Hi Everyone - I am downsizing from my Pearson 30 to a smaller boat that I can keep on a trailer and sail on the Hudson River. Right now I am looking at Capri 21 and J22. I think the J22 can be a great daysailor but I am concerned about structural problems in my price range $10K. And I like the look and big cockpit of the Capri 21 but am not sure if it will have the well-balanced helm and overall sailing capabilities that I am looking for. Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks! chris
Downsizing - J22, Capri 21, any other?
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I'm thinking about upgrading
I'm thinking about selling my 22 foot Hunter in favor of a 30 foot sailboat, want to get away from worrying about trailer sailing considering all the sailing that i do has been moved from protected bays and lakes to trips out to Block Island and Cape Cod trips. Why do you want to downsize?
I'm thinking about selling my 22 foot Hunter in favor of a 30 foot sailboat, want to get away from worrying about trailer sailing considering all the sailing that i do has been moved from protected bays and lakes to trips out to Block Island and Cape Cod trips. Why do you want to downsize?
Rhodes 19' or Mariner
is a nice trailer sailor at 19' but most of these may be too old for your consideration. Besides having an automobile that can pull your choice of boat I think a big consideration for true trailer sailoring is the ease or lack of in stepping/unstepping the mast. The newer the boat chances are that the spars will be more lightweight and easier to man handle. I think that most MacGregors come with some special gear for the stepping/unstepping process. This can be a big consideration if you are planning to do a lot of solo sailing and whether you have to bring along crew to help out. My 2 cents.
is a nice trailer sailor at 19' but most of these may be too old for your consideration. Besides having an automobile that can pull your choice of boat I think a big consideration for true trailer sailoring is the ease or lack of in stepping/unstepping the mast. The newer the boat chances are that the spars will be more lightweight and easier to man handle. I think that most MacGregors come with some special gear for the stepping/unstepping process. This can be a big consideration if you are planning to do a lot of solo sailing and whether you have to bring along crew to help out. My 2 cents.
Flying Scot
But don't just take my word for it, ask these guys... http://www.fssa.com/ http://www.flyingscot.com/ Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
But don't just take my word for it, ask these guys... http://www.fssa.com/ http://www.flyingscot.com/ Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
number of possibilities
There are a number of boats in that size range and trailerable that may meet your requirements. This is just a short list of the ones that came within my radar when I was looking earlier this year. My requirements were under under $5k, under 2000#, under 20', swing keel or shallow draft, sitting headroom cabin, self draining cockpit, cockpit lockers, and anchor locker. My research found several boats that met most of these criteria. Most are out of production, but I was looking for a used boat anyhow. My findings were: Sirius 21, Halman 20, DS20, O'day 20, Precision 21, West Wight Potter 19, Seaward Fox 19, Venture 21, Compac 19, Cal 20, Mariner 2+2, Sandpiper 565, Edel 540 and Siren 17. I ended up finding a Sundance Weekender 20, that met all my needs except an anchor locker, which I can retrofit under the forward hatch. Some boats were more popular in some parts of the country than others. I found mine within a mile of my yacht club. I was lucky!
There are a number of boats in that size range and trailerable that may meet your requirements. This is just a short list of the ones that came within my radar when I was looking earlier this year. My requirements were under under $5k, under 2000#, under 20', swing keel or shallow draft, sitting headroom cabin, self draining cockpit, cockpit lockers, and anchor locker. My research found several boats that met most of these criteria. Most are out of production, but I was looking for a used boat anyhow. My findings were: Sirius 21, Halman 20, DS20, O'day 20, Precision 21, West Wight Potter 19, Seaward Fox 19, Venture 21, Compac 19, Cal 20, Mariner 2+2, Sandpiper 565, Edel 540 and Siren 17. I ended up finding a Sundance Weekender 20, that met all my needs except an anchor locker, which I can retrofit under the forward hatch. Some boats were more popular in some parts of the country than others. I found mine within a mile of my yacht club. I was lucky!
capri 22
I own a capri 22 and think it sails great. Faster than almost any other 22' boat but a j-22. My capri is the fin keel and draws 4 feet. They also make a wing that draws 2'8" which would be easier to trailer. You would probally need a trailer extension to launch and something to help you raise the mast. Under the capri 22 model information, check out the review for a guy how down sized from a j-30. I do not trailer my boat. I leave it in the water. I did trailer it once to launch it when I bought it then sold the trailer. The water line when one the trailer was as high as the roof of my toyota 4x4. Ultimate 20 is a very fast boat with a lifting keel but cost 30,000 dollars.
