Hi, I am shopping for my first sailboat. I have experience windsurfing, have friends with 30 foot sailboat that I've been on 10-12 times, I've taken local sailing class...I've been shopping for year or so for boats. I want advice for shallow areas of western fla, tampa bay area, I am a bit leary of the open gulf so ideally something for intracoastal use, maybe out into gulf (under one of the many drawbridges around here) in good weather. I can store the boat in the water, I'm looking for something easy to sail, mostly daysailor but weekender would be nice, less than 24-26 feet, used, shallow draft so I don't run aground too often, needs to have motor, ideally less than 8,000$. There are a lot of powerboaters around here, large wakes so I don't want anything too tippy, but yet not too much draft either. Something fun to sail. I've been looking at Cape Dory's, I love the classic old styling like that...ANY other advice about makes of boats for this type sailing would be great. Thanks in advance, Doug
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This would seem perfect for you
In that price range you can find an almost perfect boat for the area you are in. A Cape Dory 25 ($5-9K). Full keel, small outboard(in motor well), absolutely loves winds, and is nearly foolproof to sail by even novices. Has only a 3' draft, but with nearly a ton of ballast cuts through chop like a cleaver. the hulls are extremely well built. These boats were all built from early 70's to early 80's. Classic boat with beautiful lines. These have been sailed from Galveston and Rockport TX across the Gulf to Florida and the Bahamas. Downsides. Small inelegant interior, slightly narrow beam, poorly designed hatches. SOME people do not like the low profile which means you get a bit of spray over the bow. You won't win any races with these, BUT you won't come in last either, and in 25knt+ you may win a few(heh). Yes, I own one, and NO it is not for sale<grin>
In that price range you can find an almost perfect boat for the area you are in. A Cape Dory 25 ($5-9K). Full keel, small outboard(in motor well), absolutely loves winds, and is nearly foolproof to sail by even novices. Has only a 3' draft, but with nearly a ton of ballast cuts through chop like a cleaver. the hulls are extremely well built. These boats were all built from early 70's to early 80's. Classic boat with beautiful lines. These have been sailed from Galveston and Rockport TX across the Gulf to Florida and the Bahamas. Downsides. Small inelegant interior, slightly narrow beam, poorly designed hatches. SOME people do not like the low profile which means you get a bit of spray over the bow. You won't win any races with these, BUT you won't come in last either, and in 25knt+ you may win a few(heh). Yes, I own one, and NO it is not for sale<grin>
tampa bay area daysailor/weekender
I do like the cape dory's, 3 feet isn't much draft I know but there are sandbars/channels all around here, I was looking at cape dory 22's and typhoons as well, but it's good to know you are a dory fan, it feels like fate I'm drawn to them... anyone else with any other advice, shallow draft, stable and forgiving for a beginner? Thanks
I do like the cape dory's, 3 feet isn't much draft I know but there are sandbars/channels all around here, I was looking at cape dory 22's and typhoons as well, but it's good to know you are a dory fan, it feels like fate I'm drawn to them... anyone else with any other advice, shallow draft, stable and forgiving for a beginner? Thanks
Precision Boat Works
In addition to our big boat, we have a Precision 18 for playing around and weekend trips in our nearby shallow bays. They also make a 21 and 23. Seeing as how they are manufactured right here in Manatee County, there are lots of used ones to choose from in the area. We really like the shallow draft and stability of the centerboard/minikeel combination. It also has no mast post to break up the useable space down below. And finally, the ability to trailer it to unspoilt areas is a joy! Too bad I'm leaving for a few weeks, or I'd invite you down for a sail.
In addition to our big boat, we have a Precision 18 for playing around and weekend trips in our nearby shallow bays. They also make a 21 and 23. Seeing as how they are manufactured right here in Manatee County, there are lots of used ones to choose from in the area. We really like the shallow draft and stability of the centerboard/minikeel combination. It also has no mast post to break up the useable space down below. And finally, the ability to trailer it to unspoilt areas is a joy! Too bad I'm leaving for a few weeks, or I'd invite you down for a sail.
Check out Chryslers
We have a Chrysler 22. 1976 model. Check out the article in "Good Old Boat". She weighs in at 3000#, 23" draft, swing keel that weighs 800#. And does she like to sail! Last year we spent many a weekend on her. Now, she resides on her trailer iunder the house (sigh). We made the leap to a larger boat. Didn't really realize how much we would miss sailing her.
We have a Chrysler 22. 1976 model. Check out the article in "Good Old Boat". She weighs in at 3000#, 23" draft, swing keel that weighs 800#. And does she like to sail! Last year we spent many a weekend on her. Now, she resides on her trailer iunder the house (sigh). We made the leap to a larger boat. Didn't really realize how much we would miss sailing her.
Boats
Am not at all familiar with the Cape Dory's, but did own a Chrysler 22 many years ago. As I remember it, it was a joy to sail, pretty forgiving boat. In fact I learned to sail on it. Shallow draft with the keel up. Pretty easy to trailer. In fact, I trailered mine one time from Dallas to Cancun and back. Had a ball. Solid boat, and one of these should be available far below your spending limits.
Am not at all familiar with the Cape Dory's, but did own a Chrysler 22 many years ago. As I remember it, it was a joy to sail, pretty forgiving boat. In fact I learned to sail on it. Shallow draft with the keel up. Pretty easy to trailer. In fact, I trailered mine one time from Dallas to Cancun and back. Had a ball. Solid boat, and one of these should be available far below your spending limits.
What about O'days?
Thanks for the input thus far, I stumbled onto some info. on O'days,,,oday22? anybody think that is a decent boat? so many choices, how does one pick?
Thanks for the input thus far, I stumbled onto some info. on O'days,,,oday22? anybody think that is a decent boat? so many choices, how does one pick?
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