I sailed a Catalina 22 for 2 years and learned to sail on it. Although I kept it in the water part of the year, it was almost not worth it to trailer it, and rig it just for a day trip. After not sailing for 3 years, (only motoring) I'd like to get bcak into it. But, I want a light, easily trailerable and easy rigging for lake sailing that would be fun and "forgiving", a term we used to describe the Catlaina 22. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Mwolff
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Trailerable Options
The Catalina 22 is probably still worth considering. If you want something easier to step and haul you could consider the 18 as well: http://www.catalinayachts.com/yachts.cfm?act=model&id=10 Other easy to trailer day sailors that you could look at: Compac Eclipse: http://www.com-pacyachts.com/com-paceclipse.php Hunter 170 or 216: http://www.huntermarine.com/models/index.html The Flying Scott is still out there: http://www.flyingscot.com/ Precision makes several: http://www.precisionboatworks.com/brochure.htm The Ultimate 20: http://www.sailingsource.com/ultimate/u20.php The West Wight Potter: http://www.westwightpotter.com/potter-19/ There are others out there but I don't know their web sites...
The Catalina 22 is probably still worth considering. If you want something easier to step and haul you could consider the 18 as well: http://www.catalinayachts.com/yachts.cfm?act=model&id=10 Other easy to trailer day sailors that you could look at: Compac Eclipse: http://www.com-pacyachts.com/com-paceclipse.php Hunter 170 or 216: http://www.huntermarine.com/models/index.html The Flying Scott is still out there: http://www.flyingscot.com/ Precision makes several: http://www.precisionboatworks.com/brochure.htm The Ultimate 20: http://www.sailingsource.com/ultimate/u20.php The West Wight Potter: http://www.westwightpotter.com/potter-19/ There are others out there but I don't know their web sites...
Rigging Time
We used to have a C-22 fixed keel and now have a O'day Daysailer. My wife & I could rig and float the C-22 almost as fast as the Daysailer. In fact we are considering going back to a C-22 swing keel. You have to get your system down and do things the same way each and every time. Once your routine is established, it not that hard.
We used to have a C-22 fixed keel and now have a O'day Daysailer. My wife & I could rig and float the C-22 almost as fast as the Daysailer. In fact we are considering going back to a C-22 swing keel. You have to get your system down and do things the same way each and every time. Once your routine is established, it not that hard.
MacGregor
Take a look at a used "Classic" MacGregor. These predate the 26X and current 26M models. They are very easy to trailer, launch and they sail pretty well. The newer models don't sail as well, but have more interior space which is nice for multi-day outings. A quick way to see how hard it will be to launch the boat is to measure how high it sits on the trailer. The higher it sits the more you must back it into the water, making tongue extensions necessary for some models. I think the Macs are best in class in this regard.
Take a look at a used "Classic" MacGregor. These predate the 26X and current 26M models. They are very easy to trailer, launch and they sail pretty well. The newer models don't sail as well, but have more interior space which is nice for multi-day outings. A quick way to see how hard it will be to launch the boat is to measure how high it sits on the trailer. The higher it sits the more you must back it into the water, making tongue extensions necessary for some models. I think the Macs are best in class in this regard.
I AGREE WITH TOM...go with the MAC26C
Before my MAC26X, I owned a Mac26C (also the same as the Mac26S). Great boat, ease in trailering, set up, maintain, upgrade, and SAFETY are the BENEFITS in this boat. Only reason I sold mine, WE want to camp a lot...and needed the MAC-X and taller cabin. EMPTYING that WATER BALLAST system at the DOCK makes loading and unloading a BREEZE. BY THE WAY, you wont have to spend $$$$$$ for what other models offer with less "safety" !!
Before my MAC26X, I owned a Mac26C (also the same as the Mac26S). Great boat, ease in trailering, set up, maintain, upgrade, and SAFETY are the BENEFITS in this boat. Only reason I sold mine, WE want to camp a lot...and needed the MAC-X and taller cabin. EMPTYING that WATER BALLAST system at the DOCK makes loading and unloading a BREEZE. BY THE WAY, you wont have to spend $$$$$$ for what other models offer with less "safety" !!
