Looking for suggestions on selection of a race-dedicated boat.

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Clark

Clark

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Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
I know this may generate responses all over the map but I would like to hear what you all think. The boat does not have to be a "race" boat per se. Here are my requirements: 1) The boat should be ~21+ feet to meet club race requirements (ie. no dinghies) 2) It needs to be somewhat trailerable 3) It needs to have simple onboard systems - minimal to no plumbing, no inboards, basic navigation light/cabin electricals 4) Somewhat available used 5) Pretty economical 6) Sails well to its handicap What I have on my list so far is Cat 22 swing, Capri 22 fin, H22, O'day 240.
 
Sandy Stone

Sandy Stone

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Jun 2, 2007
404
Beneteau First 375 Slidell, LA
If it fits into your financial window

you could hardly beat a J-22. Really sweet sailing boat.
 
Banooma

Banooma

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Nov 30, 2007
276
Hunter 36 Forked River, NJ
H23

A Hunter 23 wing is pretty quick, and the '88 I've been sailing is completely problem free
 
Jenni

Jenni

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May 24, 2007
89
Macgregor 26D Port Hope, ON
Older Macs

The 80's Mac 26 C and Ds move along quite well.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
PHRF-NE ratings

PHRF ratings - www.phrfne.org/page/567 Cat 22 swing 276 Capri 22 fin 201 H22n 252 H23 234-240 J22 177-183 SJ24 224 So, if you want a 'fast' boat right out the starting gate, the J22 is by far the best choice if your local fleet uses PHRF ratings. A boat with a 'fast' rating if sailed well is usually 'ahead' of the slower boats and thus usually always has 'clear air'. Also if your fleet uses "portsmouth" rating system (most inshore fleets prefer 'portsmouth' ratings as they are based on differing wind speeds) go to: www.ussailing.org/portsmouth/tables2008.asp and lookup the choices under 'offshore' ratings. If your fleet allows 'sportboats' then also look at the Ultimate20, Holder20, International Flying Dutchman or the M20 or I20 scows, etc. etc. but these boats are 'complicated' single purpose racing machines.
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
3,011
Catalina 320 Dana Point
J-boat,

you'll have lots of people to run against. http://www.jboats.com/j24/index.htm
 
Ctskip

Ctskip

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Sep 21, 2005
732
other 12 wet water
when I think of racing sailboats .

I always think of Solings. We used to race them in New Haven harbor back in the 70's. Now I see these San Juans. They look pretty fast, but looks can be deceiving. Not being into racing I have no idea which would be faster. Maybe someone will chime in and get me updated. Or am I too old school? Keep it up, Ctskip
 
E

Ed

look at your club.

Look right where you sail, see what boats are winning and meet your criteria. It is much more fun to race against similar designs.
 
Landsend

Landsend

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Aug 9, 2005
772
Hunter 28.5 Palm Coast, FL
J22 or a J24

nice fast little boats. I don't know is Lasers come in the size you're looking for.
 
R

Ray

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Mar 10, 2006
94
Hunter 26 Kettle Falls Wa.
If you're a good sailor then go with a J/boat. If not......

then a Catalina 22 and the 1 design race groups are a easy way to. The boat is fun, responsive and not expensive to race competitively. Ray
 
Clark

Clark

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Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
Is this forum great or what? Thanks for all your input, I have several takeaway

Picking a boat that is commonly raced here sounds good; the suggestion for getting a fast boat to stay away from the pack is interesting - unfortunately, I don't think the "sport" boats named by RichH would qualify. It is a pretty friendly "cruiser" racing group and I'm not all that hard core either. I'll look at the J's and explore the C22's as well. I did spot a SJ24 that looked good in Texas . . . Thanks again for all your time and responses.
 
Tim R.

Tim R.

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May 27, 2004
3,626
Caliber 40 Long Range Cruiser Portland, Maine
Definite advantages

I have a definite advantage of having a faster(before rating) boat as I usually get to sail in clean air and finish before the wind dies off. Of course, I also have a faster class starting behind me that usually catch and overtake me spoiling my clean air and sometimes the wind builds. Our fleet uses time-on-time which allows for wind conditions to a certain degree. I remember one night bobbing in a dead spot within 200 ft. of the finish line watching everyone sail a puff right up to me. Unfortunately they had the momentum to pass me before I got up to speed.
 
Clark

Clark

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Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
Sounds like what happened to us last Sunday Tim.

My wife and I crewed on a friends H28 and we did very well until half way to the finish from the windward mark. We didn't account enough for a wind-shadowed area created by a tall-ish point of land. We stalled and watched 2 boats catch us with one passing us within 100 yds of the finish.
 
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