alternatives for 26-27ft shoal draft

[_peterD]

Looking for a fixed keel 26-27ft, 4ft or less draft that isn't a total dog to sail. I will be sailing mostly single handed some cruising but mostly day sailing on Nantucket sound ...where there is a pretty fair chance of sea "breeze" 15G20 3-4ft swells. Budget is 15-30K (less is better) . so far my list is pretty short:

Catalina 270
Catalina Capri 26
Catalina 27 Mark2 (late 80's)

From what i can see the Hunter and Oday's that meet these criteria are dogs, others makes that are better performance are over 4ft of draft including most of the more recent "daysailers" in this size. A really well maintained older boat is fine.

Any suggestions?

 

[heritage]

My Hunter 27 with new sails is still not real fast, but is certainly not a dog..

 

[_peterD]

Hmm, i can see i made a mistake in refering to those "other boats" as dogs, no disrespect intend as they do have other redeeming qualities.

Hunter 27 draft is 4.25 ft missed my filter by 3 inches ...might be a possibility

 

[Leeward Rail]

TANZER 26 - sailboatdata

Most 26s were outboard-powered, though an inboard Yanmar diesel was an option.

sailboatdata.com

Lots here in our marina on Lake Winnipeg, which has conditions that can be very nasty due its very large size and small average depth.

They often have road trailers and have reasonable performance for a solidly built 26ft shoal draft boat

 

[PaulK]

J/24 hits your buttons on performance, draft, and cost. C&C's might offer more cruising comfort with adequate performance, but may be too deep for you.

 

[jssailem]

Curious. Why the 4ft Limit?

The depths of the Sound seem to suggest that 5 ft draft will carry you well about the Sound. It will add to your sail boat abilities and do it with a boat that handles both the light and the stiff breezes.

 

[shemandr]

With those reported conditions and the fact that you will mostly single hand I'm wondering why you don't look at a full keel boat. You'll have less draft, a better tracking hull and a more steady ride. I don't think full keel means a dog. Something like a CD 25 (Although I think that boat hobby horses and I don't like the outboard well). There must be a Alberg design in the mid twenties length that might fit your needs. Here is a search I just did:

Sailboat Calculator | Sailboatdata.com

A tool to calculate performance ratios for monohull sailboats. Use the search bar to look up dimensions for boats currently in our database. You may also enter a boat’s dimensions directly in Part 2.

sailboatdata.com

 

[jssailem]

If you could find one the COMMANDER 26 (PEARSON) might be a good choice.

I will be sailing mostly single handed some cruising but mostly day sailing on Nantucket sound

Based on this criteria.

Boats For Sale ads in North West Connecticut, CT - Shoppok

Find fresh ads in Boats For Sale in North West Connecticut, CT. New listings: Thule DockGrip Kayak/SUP Board carrier $130, Sea Kayak Dagger Atlantis $500

www.shoppok.com

No idea if still bring offered. Likely these boats will need some care and repair of deferred maintenance.

 

[_peterD]

Curious. Why the 4ft Limit?

The depths of the Sound seem to suggest that 5 ft draft will carry you well about the Sound. It will add to your sail boat abilities and do it with a boat that handles both the light and the stiff breezes.

i'm sailing out of Popponesset Bay, the sound end of the channel isn't very deep, it's narrow and prone to shoaling/shifting . i frequently see depth readings of 5ft....and the mooring i'm on has times when depth it's probably 4ft depending on wind/current/tide. OTH it's all sandy.

 

[_peterD]

With those reported conditions and the fact that you will mostly single hand I'm wondering why you don't look at a full keel boat. You'll have less draft, a better tracking hull and a more steady ride. I don't think full keel means a dog. Something like a CD 25 (Although I think that boat hobby horses and I don't like the outboard well). There must be a Alberg design in the mid twenties length that might fit your needs. Here is a search I just did:

Sailboat Calculator | Sailboatdata.com

A tool to calculate performance ratios for monohull sailboats. Use the search bar to look up dimensions for boats currently in our database. You may also enter a boat’s dimensions directly in Part 2.

sailboatdata.com

Doh!, didnt realize you could do that kind of search on sailboat data.com, that will help a lot. I've been using PHRF ratings to get some very rough measure of performance and most of the the full keels are not doing well in comparison to the others mentioned here. I'm also not really keen on a really old project boat....but you have convinced me not to categorically rule out a full keel because like most things in life the choice is a compromise.

 

[shemandr]

Pearson Commander rates around 222 PHRF, I think. That made it competitive with the C&C 25, Ranger 23, My Mark 25. Not the top of the modern PHRF fleet but still good sailing boats.
Yeah, that's a powerful search tool. Kudos to the sailboatdata.com crew!

 

[dmax]

Beneteau makes some nice boats in that size, the First 26, 265 and 27, some have keel/centerboards and some have wing keels less than 4'. Sail well and have roomy interiors for their size. I've been in Popponesset Bay, shallow and weedy.

