I recently started to look for a day-sailer that could handle two adults and three kids and have recently focused upon the 170 (w/trailer and engine). Questions: good choice/bad choice?; what other options?; new versus slightly used?; engine size/maker?; 15" or 20" shaft?; recommended dealers (NJ)?
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Who-Ha
I have had a 170 for two summers, and I love sailing it. It is fun, steady and spacious. However, I usually sail alone or with my daughter. I've gone out with another adult and another kid (for a totall of two adults and two kids) and the boat was quite full, a bit too full for my taste. Although it was nice to have the extra weight when the boat started to heel, it is also nice to have some room to move about quickly, especially when there's a gust of wind. When you have 5 in the 170, and you're not saining wing on wing, someone is going to have to sit on the low side. Not exactly what I like to do. So, although the 170 is a nice boat, I would suggest that it is a bit too small if you always want to go out with 5 people. As to the motor, 3.5HP is fine, it's what I have, and I can cruise along very nicely if I want. Get the sail cover for use while moored or docked. Some day you will sell it and the buyer will want it. I know it's more expensive, but I'd look at the 210. It's received rave reviews from SAIL magazine as one of the top 10 boats of the year. It would probably be better for a crew of 5. However, I the real crew will be 2 or 3, as I suspect, the 170 is fine. As for used 170's, the model is only 2+ years old. Good luck.
I have had a 170 for two summers, and I love sailing it. It is fun, steady and spacious. However, I usually sail alone or with my daughter. I've gone out with another adult and another kid (for a totall of two adults and two kids) and the boat was quite full, a bit too full for my taste. Although it was nice to have the extra weight when the boat started to heel, it is also nice to have some room to move about quickly, especially when there's a gust of wind. When you have 5 in the 170, and you're not saining wing on wing, someone is going to have to sit on the low side. Not exactly what I like to do. So, although the 170 is a nice boat, I would suggest that it is a bit too small if you always want to go out with 5 people. As to the motor, 3.5HP is fine, it's what I have, and I can cruise along very nicely if I want. Get the sail cover for use while moored or docked. Some day you will sell it and the buyer will want it. I know it's more expensive, but I'd look at the 210. It's received rave reviews from SAIL magazine as one of the top 10 boats of the year. It would probably be better for a crew of 5. However, I the real crew will be 2 or 3, as I suspect, the 170 is fine. As for used 170's, the model is only 2+ years old. Good luck.
Good advice
Good advice about the H210, we are crowded with five on a H240. Besides the 210 will let you overnight with alot more confort. Dave s/v Devine Spark
Good advice about the H210, we are crowded with five on a H240. Besides the 210 will let you overnight with alot more confort. Dave s/v Devine Spark
Go bigger
THe 170 is much too small for five people. I'd say you need to be looking at 22' minimum. There are lots of good used boats available in this range that would make a good family day sailor, and also allow for an ocasional overnight (but not with all five people). However, a boat like this is not very convient to trailer sail. You would probably want to find a slip, or at least dry storage at the launching ramp where the mast can be left up.
THe 170 is much too small for five people. I'd say you need to be looking at 22' minimum. There are lots of good used boats available in this range that would make a good family day sailor, and also allow for an ocasional overnight (but not with all five people). However, a boat like this is not very convient to trailer sail. You would probably want to find a slip, or at least dry storage at the launching ramp where the mast can be left up.
Go see one
I concur with the other guys bigger is better. Perhaps the 210 a used 23 or 23.5 or 240. I have the H240 and love it, not too big but just right for me right now. I bought from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in guess where Sandy Hook N.J. Bill Bergin the owner was fair in dealing with and service requests have been great. They also have a location in south Jersey if that might be closer to you. You can find out on this site at the Hunter Dealers site. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
I concur with the other guys bigger is better. Perhaps the 210 a used 23 or 23.5 or 240. I have the H240 and love it, not too big but just right for me right now. I bought from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in guess where Sandy Hook N.J. Bill Bergin the owner was fair in dealing with and service requests have been great. They also have a location in south Jersey if that might be closer to you. You can find out on this site at the Hunter Dealers site. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Larger is better
you'll hate yourself in too small a boat. It's like buying a house for 5 people with one bathroom. I have a H25 in a slip but trailer it back and forth each season. Three adults is more than enough in the H25 (my opinion) unless you'll stowe the kids below. Recommend hitting a marina or two and checking with the folks who have boats there. Most people are more than happy to give you advise and suggestions. Never ran across an unfriendly sailor (maybe someday though).
you'll hate yourself in too small a boat. It's like buying a house for 5 people with one bathroom. I have a H25 in a slip but trailer it back and forth each season. Three adults is more than enough in the H25 (my opinion) unless you'll stowe the kids below. Recommend hitting a marina or two and checking with the folks who have boats there. Most people are more than happy to give you advise and suggestions. Never ran across an unfriendly sailor (maybe someday though).
If you're still wondering
If you're still wondering about the 170, I owned one for two years and loved every minute of it. It was a stable boat that was easily hauled, set up and sailed. I learned on it. It's kind of a crossover boat because you can either sail around leisurely or you can crank it up and sail wide open and sit on the side of the boat. For the money, you can't get a better boat. My problem- and maybe yours- is that my wife and stepson (14) didn't like it because they were afraid of its size, so I just traded up to the 240 (which hasn't been delivered yet). Personally, I loved my 170 and did quite a lot of single handed sailing with it. It's a great boat! As for bigger being better... well, I still have fantasies about a 45 footer, but the cash flow just ain't there.
If you're still wondering about the 170, I owned one for two years and loved every minute of it. It was a stable boat that was easily hauled, set up and sailed. I learned on it. It's kind of a crossover boat because you can either sail around leisurely or you can crank it up and sail wide open and sit on the side of the boat. For the money, you can't get a better boat. My problem- and maybe yours- is that my wife and stepson (14) didn't like it because they were afraid of its size, so I just traded up to the 240 (which hasn't been delivered yet). Personally, I loved my 170 and did quite a lot of single handed sailing with it. It's a great boat! As for bigger being better... well, I still have fantasies about a 45 footer, but the cash flow just ain't there.
Thanks!
Thanks for the advice. Larger is interesting but budget and intended use drives the 170. I have identified 98 and 99 leftovers at dealers and a 1999 used boat. I may take the plunge this weekend.
Thanks for the advice. Larger is interesting but budget and intended use drives the 170. I have identified 98 and 99 leftovers at dealers and a 1999 used boat. I may take the plunge this weekend.
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