Hey everyone -
I've been sailing about 25 years, almost all trailer boats. I've owned three - sold off the Hunter 170, still own the Capri 18 and the Passagemaker Dinghy.
I dallied too long and the amazingly beautiful Nonsuch 26 got away, but there are always more boats for sale. The one that's caught my eye now is a Catalina 28. Seems to be in good shape for it's age, the price seems fair, new sails, new electronics, and it a good looking boat.
The thing I'm debating is trailer vs marina.
What I like about the trailer boat:
1. I can be in Suttons Bay on one weekend and Detour Village the next weekend.
2. It's super simple, sails well, easy (cheap) to maintain.
3. I enjoy doing the projects - thinking about painting it next summer - made cockpit cushions last year.
What I imagine I would like about going bigger:
1. Having a boat in a marina is like having a vacation home. Even if you don't get to sail, you can hang out in your waterfront cabin.
2. I wouldn't have to cram this aging body head first into a pup-tent-like cabin.
3. The cabin would be comfortable enough that you could use it underway (we are never in our cabin while sailing now).
4. Bigger boat might allow bigger adventures?? I wouldn't cross Lake Michigan on a 28 footer, but I can see sailing along the coast. I keep my 18 in the bays.
5. I still kind of enjoy the 90 minutes at the boat ramp on my 18 footer, but my wife clearly does not.
Concerns:
1. I'm not sure if there is a formula, but cost of ownership seems to increase with length more than 1:1. Marina fees, storage fees and maintenance and etc.
2. I think the learning curve would be a plus more than a drawback - but I need to learn a lot about the systems on a larger boat. The electrical system on my 18 is pretty simple - and there is no head or galley.
3. Most marinas in Michigan are owned by the DNR and they reserve most of the slips for transients. That means you can always find a place to visit, but it might be hard to find a place to park a 28 foot boat for the season.
Questions for you:
Have any of you made the jump from trailer to marina?
Any regrets?
Anything not on my list that I need to consider?
I welcome your feedback.
John
I've been sailing about 25 years, almost all trailer boats. I've owned three - sold off the Hunter 170, still own the Capri 18 and the Passagemaker Dinghy.
I dallied too long and the amazingly beautiful Nonsuch 26 got away, but there are always more boats for sale. The one that's caught my eye now is a Catalina 28. Seems to be in good shape for it's age, the price seems fair, new sails, new electronics, and it a good looking boat.
The thing I'm debating is trailer vs marina.
What I like about the trailer boat:
1. I can be in Suttons Bay on one weekend and Detour Village the next weekend.
2. It's super simple, sails well, easy (cheap) to maintain.
3. I enjoy doing the projects - thinking about painting it next summer - made cockpit cushions last year.
What I imagine I would like about going bigger:
1. Having a boat in a marina is like having a vacation home. Even if you don't get to sail, you can hang out in your waterfront cabin.
2. I wouldn't have to cram this aging body head first into a pup-tent-like cabin.
3. The cabin would be comfortable enough that you could use it underway (we are never in our cabin while sailing now).
4. Bigger boat might allow bigger adventures?? I wouldn't cross Lake Michigan on a 28 footer, but I can see sailing along the coast. I keep my 18 in the bays.
5. I still kind of enjoy the 90 minutes at the boat ramp on my 18 footer, but my wife clearly does not.
Concerns:
1. I'm not sure if there is a formula, but cost of ownership seems to increase with length more than 1:1. Marina fees, storage fees and maintenance and etc.
2. I think the learning curve would be a plus more than a drawback - but I need to learn a lot about the systems on a larger boat. The electrical system on my 18 is pretty simple - and there is no head or galley.
3. Most marinas in Michigan are owned by the DNR and they reserve most of the slips for transients. That means you can always find a place to visit, but it might be hard to find a place to park a 28 foot boat for the season.
Questions for you:
Have any of you made the jump from trailer to marina?
Any regrets?
Anything not on my list that I need to consider?
I welcome your feedback.
John