I'm going to look at a 1995 23.5 this weekend. I'm not fully sold on the water ballest thing yet. Are their any issues (problems) with this model I should look for. I plan to keep the boat in the water most of the season around Elkton or Northeast Maryland
Looking at a used 23.5
- Thread starter feejer
- Start date
- Status
When I think of..
boats that depend on water as ballast I think of submarines. I like boats that keep water out, dry in. Beyond these helpful remarks, you might wanna look at the 69 or so owner reviews on this site.
boats that depend on water as ballast I think of submarines. I like boats that keep water out, dry in. Beyond these helpful remarks, you might wanna look at the 69 or so owner reviews on this site.
P'sha P'sha
I've a 240 - the follow-on version of the 23.5. Not aware of any particular issues, other than the usual that would be associated with an older boat. The boats are what some refer to as a bit "tender," but then again most small boats are tender anyway. The boat will be fine as a daysailor/weekend warrior in the northern Chesapeake. Take her out for a sail and keep an open mind.
I've a 240 - the follow-on version of the 23.5. Not aware of any particular issues, other than the usual that would be associated with an older boat. The boats are what some refer to as a bit "tender," but then again most small boats are tender anyway. The boat will be fine as a daysailor/weekend warrior in the northern Chesapeake. Take her out for a sail and keep an open mind.
What?
Did you say $15-30 per foot, per month? Holy %&$*! And to think I've been beating myself up over the extravagance of nearly $8 I pay up here. More power to you down there....
Did you say $15-30 per foot, per month? Holy %&$*! And to think I've been beating myself up over the extravagance of nearly $8 I pay up here. More power to you down there....
Advantages
We have a 1993 23.5 that we bought new. She has held up well, and has given us much enjoyable time on the water. That said, the primary reason for going with a water ballasted boat is because it is much more trailerable. Everything in a boat is a compromise. We compromised the stiffness and some of the comfort of a keel boat for something that we could trailer. If trailering is not important to you, then look at a keel boat of a heavier centerboarder. But, for the amount of room, ease of setup and sailing, and trailerability, it's hard to beat a 23.5. And "dock fees" in my driveway (free) are way cheaper than at any marina. And with the help of the trailer, our "cruising range" is greatly extended. I might add, that we've gotten caught out in some weather on Lake Erie, and have never felt like the boat or crew were at risk. It's a good, safe little boat.
We have a 1993 23.5 that we bought new. She has held up well, and has given us much enjoyable time on the water. That said, the primary reason for going with a water ballasted boat is because it is much more trailerable. Everything in a boat is a compromise. We compromised the stiffness and some of the comfort of a keel boat for something that we could trailer. If trailering is not important to you, then look at a keel boat of a heavier centerboarder. But, for the amount of room, ease of setup and sailing, and trailerability, it's hard to beat a 23.5. And "dock fees" in my driveway (free) are way cheaper than at any marina. And with the help of the trailer, our "cruising range" is greatly extended. I might add, that we've gotten caught out in some weather on Lake Erie, and have never felt like the boat or crew were at risk. It's a good, safe little boat.
- Status