Cat18 the right boat for me?

hinmo1

.
Sep 6, 2019
24
Catalina 18 Mass
Hi - newbie here. I am possibly looking to buy a C18. I am wondering if its the right boat for me. I have done all the on-line reading. Here's some desired characteristics and related thoughts:

Small, trailberable, stable, ease of operation.
I am 62, slightly overweight with 50 years of sailing experience and ownership (but not an expert).
Day sailing only, in saltwater harbor close coast
Wind prevailing 10-15kts with occasional chop.
The boat will be moored, so self-bailing is desired
Mainly single-handling, but up to 3-4 people on rare occasion
Not interested in speed/performance.
Money is tight

Pls comment - I appreciate all input. Thx
 

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
6,745
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I think for a daysailer, especially considering 3 to 4 people on occasion, I'd go for something with a larger cockpit. The C18 seems more a pocket cruiser than a daysailer.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,039
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I agree that if you are on a mooring self bailing is a must have. I just looked at it on sailboatdata.com. It seems like a nice boat for you stated use. And thanks for being specific about that. I like the fractional rig, and the wing keel for stability and trailering. Small cuddy for stowage - if on a mooring you'll be hauling enough gear back and forth. I'm sure there are other boats that would suit your criteria but this design looks good.
 

hinmo1

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Sep 6, 2019
24
Catalina 18 Mass
I think for a daysailer, especially considering 3 to 4 people on occasion, I'd go for something with a larger cockpit. The C18 seems more a pocket cruiser than a daysailer.
Thanks jviss - the 3-4 people would be the outlier for sure, and in that case, it would be a short harbor cruise in mild weather.
 
Oct 3, 2011
825
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
Catalina 22 is a GREAT boat and would give you more storage and a cuddy cabin, room for a porta potty, easy to sail,buy and maintain, Inexpensive also.
 

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
6,745
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I read your requirements again, and also it appears you're in Massachusetts, right? And money is tight?

There'a a gorgeous daysailer that I was considering, but I really can't do it now. It's a McVay Minuet. It's very sleek and beautiful, and reportedly very, very stable, and fast. It's 18, maybe 19' in length overall.

There's a cool blog by an enthusiast, here:
The McVay Minuet Mainsheet

And, there's one available in Virginia, including a trailer, for $300! Here:
Sail Boat and Trailer

It needs TLC and sails, but then, new sails really make the boat, and at this size, won't break the bank.

It's a little over 400 miles away. I would bring new wheel bearings and wheels with tires if I was going to get it. Would try to get the seller to measure the bearing size. Else, I'd just bring a whole, new axel assembly. And a MA "homemade trailer" plate.

(This isn't the one for $300!)

 
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hinmo1

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Sep 6, 2019
24
Catalina 18 Mass
Beautiful for sure!
The local one needs alittle work, it does not have a self-bailing cockpit and the current owner does not know if it sails tender.
I basically want a sailing "tub" with little or no work needed (no offense to anyone for the tub reference)
 
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hinmo1

.
Sep 6, 2019
24
Catalina 18 Mass
Catalina 22 is a GREAT boat and would give you more storage and a cuddy cabin, room for a porta potty, easy to sail,buy and maintain, Inexpensive also.
I have considered a Cat 22....would need the keel model tho (there was a keel version correct?). It gets into the mid size realm for me and I really want a small boat (I had a Compac 16 before that I liked, but wanted slightly more stable).
 

JRT

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Feb 14, 2017
2,037
Catalina 310 211 Lake Guntersville, AL
I'd take that Minuet over a Cataline for sure! What great lines and looks, new sails would be just a gem of a little boat. I'm also on the watch for a small 1-2 dingy sail for my daughter, she says she wants her own Sunfish, but Mom and I would like something a bit bigger for her.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
6,745
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I'd take that Minuet over a Cataline for sure! What great lines and looks, new sails would be just a gem of a little boat. I'm also on the watch for a small 1-2 dingy sail for my daughter, she says she wants her own Sunfish, but Mom and I would like something a bit bigger for her.
I've been toying with the idea of getting something like the Minuet and adding an electric inboard auxiliary.
 
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Likes: JRT
Oct 3, 2011
825
Anam Cara Catalina 310 Hull #155 155 Lake Erie/Catawba Island
It may also be about the cost-"What if money was no object"?
The 22 is a great standard boat and can be a good all around racer,cruiser,fun boat
Its just a boat, there are lots of them out there. Have Fun-Enjoy-the BEST BOAT is the one you sail A LOT!