My family and I (wife and 1 kid) are looking into sailing. We have a general idea of wind currents from a Hobie Cat we had. Now with a kid, we would like to do some relaxing sailing. I wish to take it into the Great Lakes of Michigan, and into some of the lakes in the mainland area. The question I have is what should I look for? I would like a boat that is easy to handle, hard to tip, has a hull of some type, and small enough to handle some of the lakes in Michigan (this means able to sail in 7ft water or less). So any ideas? Thank you
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
B
Bob Fine
I have Just The Boat
I'm selling a 1978 Ranger 30. It has a 5.5 foot draft, a whole passle of sails, with roller-furling head sails. It's a dead simple boat to sail and maintain, stiff (remains upright) with all lines led to the cockpit. It has a tiller and diesel engine. It lacks many of the modern amenities, but more than makes up for it in ease. I'm selling it because I'm looking for a bigger boat, and one has presented itself for a really good deal. Still, it's tough to get rid of this one. You can see it on www.finesoft.com. Click the link for 'Sailing' and look for the boat with the hawk on the side. In any case, for your first boat, look for one that's dry, and simple. Too many 'things' complicate the sailing experience. You need good rigging, maneuverablity, and comfort. The boat should be dry and either have an autopilot (for fin keel boats) or be able to be 'balanced' to self sail for full keel boats. Beyond that, I have no other suggestions. Bob
I'm selling a 1978 Ranger 30. It has a 5.5 foot draft, a whole passle of sails, with roller-furling head sails. It's a dead simple boat to sail and maintain, stiff (remains upright) with all lines led to the cockpit. It has a tiller and diesel engine. It lacks many of the modern amenities, but more than makes up for it in ease. I'm selling it because I'm looking for a bigger boat, and one has presented itself for a really good deal. Still, it's tough to get rid of this one. You can see it on www.finesoft.com. Click the link for 'Sailing' and look for the boat with the hawk on the side. In any case, for your first boat, look for one that's dry, and simple. Too many 'things' complicate the sailing experience. You need good rigging, maneuverablity, and comfort. The boat should be dry and either have an autopilot (for fin keel boats) or be able to be 'balanced' to self sail for full keel boats. Beyond that, I have no other suggestions. Bob
M
Mike Scott
Some ideas
Kevin, I'll share with you my progression of boats, and maybe that will give you some ideas: 1) Before kids, we had a Hobie Cat and we used it every weekend. 2) After kids, when they were toddlers, we bought a pontoon boat (like a big playpen). It was always flat and stable. We enjoyed taking it on lakes and relaxing under the bimini at anchor. 3) We shopped for a sail boat when the kids got older (10 years old), and we ended up with a Catalina 30 because it has so much room and allows for more than just day sailing. And, the kids can bring friends along (which is important as they get older). That is where we are at now, with a 14 year old and a 16 year old. Now, our next step will be to decide what to do when they are off at college. Back to the Hobie Cat? Off to a trawler? Or, up to a big fat full-time cruiser? Who knows? Mike Scott - Windstar (C-30)
Kevin, I'll share with you my progression of boats, and maybe that will give you some ideas: 1) Before kids, we had a Hobie Cat and we used it every weekend. 2) After kids, when they were toddlers, we bought a pontoon boat (like a big playpen). It was always flat and stable. We enjoyed taking it on lakes and relaxing under the bimini at anchor. 3) We shopped for a sail boat when the kids got older (10 years old), and we ended up with a Catalina 30 because it has so much room and allows for more than just day sailing. And, the kids can bring friends along (which is important as they get older). That is where we are at now, with a 14 year old and a 16 year old. Now, our next step will be to decide what to do when they are off at college. Back to the Hobie Cat? Off to a trawler? Or, up to a big fat full-time cruiser? Who knows? Mike Scott - Windstar (C-30)
Hmmm
Sounds like you should be looking for a Catalina 22. They'e been around for a long time and are everywhere. C-22's are roomy, light, easy to trailer and rig and RETRIEVE (very important!), fun to sail, and fairly well built as boats in this size range go. The older ones are pretty inexpensive ($2,000 to $6,000 depending on equipment and condition, and they hold their value (Very important when you want to trade up). Sails and other parts are also widely available and reasonably priced. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Sounds like you should be looking for a Catalina 22. They'e been around for a long time and are everywhere. C-22's are roomy, light, easy to trailer and rig and RETRIEVE (very important!), fun to sail, and fairly well built as boats in this size range go. The older ones are pretty inexpensive ($2,000 to $6,000 depending on equipment and condition, and they hold their value (Very important when you want to trade up). Sails and other parts are also widely available and reasonably priced. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
M
Mike I
Trailer boat
A swing keel Catalina, either a 22 or 25, seems to be a good choice for you. Both are roomy enough (with the edge going to the 25) for overnighting and can be trailered easily. On the west coast a used 22 can usually be found for about $3000 and up. A friend trailered a 22 up and down the west coast from Canada down to Baja for several years, with no bad experiences attributed to the boat
A swing keel Catalina, either a 22 or 25, seems to be a good choice for you. Both are roomy enough (with the edge going to the 25) for overnighting and can be trailered easily. On the west coast a used 22 can usually be found for about $3000 and up. A friend trailered a 22 up and down the west coast from Canada down to Baja for several years, with no bad experiences attributed to the boat
B
BW
Consider a 25 and up.
