looking to buy a new (to me) boat

[SteveinTC]

Hi, I loved sailing as a kid but am now 55. I live in Northern Michigan and last summer I found a fun little Hobie Bravo which I thought would be a great re-entry to the hobby. It was simple and small enough that I was able to keep it on the lawn of a friend's house on a small lake nearby. I like the boat and it has proven to be simple, fun, and surprisingly stable but would like something slightly larger that offers the ability to sit up and relax a bit so my wife feels more comfortable coming with me. However, this means that I'll be having to trailer the new boat and rig it every time I want to sail. So, my balancing act is finding something large enough to be a bit more comfortable but also quick and easy to rig because I know if it's difficult it won't happen very often.

I'm seeking some advice. Am I overthinking the difficulty of rigging and de-rigging a boat with a traditional mast? I've found some info online about the Catalina 14.2 Expo which has a rotating mast and a cat rig similar to my Bravo (with the addition of a Hoyt boom that rotates separately from the mast), it seems to be about the right size for my current needs but small enough to trailer with a normal car or small crossover (we have a CR-V). There is also a listing about an hour away for a used boat called an Expo Solar Sailer which has a similar Hoyt boom, rotating mast, and single sail. It looks really interesting and I'm surprised there aren't more boats with this sort of rigging system... though I assume it's a question of performance and speed which isn't a key concern of mine at this point. I don't find any of the Catalinas for sale near me.

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[JBP-PA]

There are a lot of 15-ish foot sailboats that are easy to rig, maybe a half hour. There are also a lot of marinas where you can park your boat on the trailer with the mast up so you just launch and sail, sometimes called 'dry slips". These are generally much cheaper than a permanent dock and you don't have to worry about your boat sinking when you are gone.

 

[rgranger]

Am I overthinking …

No!

I think you are spot on. Knowing HOW you want to use your boat is the very first step.

For what you described, I’d recommend the Hunter 15.

I like the walk off transom and the small cuddy for storage

 

[SteveinTC]

That's a good suggestion. I already looked into dry slips and for some reason there aren't any offered at the marinas near me. Wet slips have a 5-10 year waiting list and are generally only for boats 30 feet and over. There is one marina where they are condo-style and they run over $120k to buy AND I just learned that owners are soon going to be assessed a huge fee for electrical and other capital upgrades that have been put off for too long.

 

[SteveinTC]

Thanks, rgranger. I hadn't come across that boat before, I'll check it out.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

I would look at a ComPac Cat boat . They are exactly what you are looking for . No other sailboat has an easier mast raising system . Wide and stable . Although they are slightly more to buy , if you take care of it , you will get your money out of it

 

[shemandr]

I don't know if a mooring is an option, but if is make sure the boat you buy has a self bailing cockpit. Otherwise you'll have to go bail it after heavy rains. Some very heavy rains may swamp/sink boat. I have the tee shirt for that
If you are dry sailing it you still need to be mindful of rain unless there are drains or bailers. Covers are an option but they are also another step between you and sailing.
I'm intrigued by a design called a Mud Hen. Looks to be very easy to set up. And being basically a sharpie it should be quite stable. Not a fast boat but rgranger has set the stage with the Hunter 15 as a boat that you can sail around touring and having a picnic lunch. If you don't have a head there's a limited time you'll stay out anyway. I have a picture on my phone but my data isn't connected. I'll send a pic from the phone.
Downside is you're unlikely to find one in MI. There are many options and that's why a "What boat should I buy" post is exciting. Offcenterharbor's Oonagh looks like a great way to spend a few hours. Very easy to rig and pretty stable. Spend some time with the videos on that site to see the other side of sailing. There are many about cruiser/camping that illustrate how small boats can be amazingly versatile and can provide some nice adventures.

 

[rgranger]

@shemandr made a good point about the absence of a head …. I keep one of these on board for the lady folk… I’ve been thanked more than once for “being thoughtful”

 

[shemandr]

It beats a Pringle can! It’s a true story.

 

[shemandr]

 

[rgranger]

It beats a Pringle can! It’s a true story.

Hahaha
You’re killing me. …

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As a sailboat dealer now retired, look at the Precision 15. I only sold one Catalina 14.2 Expo

look to make sure the hull and deck are ok.