Performance in smaller 'keel' boats

[Clark]

First of all, thanks Mr. Henderson for participating in this forum! I've wondered in recent years where the smaller boat market is headed. As you know, the larger manufacturers have pretty much abandoned the 20-26' keel boats except for Hunter and Catalina. Of these two, only Catalina offers boats that racer wannabe's (like me) desire.

Are there any plans that you can discuss regarding a redo of the Hunter 25 or the 216?

BTW, we own a 1996 280 now and absolutely love it!

 

[ghen]

It is amazing to me the small boats are as popular as the "old days". In Tampa Bay where I grew up there were Windmills, Snipes, Thistles and others and they were out all the time. A dinghy is the best way for a kid to gain some freedom before they get a drivers license. It is sad to me that youth and old alike have forgotten about the joys of small boats. They don't cost much. They are easy to rig and set up. They are exciting and most of them will plane. I think some of my most enjoyable times racing was in the SR Max> 21 I designed. It sailed with three people. It trailered behind the smallest of vehicles. It was a blast in a breeze and you kept it on a trailer. Times changed so maybe people will rediscover the fun and it will come back. I really can't discuss future plans. That is not so much out of secrecy but our plans metamorphosize and change as the idea is developed. That would drive everyone crazy.