 

[jssailem]

I feel the "PHRF" rating is a poor tool to measure against for your purpose.
It is about speed comparisons. The ratings are not always relevant on how the rating relates to the purposes proposed for your boat - Daysailing/light cruising.

Better too compare the data from Sailboat Data. Specifically:

• hull speed (you'll need to calculate from LWL),
• S#
• Comfort Ratio
• Capsize Screening Formula
• S.A./Disp
• Disp./Len.,
• Draft

These are going to guide you to a list of boats that might fulfill your goals. Opinion: you will find more satisfaction with a new set of sails on your boat than a boat with spectacular numbers.

 

[FastOlson]

We cruised a Niagara 26 for a decade. Fast and easy to sail. High quality design and build from Hinterhoeler Yachts. I raced it for two seasons and won almost every start, albeit with a really good crew.
And it draws 4 feet.

 

[_peterD]

I feel the "PHRF" rating is a poor tool to measure against for your purpose.
It is about speed comparisons. The ratings are not always relevant on how the rating relates to the purposes proposed for your boat - Daysailing/light cruising.

Better too compare the data from Sailboat Data. Specifically:

• hull speed (you'll need to calculate from LWL),
• S#
• Comfort Ratio
• Capsize Screening Formula
• S.A./Disp
• Disp./Len.,
• Draft

These are going to guide you to a list of boats that might fulfill your goals. Opinion: you will find more satisfaction with a new set of sails on your boat than a boat with spectacular numbers.

i sort of agree about your comments on PHRF ..but i don't *THINK* the parameters you mention really capture the performance differences in keel design - fin vs full vs wing vs WB ...do they?

I feel the "PHRF" rating is a poor tool to measure against for your purpose.
It is about speed comparisons. The ratings are not always relevant on how the rating relates to the purposes proposed for your boat - Daysailing/light cruising.

Better too compare the data from Sailboat Data. Specifically:

• hull speed (you'll need to calculate from LWL),
• S#
• Comfort Ratio
• Capsize Screening Formula
• S.A./Disp
• Disp./Len.,
• Draft

These are going to guide you to a list of boats that might fulfill your goals. Opinion: you will find more satisfaction with a new set of sails on your boat than a boat with spectacular numbers.

i sort of agree about your comments on PHRF i ..but i don't *THINK* the parameters you mention really capture the performance differences in keel design - fin vs full vs wing ...do they? Perhaps PHRF along with the parameters you mention plus "real life" feedback from those that have sailed them.

 

[jssailem]

won almost every start

I have won starts to... It is all about making sense out of the confusion...

Wining finishes... well....

 

[jssailem]

Perhaps PHRF along with the parameters you mention plus "real life" feedback from those that have sailed them.

I agree the more data helps... to a point. Paralysis by analysis can set in.
I look at the intent I have for the boat, seek data that lets me compare, look at reviews/sailor feedback (with a recognition that there will be biases) - then find a boat on the docks and go for a sail. Only by looking at the boats lines and feeling the boats movements can I narrow the field. Even then it is a compromise. 3 or so years of ownership will soon clarify your perceptions and identify the biases you applied in your initial comparisons. Then you face the question.... Is this "good enough" or do I really have a case of "TWO footitis".

Two-Footitis - Canadian Yachting

Two-footitis – the need to move up to a boat 2-feet longer than the one you have – is an ailment that hits most sailors at one time or another as their passion for the sport grows, new challenges are sought, the crew expands or, let's be really honest here, the desire for bigger and better toys...

www.canadianyachting.ca

 

[Terry Cox]

We sailed an H28 for three years. Shoal draft wing keel. Nice comfortable boat and easy to sail. She kept up with the best of them. Certainly no dog.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

The 27' boat I used to own, 1984 Starwind 27 SD with new yanmar inboard engine, is just about perfect based on your criteria. It is in Somers Point NJ. I wouldn't hesitate sailing her to Nantucket but it's getting a little late in the season for that ... seems that the price is very reasonable. It has a few warts to address, but the upgrades make it a very good bargain. I know that boat intimately ... My old listing is still in Sailboat Listings as well as the next owner's description.

1984 Wellcraft Starwind 27 — For Sale — Sailboat Guide

Discover your dream boat

sailboat.guide

 

[dmax]

The 27' boat I used to own, 1984 Starwind 27 SD with new yanmar inboard engine, is just about perfect based on your criteria. It is in Somers Point NJ. I wouldn't hesitate sailing her to Nantucket but it's getting a little late in the season for that ... seems that the price is very reasonable. It has a few warts to address, but the upgrades make it a very good bargain. I know that boat intimately ... My old listing is still in Sailboat Listings as well as the next owner's description.

1984 Wellcraft Starwind 27 — For Sale — Sailboat Guide

Discover your dream boat

sailboat.guide

for Scott's old boat, the list of upgrades he did on that boat is impressive, all first class work. I would take a look soon, it's the type of boat you don't want to let get away.