Need some advice on keel type: Shoal vs. swing vs fin. Looking to buy used family boat 24-27 ft, most sailing would be done in Lake Michigan, but Lake Macatawa (access point to the big lake) is pretty low, worried that I'll run aground if I try to sail Lake Mac. Do shoal keels sail well? Know of a San Juan 26 that's available. How about an S2 7.9, or a Catalina 27? My wife and I have had a Prindle 16 for 20 years, now want to move to a family boat for mostly daysailing, occasional overnighter. I know this is a question with no right answer, just hoping to tap into some of other's wisdom and make family's first expereince with sailing a great one (boys ages 5
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Arnie
After owning and racing the Hunter 25.5 Hunter 23 and now a 28.5 I would recomend the 25.5 over the Catalina Oday and most 27 foot boats. For allot of reasons. First the 25.5 is a great boat and has allot more room than the other 25's mentioned. In my racing I found we would pound the Catlina and the Oday. We had the Shoal draft 25.5 and it draws only 3 1/2 feet. We pulled it up to your neck of the woods two years in a row from Lake Erie. We spent a weeks vaction sailing from Suttons Bay to North Port, Charlovux, Boyne City and Back to Suttons Bay. The 25.5 was just perfect for two of us and would have been fine with the kids. With the pop top at the dock it cooled off the interior and was real pleasnt to be down below. We had looked at some 27 foot boats and for the extra money was not worth it for a boat that in most cases had less room than the 25.5. Ther are allot of 25,5 out ther to be bought for a real good price so do not over look it. Cliff
After owning and racing the Hunter 25.5 Hunter 23 and now a 28.5 I would recomend the 25.5 over the Catalina Oday and most 27 foot boats. For allot of reasons. First the 25.5 is a great boat and has allot more room than the other 25's mentioned. In my racing I found we would pound the Catlina and the Oday. We had the Shoal draft 25.5 and it draws only 3 1/2 feet. We pulled it up to your neck of the woods two years in a row from Lake Erie. We spent a weeks vaction sailing from Suttons Bay to North Port, Charlovux, Boyne City and Back to Suttons Bay. The 25.5 was just perfect for two of us and would have been fine with the kids. With the pop top at the dock it cooled off the interior and was real pleasnt to be down below. We had looked at some 27 foot boats and for the extra money was not worth it for a boat that in most cases had less room than the 25.5. Ther are allot of 25,5 out ther to be bought for a real good price so do not over look it. Cliff
Buy what you like...
A Shoal is for sailing in shallow waterways. A swing can be sailed in really shallow waterway with the keel up. You dont have to worry about shallow water where you at! If you want to trailor your boat get the swing keel! If not it does not matter!
A Shoal is for sailing in shallow waterways. A swing can be sailed in really shallow waterway with the keel up. You dont have to worry about shallow water where you at! If you want to trailor your boat get the swing keel! If not it does not matter!
Wow! I'm not the only former Prindle Owner!
Hi Arnie - My wife and I sailed a Prindle 16 for 2 years before buying our Catalina 27. We bought a 1979 with a fin keel. The difference between it and a shoal draft model is only a half foot of draft, so I would recommend you not worry about either model. As far as C-27's go, get the boat that is in the best shape. Basically, if you are sailing in shallow water, I don't think 6 inches (or even a foot, for that matter)is going to make a huge difference. It hasn't for us. Of the two times we ran aground, we were able to get off within an hour, with no significant damage to the boat. You will probably find bigger issues to concern yourself with, such as engines and sail inventories, etc... Don't get stuck on a particular type of boat - look at them all, and find what is best for you, your wife, and your kids. My wife and I chose a C-27 for the room and the solid feel of the helm - but that is just a result of our needs and opinions. We planned to overnight a bit, wanted a good head, good head room (I am 6'4")and room to entertain. I recommend you check it out, but check out a slew of others as well. You will probably eliminate some on looks alone! When you get closer to the big day, keep us updated! Best Regards, Rob
Hi Arnie - My wife and I sailed a Prindle 16 for 2 years before buying our Catalina 27. We bought a 1979 with a fin keel. The difference between it and a shoal draft model is only a half foot of draft, so I would recommend you not worry about either model. As far as C-27's go, get the boat that is in the best shape. Basically, if you are sailing in shallow water, I don't think 6 inches (or even a foot, for that matter)is going to make a huge difference. It hasn't for us. Of the two times we ran aground, we were able to get off within an hour, with no significant damage to the boat. You will probably find bigger issues to concern yourself with, such as engines and sail inventories, etc... Don't get stuck on a particular type of boat - look at them all, and find what is best for you, your wife, and your kids. My wife and I chose a C-27 for the room and the solid feel of the helm - but that is just a result of our needs and opinions. We planned to overnight a bit, wanted a good head, good head room (I am 6'4")and room to entertain. I recommend you check it out, but check out a slew of others as well. You will probably eliminate some on looks alone! When you get closer to the big day, keep us updated! Best Regards, Rob
Hey... I like my cheap plastic curtain!!!
Lets me keep an eye on my crew!
Seriously though, to each his own - go out and look at them all. Investigate, find out what works for you. It's actually quite a bit of work, but you will feel better when you finally make the purchase. Rob
Lets me keep an eye on my crew!
Seriously though, to each his own - go out and look at them all. Investigate, find out what works for you. It's actually quite a bit of work, but you will feel better when you finally make the purchase. Rob- Status