Small Boat Prespects-final list, help me choose!

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BigIsland

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Jan 30, 2011
8
Johnson/AMF J Scow/Sunbird Lake Harriet
I know these may seem like very different boats, but for daysailing I think each has benefits and disadvantages. Let me know what you would choose and why. I greatly appreciate all of your experience and knowledge!

I have experience sailing: Hobie Wave, Sunfish, C&C30.

1. AMF Sunbird
2. Johnson J scow
3. Johnson M 16
4. Chrysler Bucaneer
5. Johnson Daysailer (sit in version of the X boat)
6. Capri 14.2
7. AFG Daysailer (17' long, similar to O'day Daysailer, if anyone has more info on this boat I would appreciate it)
 
Tim R.

Tim R.

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May 27, 2004
3,626
Caliber 40 Long Range Cruiser Portland, Maine
I would rate the ones that have active one-design fleets over the others. Better resale and a chance to do some racing. Your sailing skills will greatly improve once you are in a competitive environment.
 
PrincessoftheLake

PrincessoftheLake

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Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
I think Tim makes a good point about the racing aspect since it is a great way to improve your skills. If I was thinking about racing I would certainly consider either the JOhnson M16 or the Johnson Daysailor. On the other hand I think the Chrysler Buccaner would be fun too.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

POTL
 
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BigIsland

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Jan 30, 2011
8
Johnson/AMF J Scow/Sunbird Lake Harriet
Thanks all!

POTL,

We picked our C&C 30 up in Bayfield. Do you remember Rou Theeow grayish hull, red boot stripe?
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Id take the Johnson M16 over all the other choices.

From your list I'd rate it this way:
1. M16 Scow - Still an active fleet with many boats. Built by Melges, Johnson, and others. .... may need some 'alteration' to prevent the hull bottom from 'oil-canning'. May have deck core delamination on the fore-deck - do check carefully. Rotating mast is NICE feature but carefully check (or replace) rigging. If aluminum mast, much much better than wood. Do add 'floatation' to the stern, and bow, etc.
2. Johnson day sailor - Johnson made quite well constructed boats. (I still own/race a Johnson 'tunnel-hull' M20)
3. J Scow - same as MC Scow but single rudder can 'cavitate' if helm balance is 'off' and the boat is heeled 'waaaaaay' over.
4. Capri 14.2 - usually a well made boat but quite small.
5. AMF & AFG
6. Bucaneer - flimsy built and usually has 'lee helm' problems - like most Chrysler boats
 

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Eric M

Eric M

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Sep 30, 2008
159
Island Packet 35 Jacksonville
Tim makes a great point about one design fleets. I bought a J/24 with little plans of racing it. 2 nationals, a half dozen midwinters, and a hundred or so local races later I sold the boat but really enjoyed the competition along the way. Sailing in an active one design fleet in your local area can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Not to add to your list, but have you given consideration to the Thistle, Lightening, or JY15? These are some of the more popular one design boats in the size range you appear to be interested in.
Good Luck,
--Eric
 
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BigIsland

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Jan 30, 2011
8
Johnson/AMF J Scow/Sunbird Lake Harriet
I would be interested in other boats, this is just what's available now. Though not in any particular rush, I'd like to have things sorted out by spring: boat purchase, mooring bouy taken care of, maintenance done, etc...

I'll certainly keep my eyes open. There is a BW Harpoon 5.2 for sale locally that is very nice, but for the money I'm not sure the value is there.
 
PrincessoftheLake

PrincessoftheLake

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Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
That sounds familiar. Before I purchased Emmanuel the first big boat in Bayfield was a Hunter 34. The C&C 30 was a boat that was on my short list so I looked at a lot of them in the area. Where are you located and where will you sail your small boat?
 
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BigIsland

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Jan 30, 2011
8
Johnson/AMF J Scow/Sunbird Lake Harriet
PrincessoftheLake said:
That sounds familiar. Before I purchased Emmanuel the first big boat in Bayfield was a Hunter 34. The C&C 30 was a boat that was on my short list so I looked at a lot of them in the area. Where are you located and where will you sail your small boat?
Click to expand
The C&C is my dad's and will be sailed out of Duluth (Harbor Cove). I will be sailing primarily on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, with some daysails here and there.
 
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BigIsland

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Jan 30, 2011
8
Johnson/AMF J Scow/Sunbird Lake Harriet
Well I decided. Yesterday morning I was contacted about an American Sail 14.6. It may not be the sexiest option, but a darn good boat. It will fit in my garage without having to rafter the mast and at $1800 seems like a good deal. I'll pick it up next weekend!
 
PrincessoftheLake

PrincessoftheLake

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Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
Excellent choice! Good luck on your new boat and if you are ever in Bayfield look up Emmanuel at slip 443 in Pikes Bay Marina.
 
M

Mich222

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Oct 20, 2008
142
Oday 222 USA
Congrats BigIsland. I sail White Bear now, but used to sail Harriet. Your choice is well-suited.
 
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