter 26, 260
3. Catalina 250
4. Catalina 25 (swing keel) - too heavy?
5. Rhodes 22

 

[rgranger]

Check out the Rhodes 22. No finer trailerable cruising boat.

Yep. Have to agree with that one
I have a project Rhodes in my yard right now

 

[Jackdaw]

Beneteau First 235. Done.

Huge inside for its length.
Marine head or porta in an enclosed space
Wing draws 3'2? Easy to trailer.
Awesome build quality, most good ones in the US$10k range.

And faster than every boat on your list.

 

[bletso]

I had a Catalina with swing keel. With the trailer was about 5500 #. We trailered it from Ky to Keyes to PCB. Fun boat. Even sailed her from Key Largo to Bimini.

 

[rickff]

Its a bit hefty for some, but an S2 7.9 is fast, roomy, with a national organization.

 

[JRT]

O'Day 25 or 26 should work, newer might be nicer then again older are cheaper.

 

[justsomeguy]

• Macgregor 26

• Hunter 26, 260

• Catalina 250

• Catalina 25 (swing keel) - too heavy?

• Rhodes 22

Call me biased, but you've left out the MacGregor 25.

 

[rgranger]

Call me biased, but you've left out the MacGregor 25.

Those are fast.... I've sailed in one once. Almost bought one but they are hard to find with a keel that is in good shape.

 

[justsomeguy]

Almost bought one but they are hard to find with a keel that is in good shape.

I may have one for sale soon...

 

[Jackdaw]

Its a bit hefty for some, but an S2 7.9 is fast, roomy, with a national organization.

An awesome choice.

 

[cb32863]

Second on the 235, after going on season 3 with mine I wouldn't consider anything else on your list and I have owned an O'Day 25, sailed on a Catalina 22 and a Hunter 23.

 

[rgranger]

Beneteau First 235. Done.

Huge inside for its length.
Marine head or porta in an enclosed space
Wing draws 3'2? Easy to trailer.
Awesome build quality, most good ones in the US$10k range.

And faster than every boat on your list.

Unless there is a shoal draft version, I don't think the 235 meets the O.P.'s specs. The O.P. said a 24" minimum draft. The 235 has a 3'8" draft.

 

[Ron20324]

+2 on the B235. When I sold my O 222, I went looking for a 25 of any make. Came across the B235, loved it, bought it. It has the same aluminum toe rail and cleats as my B323. You can't go wrong. IIRC, draft 2'10"?

 

[Jackdaw]

Two high-level thoughts:

First, I can tell you, when a woman looks a boat, an good enclosed head is the FIRST THING she looks for. Both the 235 and the 260 have very nice setups, and the ladies love them. Jodi in particular (who seemingly has a bladder the size of an acorn) would not be sailing if the head was not there!

Second, When it come to draft, a boat is either trailer launch/retrievable or it is not. How does 'skinny water' ever factor more than that? Do you ever sail in 2 feet of water? Is 2 foot 1 inch draft out? Maybe. But it would really pay to make sure you understand what you think you mean by this.