If you are sailing on the Great Lakes I would suggest at least a 25. I have a C30 on Lake Erie and the days when the sailing is best, the lake can be pretty rough. The weather can kick up pretty quickly and I did not want anything smaller than a 30. Previously, I had a Capri 14.2 and then a Capri 18 and sailed on inland lakes. I have also sailed 22, 25, 27, and 42 foot boats of various makes. Catalina makes a very stable boat, easy to sail, and holds value good. I would always recommend a Catalina. If you want to trailer a boat, I agree with the previous comment, going with a swing keel. I am not sure which models provide that option, but I would consider the larger one if sailing on the Great Lakes. Above all...have fun!
If you are sailing on the Great Lakes I would suggest at least a 25. I have a C30 on Lake Erie and the days when the sailing is best, the lake can be pretty rough. The weather can kick up pretty quickly and I did not want anything smaller than a 30. Previously, I had a Capri 14.2 and then a Capri 18 and sailed on inland lakes. I have also sailed 22, 25, 27, and 42 foot boats of various makes. Catalina makes a very stable boat, easy to sail, and holds value good. I would always recommend a Catalina. If you want to trailer a boat, I agree with the previous comment, going with a swing keel. I am not sure which models provide that option, but I would consider the larger one if sailing on the Great Lakes. Above all...have fun!
M
Mike
Some considerations
We went through the same thing you are a couple of years ago. I wanted an easy to handle, affordable boat with a big cockpit. My wife was more concerned that the head be in a separate compartment. It came down to a choice between three boats: the Catalina 22, Catalina 25, and the O'Day 23. We bought the O'Day for two big reasons: the separate head compartment and the keel/centerboard configuration. After sailing her for two seasons, I have come to a couple of conclusions: I agree with my wife that the separate head has made a big difference; it really provides necessary privacy, especially when sailing with other adults; the keel/centerboard configuration is more stable and less maintenance than the swing keel of the Catalina 22; and a fin keel boat is significantly more stable than both. If you are going to trailer your boat, you really need a swing keel or centerboard. I agree with the previous writers that a Catalina boat is well made, stable and will hold its value; however, I think the Catalina is not as good a boat as the O'Day 23. The O'Day is heavier, more stable and roomier below. The Catalina however might have a pop top (a truly great option), can be supported by the manufacturer, and is simply the most popular production sailboat ever. If you are not going to trailer the boat and you expect the seas to kick up with greater than 3 or 4 foot waves often, then I would urge you to consider a fin keel boat. They really are more stable, sail flatter and point higher than any centerboard-type boat. I really liked the old Catalina 25 fin keel model. It is small enough to be easily handled, is large enough for real weekend or short cruising, is stable and sails really nicely. In Conn., C-25's are available from around $6000-$12,000, depending on age and condition. Be sure you look at pop-top models.
We went through the same thing you are a couple of years ago. I wanted an easy to handle, affordable boat with a big cockpit. My wife was more concerned that the head be in a separate compartment. It came down to a choice between three boats: the Catalina 22, Catalina 25, and the O'Day 23. We bought the O'Day for two big reasons: the separate head compartment and the keel/centerboard configuration. After sailing her for two seasons, I have come to a couple of conclusions: I agree with my wife that the separate head has made a big difference; it really provides necessary privacy, especially when sailing with other adults; the keel/centerboard configuration is more stable and less maintenance than the swing keel of the Catalina 22; and a fin keel boat is significantly more stable than both. If you are going to trailer your boat, you really need a swing keel or centerboard. I agree with the previous writers that a Catalina boat is well made, stable and will hold its value; however, I think the Catalina is not as good a boat as the O'Day 23. The O'Day is heavier, more stable and roomier below. The Catalina however might have a pop top (a truly great option), can be supported by the manufacturer, and is simply the most popular production sailboat ever. If you are not going to trailer the boat and you expect the seas to kick up with greater than 3 or 4 foot waves often, then I would urge you to consider a fin keel boat. They really are more stable, sail flatter and point higher than any centerboard-type boat. I really liked the old Catalina 25 fin keel model. It is small enough to be easily handled, is large enough for real weekend or short cruising, is stable and sails really nicely. In Conn., C-25's are available from around $6000-$12,000, depending on age and condition. Be sure you look at pop-top models.
