I recently bought a waterfront home on a tidal creek. I haven't sailed in about 10 years and am ready to get active again. I am curious which type of boat would be best since the creek is tidal and shallow at low tide; however, I have access to the Atlantic Ocean which is one mile away. I want to get a 20-22 foot day sailor with a small cabin and about a 3HP motor. I've always liked the Catalina 22, but the swing keel might be a problem. I recall that some MacGregors had a water ballast system and/or centerboard. I'm a fair weather sailor and will have the children along so the boat doesn't have to be too rugged. I miss my old Tanzer 16 which was my first boat. Any advice or tips from previous experience on tidal creeks would be appreciated.
Tidal creek access to ocean
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It would be more helpful to know the location.....
If you could give us an idea of the location and waterway we could help you better. I'm thinking more along the lines of a Columbia 23T, or if you are willing to go to a 26 footer, the 26T. Where are you? Look up the 23T and 26T specs on the attached link.
If you could give us an idea of the location and waterway we could help you better. I'm thinking more along the lines of a Columbia 23T, or if you are willing to go to a 26 footer, the 26T. Where are you? Look up the 23T and 26T specs on the attached link.
Overhead hazards???
Are there any low bridges or powerlines that you will have to go under to get to the sea??? I would also suggest that you run the creek in a small boat to check out the creek before buying a sailboat. There may be other hazards to complicate getting to sea. Another question would be your entrance into the sea. Is this through an inlet??? 20" is enough water for a Mac 26 but not with 2' waves.
Are there any low bridges or powerlines that you will have to go under to get to the sea??? I would also suggest that you run the creek in a small boat to check out the creek before buying a sailboat. There may be other hazards to complicate getting to sea. Another question would be your entrance into the sea. Is this through an inlet??? 20" is enough water for a Mac 26 but not with 2' waves.
Tanzer 16 to Hunter 240
My first boat was also a Tanzer 16. I moved up to a Hunter 240 Water Ballast with a swing keel. Very roomy for a 24 foot boat. Check out the Hunter 240, predecessor 23.5 and replacement 25. All good boats and a LOT more interior room than a Catalina 22. ken
My first boat was also a Tanzer 16. I moved up to a Hunter 240 Water Ballast with a swing keel. Very roomy for a 24 foot boat. Check out the Hunter 240, predecessor 23.5 and replacement 25. All good boats and a LOT more interior room than a Catalina 22. ken
thanks
Thanks for the suggestions and links. Typically at low tide I have 1-2 feet of water, high tide is between 6-7, it also varies depending on the offshore wind speed/direction and the moon phase....lunar high tides are very deep, lunar low tides it is a large mud bath.
I’m in Wilmington, North Carolina. No bridges or power lines are between me and the ocean. I’ve been checking the creek by kayak. The inlet to the ocean is no problem, large enough for large yachts, the Intracoastal waterway is about 1/2 mile away and leads directly to the inlet. I could theoretically have a 25-30 footer with a swing keel, but my access would be limited. If I can find a 20-25 boat with a centerboard similar to my Tanzer, but with a cabin for over-nighting in the coves near the waterway with the kids, I’ll be content. I do miss that old Tanzer 16, those Canucks build good boats.
Thanks for the suggestions and links. Typically at low tide I have 1-2 feet of water, high tide is between 6-7, it also varies depending on the offshore wind speed/direction and the moon phase....lunar high tides are very deep, lunar low tides it is a large mud bath.
I’m in Wilmington, North Carolina. No bridges or power lines are between me and the ocean. I’ve been checking the creek by kayak. The inlet to the ocean is no problem, large enough for large yachts, the Intracoastal waterway is about 1/2 mile away and leads directly to the inlet. I could theoretically have a 25-30 footer with a swing keel, but my access would be limited. If I can find a 20-25 boat with a centerboard similar to my Tanzer, but with a cabin for over-nighting in the coves near the waterway with the kids, I’ll be content. I do miss that old Tanzer 16, those Canucks build good boats.- Status