Sailing Gratification or Thrill Seeking
Sailing Gratification or Thrill Seeking Reading your preference for lake sailing, “Fun” (Difficult to measure), “Forgiving”, light, easily trailerable, easy to rig, and lastly you mentioned having “Motoring” for the last three years. I like to day sail, and if you desire the ease of having a fully rigged boat at the dock without the time and labor to set-up and rig a trailer sailboat the Ultimate 20 may not be the boat for you. This boat is an ultra light racing machine and produces thrilling performance youthful sailors consider “Fun”, but the set-up, rigging (very involved, from screwing the spreaders together, and setting up and “Zipping” the headsail luff over the head stay, and after launching, you’ll be using a crane release the wedges and lower the weighted keel into its locked down position, then using hardware to secure it down and removing the crane from the boat) to say nothing of the huge cost of this small sport boat is somewhat like a miniature “Hobie 33”, an all out pure racing sailboat If you consider easy set-up (simple rigging) and prefer a boat able to launch, spending the least amount ramp time, prefer to bring your boat right up to the beach, like to have some facilities for family and friends, provide comfortable motoring with considerable sailing enjoyment to satisfy all but the most die hard racing addict… Tom & Louis advice on the MacGregor is spot-on. They are fun, comfortable, safe, forgiving, while providing a full spectrum of fun for the boating enthusiast. When I was a young gun, I probably would have chosen the “U-20” to be noticed or scare crew and myself with terrifying excitement in windy conditions, but I never have and prefer sailing for lively pleasure rather than thrill seeking. . http://www.u20class.org/boat/u20setup.pdf
Sailing Gratification or Thrill Seeking Reading your preference for lake sailing, “Fun” (Difficult to measure), “Forgiving”, light, easily trailerable, easy to rig, and lastly you mentioned having “Motoring” for the last three years. I like to day sail, and if you desire the ease of having a fully rigged boat at the dock without the time and labor to set-up and rig a trailer sailboat the Ultimate 20 may not be the boat for you. This boat is an ultra light racing machine and produces thrilling performance youthful sailors consider “Fun”, but the set-up, rigging (very involved, from screwing the spreaders together, and setting up and “Zipping” the headsail luff over the head stay, and after launching, you’ll be using a crane release the wedges and lower the weighted keel into its locked down position, then using hardware to secure it down and removing the crane from the boat) to say nothing of the huge cost of this small sport boat is somewhat like a miniature “Hobie 33”, an all out pure racing sailboat If you consider easy set-up (simple rigging) and prefer a boat able to launch, spending the least amount ramp time, prefer to bring your boat right up to the beach, like to have some facilities for family and friends, provide comfortable motoring with considerable sailing enjoyment to satisfy all but the most die hard racing addict… Tom & Louis advice on the MacGregor is spot-on. They are fun, comfortable, safe, forgiving, while providing a full spectrum of fun for the boating enthusiast. When I was a young gun, I probably would have chosen the “U-20” to be noticed or scare crew and myself with terrifying excitement in windy conditions, but I never have and prefer sailing for lively pleasure rather than thrill seeking. . http://www.u20class.org/boat/u20setup.pdf
Smaller MacGregors?
Thanks for the advice. It seems that the MacGregor might fit the bill for what I want. Do the smaller Macgregors have the same characteristics as the Mac 26S or C? I.e., water ballast, easy to rig, launch, trailer and fun to sail? In searching around the web for a Mac26, I've also seen the Mac 21, 19 and several 25's. Is the Mac 26X, or 26M as easy to rig, launch and trailer? Thanks again in advance! MWolff
Thanks for the advice. It seems that the MacGregor might fit the bill for what I want. Do the smaller Macgregors have the same characteristics as the Mac 26S or C? I.e., water ballast, easy to rig, launch, trailer and fun to sail? In searching around the web for a Mac26, I've also seen the Mac 21, 19 and several 25's. Is the Mac 26X, or 26M as easy to rig, launch and trailer? Thanks again in advance! MWolff
I SUGGEST the WATER BALLAST, and ...
MARTY...Since Ive sailed both, the Mac 26-S, and the Mac 26-X, IM sold on the WATER BALLAST system, as compaired to the older Macs with the "WEIGHTED" keel, which are tough at the loading ramp. I suggest as I did, hang around a MARINA dock, watch efforts with WEIGHTED KEELs and the amazing amounts of COMPLICATIONs that occur. Besides that, weighted keel boats go to the bottom when FLOODED, whereas, water ballast systems FLOAT...(NICE SAFETY FEATURE). The Macs are easy to RIG...which makes them a nice FAMILY BOAT.
MARTY...Since Ive sailed both, the Mac 26-S, and the Mac 26-X, IM sold on the WATER BALLAST system, as compaired to the older Macs with the "WEIGHTED" keel, which are tough at the loading ramp. I suggest as I did, hang around a MARINA dock, watch efforts with WEIGHTED KEELs and the amazing amounts of COMPLICATIONs that occur. Besides that, weighted keel boats go to the bottom when FLOODED, whereas, water ballast systems FLOAT...(NICE SAFETY FEATURE). The Macs are easy to RIG...which makes them a nice FAMILY BOAT.
go small
If you want a 'light, easily trailerable and easy rigging for lake sailing that would be fun and "forgiving"' and more-so than the catalina 22, then you need to go smaller, lighter, and more forgiving than the catalina 22. I would suggest something like the Hunter 170 or 216 (or something comparable by another manufacturer). These models have no accomodations, but are simple, easy-to-rig and launch day sailors. I have the Hunter 216 and can launch and rig it all by myself. Its very forgiving to sail.
