So many great comments..
“swing keel Catalina 22 was ideal for pulling up to beaches or secluded lake shores for a BBQ on land and swimming with the kids”; this is a definite option, and probably the biggest boat I’m looking at.
“while you personally may be open to a day sailer … if you want your wife to enjoy sailing for anything more than a few hours, there needs to be a place for a Porta Potti “, Agreed.
This is one of those questions that is hard to answer without some real experience. Originally, my intent was just to have a little sailboat, to run out and enjoy the sail for a couple hours on a nice day. Reading this forum got my wheels rolling, and I added cruisers with cabins to the possibilities.
“So, are you still open to “day sailers” . yes - actually, sometimes I think the best plan might be to revert back to a small, easy to handle boat, just to have some sailing fun, and to learn my way “around the ropes” - determining if I need a bigger boat in a year or two..
“lessons locally and that will give you opportunity to sail and evaluate a few designs… “
yes, trying to arrange that now.
“If you spend some time at your local marinas, you will get a feel… “ honestly, these lakes are better known for fishing boats and pontoon boats than sail boats.
Do you know if there is a particular boat (or design) which allows for easier mast lowering/raising while ON the water? (There is a bridge I would have to go under to access 8 of the 15 lakes).
The lake itself is plenty deep (up to 80’), but there are several shallow spots, docks, sand and rock bars, and channels we need to navigate, so a moveable keel or centerboard is required.
“swing keel Catalina 22 was ideal for pulling up to beaches or secluded lake shores for a BBQ on land and swimming with the kids”; this is a definite option, and probably the biggest boat I’m looking at.
“while you personally may be open to a day sailer … if you want your wife to enjoy sailing for anything more than a few hours, there needs to be a place for a Porta Potti “, Agreed.
This is one of those questions that is hard to answer without some real experience. Originally, my intent was just to have a little sailboat, to run out and enjoy the sail for a couple hours on a nice day. Reading this forum got my wheels rolling, and I added cruisers with cabins to the possibilities.
“So, are you still open to “day sailers” . yes - actually, sometimes I think the best plan might be to revert back to a small, easy to handle boat, just to have some sailing fun, and to learn my way “around the ropes” - determining if I need a bigger boat in a year or two..
“lessons locally and that will give you opportunity to sail and evaluate a few designs… “
yes, trying to arrange that now.
“If you spend some time at your local marinas, you will get a feel… “ honestly, these lakes are better known for fishing boats and pontoon boats than sail boats.
Do you know if there is a particular boat (or design) which allows for easier mast lowering/raising while ON the water? (There is a bridge I would have to go under to access 8 of the 15 lakes).
