The boat I yearn for...

[Scott Shreve]

Our family is looking for a used trailerable sailboat (without water ballest) with aft cabin for two, stern rail seats, shallow draft and outboard motor. Does this exist?

 

[Darrel Richards]

Many Available

Scott, There are many trailer boats available out there. I personally perferthe mid 80"s version of the Hunter line. I have a 1988 h23 and really love the boat. It has great lines, acceptable below (head room?) but only has a v-berth along with quarter berths. You might check out the h25 that have alittle more room. You should be able to find a used Hunter in this age group for $6000-$8000. If you are serious about aft cabin models you will probablyhave to look at 90's versions, and the price will go up. I don't particularly likethe large windows and hatches they use on the newer hunters and I am notso sure about the water ballast and running rigging on the newer boats.Happy hunting, hope you can find the boat you like at the price you want to pay.

 

[Eric Macklin]

Why no water ballast?

Just wondering why you elected to summararily reject all water ballasted boats from your search?

 

[Dave Condon]

trailerable

Steve;Many people want a trailerable boat. The water ballast means less weight for towing; thus a lighter vehicle. also, more stability when ballast is in place than swing keel. But one important factor, the boat sits low on the trailer and is easy to launch than fixed keels.I am probably one of the most experienced small boat dealers in the country having sailed and launched many boats more than anyone. I even have launched a hunter 340 and a Catalina 310 behind my pickup truck i.e. the namecrazy. Many are amazed what I have done. Enough said.If you would like to pick my brains apart, call Hunter Marine and ask for Eric Macklin who will give you my phone number. You may never have sailed a Hunter water ballast boat. Do you want to? My partner in crime also knows the area well as he lived in Charlestown Marina

 

[Scott Shreve]

Water ballast issue

I haven't considered the water ballasted boats for a couple of reasons; putting water into the bilge seems contrary to my upbringing on a sailboat, I've seen the reviews about less stability and I've been concerned about the long-term effects of water below. Not to mention, this feature seems to be associated with a lower resale value. I understand though, this technology allows all the features I'm looking for in a boat.