If you want a 'light, easily trailerable and easy rigging for lake sailing that would be fun and "forgiving"' and more-so than the catalina 22, then you need to go smaller, lighter, and more forgiving than the catalina 22. I would suggest something like the Hunter 170 or 216 (or something comparable by another manufacturer). These models have no accomodations, but are simple, easy-to-rig and launch day sailors. I have the Hunter 216 and can launch and rig it all by myself. Its very forgiving to sail.
Forgiving lake boat
Having owned the Hunter 170 after and before owning similar size boats with hard chines I much prefer the more "traditional" boats. The Hunter 170 heels too easily and the tiller / rudder assembly and quality are suspect. Just one man's opinion. What ever you select....enjoy it and don't worry too much about the opinion of others.
Having owned the Hunter 170 after and before owning similar size boats with hard chines I much prefer the more "traditional" boats. The Hunter 170 heels too easily and the tiller / rudder assembly and quality are suspect. Just one man's opinion. What ever you select....enjoy it and don't worry too much about the opinion of others.
Look into a Mariner
My wife and I sail a Oday Mariner and really like it. Not to heavy at 1350# mast is a workable 24' something, no heavy swing keel you need a winch to get up and down keel is around 85# and is moved with a line that turns a wheel that turns a axle that has a SS cable on it and the keel is wound up that way. Cabin is not much to speak of but it is big enough for the potti and other stuff the cabin "sleeps 4".Best of all this boat really sails I've been on lake Clinton in IL sailing with a south coast 22 and he could not keep up with me the 19' Mariner points higher and sails faster at the same time no contest on the down wind run I pulled up my swing keel and walked away from the guy. I've had many peaple tell me my boat is fast for the length of it. They made the first Mariner in 1958 and they still are made today by Stuart marine corp. This 19'2" boat has 17'9" of water line a beem of 7' and can be sail by a small girl (like my wife 5'5" 130 or so) go to odayowners.com and check it out.
My wife and I sail a Oday Mariner and really like it. Not to heavy at 1350# mast is a workable 24' something, no heavy swing keel you need a winch to get up and down keel is around 85# and is moved with a line that turns a wheel that turns a axle that has a SS cable on it and the keel is wound up that way. Cabin is not much to speak of but it is big enough for the potti and other stuff the cabin "sleeps 4".Best of all this boat really sails I've been on lake Clinton in IL sailing with a south coast 22 and he could not keep up with me the 19' Mariner points higher and sails faster at the same time no contest on the down wind run I pulled up my swing keel and walked away from the guy. I've had many peaple tell me my boat is fast for the length of it. They made the first Mariner in 1958 and they still are made today by Stuart marine corp. This 19'2" boat has 17'9" of water line a beem of 7' and can be sail by a small girl (like my wife 5'5" 130 or so) go to odayowners.com and check it out.
Go with the 19 Oday Mariner 2 2
I sail a 1975 Oday Mariner 2+2 At Kerr lake in N.C. I also have a bristol 28.2 at the coast. If I am going sail for the day. It to the lake on the Mariner. It's easy to rig, easy to launch and with the swing keel I only need 10" water to go in any cove and every beach is mine to explore. Only use a 4 stroke 2.5 eng to move her along. Bet I did not spend $5 in gas for Mariner all summer. If the Wind is 10 knots you be flying. Mariner is self right if the keel is down and has built in flotation. The cockpit is big, I have use Tarp over boom for tent and at 6' 4' could lay down and not touch either end. So before you spend the big bucks for the 22,24,0r 26 foot boats you should Check out the Oday Mariner 2+2 19. Oday and Stuart marine corp have built thousands of these boats. It a buyers market. you can find a Nice one for under $5,ooo only gave $2,300 for mine. The Oday Mariner 2+2 is a great little boat for the person that cares more about the sailing that the showing off.
I sail a 1975 Oday Mariner 2+2 At Kerr lake in N.C. I also have a bristol 28.2 at the coast. If I am going sail for the day. It to the lake on the Mariner. It's easy to rig, easy to launch and with the swing keel I only need 10" water to go in any cove and every beach is mine to explore. Only use a 4 stroke 2.5 eng to move her along. Bet I did not spend $5 in gas for Mariner all summer. If the Wind is 10 knots you be flying. Mariner is self right if the keel is down and has built in flotation. The cockpit is big, I have use Tarp over boom for tent and at 6' 4' could lay down and not touch either end. So before you spend the big bucks for the 22,24,0r 26 foot boats you should Check out the Oday Mariner 2+2 19. Oday and Stuart marine corp have built thousands of these boats. It a buyers market. you can find a Nice one for under $5,ooo only gave $2,300 for mine. The Oday Mariner 2+2 is a great little boat for the person that cares more about the sailing that the showing off.
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