I am looking at used boats, under $10,000.00 with a trailer. There seem to be plenty of options between the 22, 23, 24 ect. I plan on using the boat via trailer, do not want to pay for slip. Is there really a difference between these models on how long it will take to step mast, secure and set up for sailing and then retrieve. My thought, if it basically takes the same amount of time I should go for a bigger boat. I have the vehicle to pull, so that is not a problem. Sailing on the great Lakes and many of Michigans lakes.
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Mast raising is Key to ease
Robert, I have a '94 23.5. I bought a 23.5 for a number of reasons but a key reason is the mast raising system. The 23.5 and the 240 (as well as the 26 and 260) have a factory designe mast raising system that makes mast raising a breeze. My opinion is that while people have fabricated mast raising systems to mimic what Hunter designed and these people have been successful, I prefer a tried and true design from the manufacturer. Therefore my vote is to get a 23.5 or 240 with the integrated mast raising/lowering system. Also, there is more inside space in a 23.5 and a 240 than there is in a 23 if that is a desireable trait for you. The trade-off is that the water ballast boats are a little more tender than the 23.
Robert, I have a '94 23.5. I bought a 23.5 for a number of reasons but a key reason is the mast raising system. The 23.5 and the 240 (as well as the 26 and 260) have a factory designe mast raising system that makes mast raising a breeze. My opinion is that while people have fabricated mast raising systems to mimic what Hunter designed and these people have been successful, I prefer a tried and true design from the manufacturer. Therefore my vote is to get a 23.5 or 240 with the integrated mast raising/lowering system. Also, there is more inside space in a 23.5 and a 240 than there is in a 23 if that is a desireable trait for you. The trade-off is that the water ballast boats are a little more tender than the 23.
Rather than lowering the mast...
if you don't want to pay slip fees, does your marina allow boats to be "stored" on the trailer with the mast raised? If so, that opens up larger boats such as Hunter 25.5s and Catalina 25 / 250s. Even C&C 30s can get on a trailer. One thing to consider (as we did a year+ ago) is whether keeping a boat on a trailer is ultimately cheaper than leaving it in the water in a slip. As this is being analyzed, think about the time lost in launch and retrieve (at least an hour on each side of a sail). It gets pretty tedious to take the time to put a boat on a trailer after you're finished for the day and tired. Is it really worth the difference in price? For us, the difference was a little over $50 per month ($125 per month for the slip - $70 for yard storage). Since we sail 6 - 10 times per month, that breaks down to under $10 per sail. ymmv.
if you don't want to pay slip fees, does your marina allow boats to be "stored" on the trailer with the mast raised? If so, that opens up larger boats such as Hunter 25.5s and Catalina 25 / 250s. Even C&C 30s can get on a trailer. One thing to consider (as we did a year+ ago) is whether keeping a boat on a trailer is ultimately cheaper than leaving it in the water in a slip. As this is being analyzed, think about the time lost in launch and retrieve (at least an hour on each side of a sail). It gets pretty tedious to take the time to put a boat on a trailer after you're finished for the day and tired. Is it really worth the difference in price? For us, the difference was a little over $50 per month ($125 per month for the slip - $70 for yard storage). Since we sail 6 - 10 times per month, that breaks down to under $10 per sail. ymmv.
Does Size Matter?
I agree with Johathan. Size is not really the issue, it's the system used to rig the boat. Trailering a boat and rigging it for sail is a pain no matter what the size. Basically the same steps are needed to get the boat from the trailer to the water. Time required might be different between boats depending on the setup. I agree you should go with a rigging system designed by a manufacturer like Catalina or Hunter in lieu of a homecrafted scheme. Before buying make the seller demonstrate rigging the boat for you as part of the deal. Better yet, keep it rigged in the lot or get a slip
I agree with Johathan. Size is not really the issue, it's the system used to rig the boat. Trailering a boat and rigging it for sail is a pain no matter what the size. Basically the same steps are needed to get the boat from the trailer to the water. Time required might be different between boats depending on the setup. I agree you should go with a rigging system designed by a manufacturer like Catalina or Hunter in lieu of a homecrafted scheme. Before buying make the seller demonstrate rigging the boat for you as part of the deal. Better yet, keep it rigged in the lot or get a slip
Go for the slip
I made the same decision as Bill. Storage at the marina or off site worked out to be only $50 a month less than the slip. Money well spent in my opinion. Being able to just show up and sail is great. This also allows for the option of mid week afternoon sails without the effort to have to rig and launch the boat. Good luck on your quest.
I made the same decision as Bill. Storage at the marina or off site worked out to be only $50 a month less than the slip. Money well spent in my opinion. Being able to just show up and sail is great. This also allows for the option of mid week afternoon sails without the effort to have to rig and launch the boat. Good luck on your quest.
Go for a slip
I just bought a 1988 23 for a steal ($2,500) and put another $1,000 into the boat and trailer, cleaned it up, and its good to go. I will add afew things over the winter. I have a slip in my neighborhood; however I could also just keep the boat (mast up) on the trailer in our marina if I need to (although I have to wait for high tide to get the boat on the trailer. The slip is the way to go. Tuesday I had the urge and stopped at the slip on the way home from work and went for an hour sail. You can't do that if the boat is on a trailer. Forget setting up the mast each time you want to sail, life is too short.
I just bought a 1988 23 for a steal ($2,500) and put another $1,000 into the boat and trailer, cleaned it up, and its good to go. I will add afew things over the winter. I have a slip in my neighborhood; however I could also just keep the boat (mast up) on the trailer in our marina if I need to (although I have to wait for high tide to get the boat on the trailer. The slip is the way to go. Tuesday I had the urge and stopped at the slip on the way home from work and went for an hour sail. You can't do that if the boat is on a trailer. Forget setting up the mast each time you want to sail, life is too short.
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