I own a capri 22 and think it sails great. Faster than almost any other 22' boat but a j-22. My capri is the fin keel and draws 4 feet. They also make a wing that draws 2'8" which would be easier to trailer. You would probally need a trailer extension to launch and something to help you raise the mast. Under the capri 22 model information, check out the review for a guy how down sized from a j-30. I do not trailer my boat. I leave it in the water. I did trailer it once to launch it when I bought it then sold the trailer. The water line when one the trailer was as high as the roof of my toyota 4x4. Ultimate 20 is a very fast boat with a lifting keel but cost 30,000 dollars.
Why am I downsizing....
I have given up hope that my family will ever consider cruising as an activity - at least locally. Also, I could keep a smaller boat near my house on the Hudson River and go out sailing during the week after work. Thanks! Chris
I have given up hope that my family will ever consider cruising as an activity - at least locally. Also, I could keep a smaller boat near my house on the Hudson River and go out sailing during the week after work. Thanks! Chris
General Rule of Thumb.....
The smaller the boat, the more it gets used. Go to any marina and just observe. Good Luck in your decision.
The smaller the boat, the more it gets used. Go to any marina and just observe. Good Luck in your decision.
Hunter 23
I love my hunter 23 which is a trailer sailer. Although some say you need to make a mast raising system to help I have no problem. It only draws 2'6" which is wonderful for tight areas!! And the cabin is big enough to still overnight if you wanted to once in a while. Goodluck though. I would also recommend a Comm-pac they make some good stable trailer sailer
I love my hunter 23 which is a trailer sailer. Although some say you need to make a mast raising system to help I have no problem. It only draws 2'6" which is wonderful for tight areas!! And the cabin is big enough to still overnight if you wanted to once in a while. Goodluck though. I would also recommend a Comm-pac they make some good stable trailer sailer
Downsizing
I'm surprised the Catalina 22 has not been mentioned. This is one of the most popular small sailboats ever built. A charter member of the sailboat hall of fame, I believe over 16,000 have been built and it's still in production. There is an active national association, and many pre-owned, well maintained boats to choose from. Best of all, Catalina retains its reputation of listening to its customers and constantly improving it's product.
I'm surprised the Catalina 22 has not been mentioned. This is one of the most popular small sailboats ever built. A charter member of the sailboat hall of fame, I believe over 16,000 have been built and it's still in production. There is an active national association, and many pre-owned, well maintained boats to choose from. Best of all, Catalina retains its reputation of listening to its customers and constantly improving it's product.
trailer sallin'
My H22 is a really good trailer sailer. I made a mast raising system that allows me to get onto the water in under 30 minutes. With the centerboard, it draws very little water with it in the up posistion. Maintance costs on it are very low. I am going to do extensive gel coat crack repairs and entire paint job on it. Single handle sailing it is really easy, as well as launching and retrieving it. I trailer it with my 05 dodge ram 1500, which i can hardley tell that its behind me while going down the highway. I get about 13 miles per gallon, as opposed to 15-16 when i'm not towing anything. I've been all over with it, Lake George, Cape Cod, Vermont, Maine. One thing to look for is when you do find a boat, try to get a double axle trailer. I had a single axle trailer and blew a bearing comming back from florida with it last spring resulting in me being stranded for half a day to do the repairs. If you want a project, i've seen serveral boats around latley that are in need of repairs and go for around 1500 dollars.
My H22 is a really good trailer sailer. I made a mast raising system that allows me to get onto the water in under 30 minutes. With the centerboard, it draws very little water with it in the up posistion. Maintance costs on it are very low. I am going to do extensive gel coat crack repairs and entire paint job on it. Single handle sailing it is really easy, as well as launching and retrieving it. I trailer it with my 05 dodge ram 1500, which i can hardley tell that its behind me while going down the highway. I get about 13 miles per gallon, as opposed to 15-16 when i'm not towing anything. I've been all over with it, Lake George, Cape Cod, Vermont, Maine. One thing to look for is when you do find a boat, try to get a double axle trailer. I had a single axle trailer and blew a bearing comming back from florida with it last spring resulting in me being stranded for half a day to do the repairs. If you want a project, i've seen serveral boats around latley that are in need of repairs and go for around 1500 dollars.
Rhodes 22
Probably can't find one in your price range but the Rhodes 22 has all the bells and whistles and the one that I sailed in Annapolis a few years ago was very impressive.
Probably can't find one in your price range but the Rhodes 22 has all the bells and whistles and the one that I sailed in Annapolis a few years ago was very impressive.
Precision Option
Precision makes an 18' trailer sailer that is easy to set up. You may be able to find a very good used one for $10K. A unique cabin layout makes it practical for a night on the water as well.
Precision makes an 18' trailer sailer that is easy to set up. You may be able to find a very good used one for $10K. A unique cabin layout makes it practical for a night on the water as well.
