Any Merit 22 opinions? ;)

RussC

RussC

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Sep 11, 2015
1,610
Merit 22- Oregon lakes
I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a decent looking Merit 22, but am torn if it would achieve my goal of replacing my cherished Victoria 18 as a day sailer. I expect to keep our Mac 25 for the duration also, as we love it for multi day trips, but a day-sailer it isn't, at least for this old man. the little Vic fills so many of my requirements for easy day sailing, except that the cabin is too dang small to squeeze into for a bite to eat or to get away from the sun on calm days. I don't expect, or want, to overnight in a day sailer, but cabin seating is really needed for us. the Vic phrf of 297 is a bit embarrassing also, but hey... I knew it wasn't a racer when I bought it. I guess my main concern with the Merit would be if I can toss the mast up without a bunch of extra rigging, and if I'd really save any set-up time over the Mac..... Or maybe a 213 PHRF # on a 22' boat is swaying my decision making a bit too much ;).
Thoughts?
 
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Pat

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Jun 7, 2004
1,250
Oday 272LE Ninnescah Yacht Club, Wichita, Ks.
We had a Merit 25 many years at our club....one of the sweetest sailboats I've ever
sailed...esp. would amaze us when with it's speed even with no apparent wind at night...Pat
 
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RussC

RussC

.
Sep 11, 2015
1,610
Merit 22- Oregon lakes
I've heard that the Merit 25 was "conceived" from a J24 and the Merit 22 appears to be a shrunken 25 with a lifted lead keel. correct?
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,481
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
Pat said:
We had a Merit 25 many years at our club....one of the sweetest sailboats I've ever
sailed...esp. would amaze us when with it's speed even with no apparent wind at night...Pat
Click to expand
Was that Frank Hopper's boat Pat?
 
FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,100
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
There is a Merit 25 OD fleet where I sail. Fast boat and they say it has great manners under sail. Speed, too.
What I hear (rumor...) is that it was conceived to compete with the J-24, but with a considerably better equipped "weekend cruising" interior.
The J Boat folks built up their fleets - focused solely on OD racing - and really developed sales momentum.
(Same fate for the more-luxurious Ericson 23-2 in the 70's. )
The J-24 stayed with its roots as a fast day sailor and was cheaper to build and sell. It does not do all things well, but has not had to, either. :)
 
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