New guy on board

[Roadking Larry]

Just to let you know I'm still here and still looking. Lots of reading and paging through this and other forums for info, a little overwhelming.

I've looked at a couple of boats listed at the local marina and Craigslist, some trailer boats some not.
I just can't wrap my brain around the neglect some of the boats I've seen have been shown. One boat I went into the cabin of I was really hoping all my shots were up to date. Some of te boats tie up in their slips looked like they hadn't been touched in years, one even had quite a crop of lichen growing on the deck.
I started with the idea of getting a "project boat".
Currently running the numbers and soul searching on how deep into the savings I can go for more boat and less project.
I do appreciate the comments and advice here.

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome Aboard, Larry..
Those are all prettygood boats and as you say, pros and cons to each.. Lots of C-22 around so easier to sell if that time comes and there is a lot of good maintenance info.. Tanzer and Chrysler were both more ruggedly built and a little more stable but slower generally and heavier so ya might think about tow weight.. All are pretty good sailing boats.. In my opinion, you are on the right track with the "more boat, less project" .. gets ya out on the water quicker.. and gives you more time to learn every bit and piece ..

 

[Ray Bowles]

Roadking, Project boats are someone else's roadkill that was too big to bury. I have owned 5 trailered boats in sizes ranging from 14 feet to 26 feet. Some water ballested most centerboards. The Hunter 24 and 26 have nice cabin space but are somewhat tender in a big blow. The MacGregors have a much smaller cabins and are also somewhat light in a blow. The Catalina 22 is a very popular boat and I loved mine. They can take more of a blow than most people like, they are fast and the cabin is small. You either bend low or walk on your knees.
There are about 10 trailer sailed boats on trailers where I sail that are left rigged (mast up ready to go) that are launched and recovered every time. A 15 minute process each way. Thee are about 25 more boats on mooring balls that all are trailered boats.
Of all these boats the one that is sought out harder than any other is the San Juan 23. Last summer there were 6 SJ 23's which was the largest single brand here. I have one and absolutly love it. The cabin has about 5' to 5' 2" headroom. The bow bunk wil sleep a 6'2" person comfortably. More comfortable if there is a pair. The cockpit is large and the deck strong and easy to pass around on. They sail excellent in very small air where others don't move, and they love big wind and water. They tow with a 1/2 ton truck and a good one with trailer is about $6,000.
You will probably have to drive to some distance to find a good boat. We drove 1500 miles one way for our first boat, the Hunter 26. What a boat to learn on! I'd drive further for a SJ 23.
Good luck with your search and if I can help more please feel free to contact me.
Ray

 

[rgranger]

Larry

The things that coast you money are

1) sails
2) outboard motor
3) trailer
4) upholstery
5) standing rigging and spars
6) rotten wood inside the cabin.

The other stuff (like lichens) comes clean with a good pressure washer. You'd be surprised. I've gone into a boat with a pressure washer in one hand and a shop vac in the other. The results were shocking.

The trick is to find that boat that has been left under a pine tree, covered in sap that has grown black over time. BUT the sails were kept inside along with the outboard and cushions. Because it looks like @$$ you buy it for $800, spend $200 on new trailer tires, another $200 on running rigging, clean it up and for $1200 you have a nice boat on a nice trailer. Also a little sand paper and a coat of paint can do wonders.

 

[finding41]

Rgranger has a good point about how little it can take to get a neglected boat looking and working like new.
I just purchased another Mac 26D. (That makes 2) It sat neglected for 8 years half in the water on its trailer with the mast up and sails on. It needs help. Mostly a good cleaning, sails, lines, sheets and a bit of fiberglass repair. All the materials I accumulated (good used sails, new lines and sheets [600'] and fiberglass to fix the hole's) over the winter for less than $500. Not a type O.
I will keep the better of the two and sell the other this year. (This will make sailboat ownership a $ making venture!)
I'll Post the project in the MacGregor owners forum when I get time.

Have someone that knows sailboats go with you to help you decide on what is worth a little bit of work. They can also tell you what to avoid when it looks good.

 

[Roadking Larry]

Just to update;

I am now officially a boat owner. I brought my '94 Macgregor 26 home this evening.



The boat is essentially ready to sail as is but I'm still going to go over it with a fine tooth comb and continue the treasure hunt for the all things the PO threw in with it.
I'll be putting it in a slip so it'll get bottom paint before I can splash.

 

[rgranger]

Sweet.....