Downsizing
I'd like to suggest a San Juan 21. I've had mine for over 6 years and love sailing it. It's a fast, great sailing boat, there's quite a few of them around, with the swing keel up it has a one foot draft, it's easy to set up, the cockpit is over six feet long, and you can find a good one for under $3,000. It does have a small cabin which can be used for ocassional overnights. I traded up to a Mac 26M only because we've decided to do more cruising and more lengthly overnights with 3-4 adults aboard.
I'd like to suggest a San Juan 21. I've had mine for over 6 years and love sailing it. It's a fast, great sailing boat, there's quite a few of them around, with the swing keel up it has a one foot draft, it's easy to set up, the cockpit is over six feet long, and you can find a good one for under $3,000. It does have a small cabin which can be used for ocassional overnights. I traded up to a Mac 26M only because we've decided to do more cruising and more lengthly overnights with 3-4 adults aboard.
Capri 22: Best Sailboat I've Ever owned
My Capri 22 "Don't Panic" (spelled upside down) is by far the best sailboat I've ever owned. Check out the users group-- capri22.net-- and you'll find a great group, lots of information, pictures, etc. all from enthusiasts from a great boat. Chris............
My Capri 22 "Don't Panic" (spelled upside down) is by far the best sailboat I've ever owned. Check out the users group-- capri22.net-- and you'll find a great group, lots of information, pictures, etc. all from enthusiasts from a great boat. Chris............
Weather helm, 20 knots of wind?
Thanks for the info Chris I am leaning towards the Capri. My only concern really is weather helm - how does the boat handle going upwind in, say 15 - 20 knots? And also, do you have an asymetrical spinnaker or something similar to give extra power going downwind? Chris
Thanks for the info Chris I am leaning towards the Capri. My only concern really is weather helm - how does the boat handle going upwind in, say 15 - 20 knots? And also, do you have an asymetrical spinnaker or something similar to give extra power going downwind? Chris
Weather Helm on Capri 22
Yes there is weather helm on a Capri 22 upwind in 15 - 20 knots of wind, but I don't know another boat that size and weight where there wouldn't be helm. Certainly less helm than a dinghy, but more helm pressure than a heavy cruising boat. The good thing about the Capri is that it can be balanced very easily by the sailplan. Go to capri22.net and search for my posts on sailing the Capri 22 in SF Bay in 30 kts wind. Quite a ride, to say the least. You are doing everything you can to depower, and you need to be very careful about crew placement (think: weather rail) but it can be managed. The good part is that the Capri handles quite nicely under mainsail alone. When the wind powered up, we would drop the headsail (which was a 100% blade anyway) and sail under just a reefed main. The fastest I've ever gone on a sailboat was 10.6 kts while broad reaching under just a reefed main on the Capri-- the boats surfs easily. I like the Capri because it is not as powered up as the J22 or the more modern sportboats-- those are lighter and have higher SA/D ratio which means your margin of error is practically nothing, unless you have very experienced crew. The boat borders on a ULDB, so you can't expect it to handle waves and chop like a cruiser, but for the size, the Capri 22 is a great boat and is my recommendation. The cockpit size cannot be beat, there is enough below decks to bring lunch or sleep, add a porta-potty and portable grill and call it a weekend. Chris....................
Yes there is weather helm on a Capri 22 upwind in 15 - 20 knots of wind, but I don't know another boat that size and weight where there wouldn't be helm. Certainly less helm than a dinghy, but more helm pressure than a heavy cruising boat. The good thing about the Capri is that it can be balanced very easily by the sailplan. Go to capri22.net and search for my posts on sailing the Capri 22 in SF Bay in 30 kts wind. Quite a ride, to say the least. You are doing everything you can to depower, and you need to be very careful about crew placement (think: weather rail) but it can be managed. The good part is that the Capri handles quite nicely under mainsail alone. When the wind powered up, we would drop the headsail (which was a 100% blade anyway) and sail under just a reefed main. The fastest I've ever gone on a sailboat was 10.6 kts while broad reaching under just a reefed main on the Capri-- the boats surfs easily. I like the Capri because it is not as powered up as the J22 or the more modern sportboats-- those are lighter and have higher SA/D ratio which means your margin of error is practically nothing, unless you have very experienced crew. The boat borders on a ULDB, so you can't expect it to handle waves and chop like a cruiser, but for the size, the Capri 22 is a great boat and is my recommendation. The cockpit size cannot be beat, there is enough below decks to bring lunch or sleep, add a porta-potty and portable grill and call it a weekend. Chris....................
Ultimate 20
This boat looks awesome and easy to handle - perhaps a bit pricey but I guess you get what you pay for. So another one for the short list.
This boat looks awesome and easy to handle - perhaps a bit pricey but I guess you get what you pay for. So another one for the short list.
Capri 22 sounds good and the cockpit is great
All of these boats look great - time to come back to reality and get busy selling my boat. Chris
All of these boats look great - time to come back to reality and get busy selling my boat. Chris
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