Our old ODay Widgeon is just too small so we are looking for a larger used daysailer with the following desired attributes: - trailerable - easy (2-person) launching / set-up / break-down - open roomy cockpit (no cabin) - 4 adults comfortably, 6 can pinch - easy-sailing, not a performance racer We've somewhat settled on an ODay 17 or Hunter 170. Any others that bear consideration? All our use will be trailering for each sail, so ease of set-up and break-down is paramount. Thanks
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Hunter 216
The Hunter 170 is an excellent choice. But if you could swing it I think the H216 would be my pick. The rudder and centerboard designs are excellent. It has the center-mounted motor board. The cockpit is huge. And the sailing mags all rave about it. I just bought a 1969 Highlander for $2000. including motor, trailer, and extra sails in good shape! It will seat four a side. But you said "easy to rig" and it is not. You said "not a performance racer" and this thing flies, a real handful when alone.
The Hunter 170 is an excellent choice. But if you could swing it I think the H216 would be my pick. The rudder and centerboard designs are excellent. It has the center-mounted motor board. The cockpit is huge. And the sailing mags all rave about it. I just bought a 1969 Highlander for $2000. including motor, trailer, and extra sails in good shape! It will seat four a side. But you said "easy to rig" and it is not. You said "not a performance racer" and this thing flies, a real handful when alone.
Daysailer Advice...
I agree. Sounds like the H216 is exactly what you want. I love mine. Here's your criteria with my responses: - trailerable -- Approximately 2000# with trailer and loaded boat. My Bronco doesn't even know the boat is behind it. - easy (2-person) launching / set-up / break-down -- I can easily do the set-up myself. A snap with two people. With my racing crew, I am about 20 minutes from arrival to splash. - open roomy cockpit (no cabin) -- MONSTER cockpit, little cuddy big enuf for storage and porta potti. You can put in a V-berth but it is would be pretty small and cramped. - 4 adults comfortably, 6 can pinch -- 6 comfortable! Max is also 6. Normal racing crew is 4. I both casual cruise with family and friends and race (mostly with my club). - easy-sailing, not a performance racer. -- Super easy to sail...few sail trim controls...easy to single hand (provided you run the jib sheets back although I single handed without doing this...gotta be quick like a bunny though!). The boat is fast and races well albeit without a lot of sail trim controls. For one or two on board you want to reef pretty early. Handles like a dream reefed in pretty heavy wind. Handles surprisingly well with jib furled and main reefed and can take a bunch of wind this way. Bottom line: Handling satisfied all my dreams...stupidly simple when just cruising yet capable of speed when pushed.
I agree. Sounds like the H216 is exactly what you want. I love mine. Here's your criteria with my responses: - trailerable -- Approximately 2000# with trailer and loaded boat. My Bronco doesn't even know the boat is behind it. - easy (2-person) launching / set-up / break-down -- I can easily do the set-up myself. A snap with two people. With my racing crew, I am about 20 minutes from arrival to splash. - open roomy cockpit (no cabin) -- MONSTER cockpit, little cuddy big enuf for storage and porta potti. You can put in a V-berth but it is would be pretty small and cramped. - 4 adults comfortably, 6 can pinch -- 6 comfortable! Max is also 6. Normal racing crew is 4. I both casual cruise with family and friends and race (mostly with my club). - easy-sailing, not a performance racer. -- Super easy to sail...few sail trim controls...easy to single hand (provided you run the jib sheets back although I single handed without doing this...gotta be quick like a bunny though!). The boat is fast and races well albeit without a lot of sail trim controls. For one or two on board you want to reef pretty early. Handles like a dream reefed in pretty heavy wind. Handles surprisingly well with jib furled and main reefed and can take a bunch of wind this way. Bottom line: Handling satisfied all my dreams...stupidly simple when just cruising yet capable of speed when pushed.
Explorer 17? <G>
Hank, I have a sweet 1984 Explorer 17, identical to O'Day 17 daysailer. Trailer, OB, the whole package. Easy to rig! In NJ, interested? Contact me @ Cappie30 at Litenet.net
Hank, I have a sweet 1984 Explorer 17, identical to O'Day 17 daysailer. Trailer, OB, the whole package. Easy to rig! In NJ, interested? Contact me @ Cappie30 at Litenet.net
Flying Scot
One of the best daysailers ever built, IMHO. I sailed them for a few years and think they're great boats. Theyll tow behind an economy car and launch in less than a foot of water but will easily hold six adults and all their gear. The boat also has enough performance potential to plane if necessary. See link below to the Flying Scot Sailing Association website for more information. If I weren't so committed to my H23 I'd buy a Scot in a heartbeat. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
One of the best daysailers ever built, IMHO. I sailed them for a few years and think they're great boats. Theyll tow behind an economy car and launch in less than a foot of water but will easily hold six adults and all their gear. The boat also has enough performance potential to plane if necessary. See link below to the Flying Scot Sailing Association website for more information. If I weren't so committed to my H23 I'd buy a Scot in a heartbeat. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Flying Scot,
For sure!! Couldn't agree with Peter more. Also it is probably the best built fibreglass boat out there.
For sure!! Couldn't agree with Peter more. Also it is probably the best built fibreglass boat out there.
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