R
R. Mewhinney
Two types of sailing...
When we were in your position 5 years ago, we were advised by knowledgable friends that the great lakes like 30 foot boats. This is due predomenantly to wind and wave conditions that we experience on the great lakes. In general, unlike ocean conditions, the great lakes (in good sailing weather) have squared and compressed waves unlike the ocean and the frequency is such that in general you would be most satisfied and comfortable in a boat of 30 to 35 feet if the great lakes are your primary sailing area. If your interested primarily in the inland lakes stay with the trailoring options with the recognition that you will limit yourself to moderate conditions on the great lakes.
When we were in your position 5 years ago, we were advised by knowledgable friends that the great lakes like 30 foot boats. This is due predomenantly to wind and wave conditions that we experience on the great lakes. In general, unlike ocean conditions, the great lakes (in good sailing weather) have squared and compressed waves unlike the ocean and the frequency is such that in general you would be most satisfied and comfortable in a boat of 30 to 35 feet if the great lakes are your primary sailing area. If your interested primarily in the inland lakes stay with the trailoring options with the recognition that you will limit yourself to moderate conditions on the great lakes.
T
T J Furstenau
From Hobie to Hunter
We were faced with the same situation. After years of sailing the Hobie 16, there just wasn't enough room on the tramp for my wife and I, plus kids. We researched the trailerable sailors and opted for the Hunter 26. Water ballast drops trailering weight, swing keel allows us into areas other sailboats only dream of, enclosed head for the Mrs., and room to sleep all of us (2 adults, 4 kids). We sail Lake Michigan primarily, but occasionally trailer to other locales. The only issue I have after three years is that as my kids are getting bigger, they take up more space. Time to start looking at a fixed keel! Good luck on the boat search, when you find the right boat for you, you'll know it.
We were faced with the same situation. After years of sailing the Hobie 16, there just wasn't enough room on the tramp for my wife and I, plus kids. We researched the trailerable sailors and opted for the Hunter 26. Water ballast drops trailering weight, swing keel allows us into areas other sailboats only dream of, enclosed head for the Mrs., and room to sleep all of us (2 adults, 4 kids). We sail Lake Michigan primarily, but occasionally trailer to other locales. The only issue I have after three years is that as my kids are getting bigger, they take up more space. Time to start looking at a fixed keel! Good luck on the boat search, when you find the right boat for you, you'll know it.
T
Tim McCarty
What about the Cherubini Hunter 272?
I sail on Lake Erie (my home port is just south of Monroe, MI)...I STARTED sailing about 8 years ago, and, bought my first boat, an '82 Hunter 27 (Passionata), about 6 years ago. I love this little boat, AND, you can buy them for a song (I bought mine for $15,000.00, however, they are now going for around $10,000). Last year, I think Cruising World or Sail Mag. rated the Cherubini Hunter 27 as one of the great bargains for under $15,000.00. The cabin is relatively well laid out and the rig is solid for the Great Lakes. If you're ever in the area, let me know, and I'll show you the boat. Toledo Beach Marina is also one of the top dealers for Hunter Marine. They always have great deals on sailboats (used and new). For what it's worth...
I sail on Lake Erie (my home port is just south of Monroe, MI)...I STARTED sailing about 8 years ago, and, bought my first boat, an '82 Hunter 27 (Passionata), about 6 years ago. I love this little boat, AND, you can buy them for a song (I bought mine for $15,000.00, however, they are now going for around $10,000). Last year, I think Cruising World or Sail Mag. rated the Cherubini Hunter 27 as one of the great bargains for under $15,000.00. The cabin is relatively well laid out and the rig is solid for the Great Lakes. If you're ever in the area, let me know, and I'll show you the boat. Toledo Beach Marina is also one of the top dealers for Hunter Marine. They always have great deals on sailboats (used and new). For what it's worth...
- Status
- Not open for further replies.