What is a good versatile sailing dingy

[rowesurfs]

I used to own a Catalina 25 and sail out of Marina Del Rel Ca.
I would single hand sail her all the time, usually off the dock , no motor.
I now live in Boston and am looking to get back into sailing.
What is a good versatile trailerable sailing dinghy that I can use in the harbor and on lakes?

I prefer a rig with a jib.

 

[Joe]

I used to own a Catalina 25 and sail out of Marina Del Rel Ca.
I would single hand sail her all the time, usually off the dock , no motor.
I now live in Boston and am looking to get back into sailing.
What is a good versatile trailerable sailing dinghy that I can use in the harbor and on lakes?

I prefer a rig with a jib.

Lido 14 google it... may not be as many offerings in your area.... but out here, very popular.

 

[Chris Blubaugh]

I always enjoyed my Precision 15, while I owned it. The 185 is also an open dinghy and is a higher-performance boat from what I have read (no personal experience). You pretty much have to dry-sail both of them - not enough ballast to leave on a mooring or at a dock...

http://www.precisionowners.com/for-sale.php

 

[Clark]

You have lots of choices. The O'Day 17 and the Flying Scot are good alternatives. I think if I ever down grade to a day sailor that a Scot would be my choice.

 

[jibes138]

I have a sand dollar, home built that is a wonderful rowing and sailing dinghy. Plans are from Arch Davis in Maine. He also has plans for a fantastic boat called a Penobscot 14 and a Penobscot 17 that would be amazing small sailboats.
Here's a picture of my sand dollar.

 

[onecoolair]

I used to own a Catalina 25 and sail out of Marina Del Rel Ca.
I would single hand sail her all the time, usually off the dock , no motor.
I now live in Boston and am looking to get back into sailing.
What is a good versatile trailerable sailing dinghy that I can use in the harbor and on lakes?

I prefer a rig with a jib.

I would pick one of the new hunter daysailors. 15' 18' or 22' ...If I could swing it I would go with 22' more stable and versatle for more layed back sailing. Keep it some place on trailer mast up with cover and ready to go. But could drop mast and hit the road fairly quickly.

 

[Eric M]

Look for a sailing club in your area, most all around the country are very open to having prospective members in to have a look around meet folks, and talk about the boats they sail. With a bit of effort you will find someone who would love to take you sailing on their boat, a great way to try before you buy. You didn't mention catamarans but a Hobie 17 is the most fun boat I have ever sailed.

 

[shnool]

Capri 14.2 keel (if you can find it)... or capri 16.5 keel (if you can find it)... Either one in centerboard model, if you can right them.

 

[dave lundy]

In Boston you have two excellent alternatives to boat ownership. Boston Harbor Boat Club offers harbor and ocean sailing on a loads of different boats that they own. The other one is Community Boating Inc. on the Charles River. Each one offers a different type of experience but that's why they make paint in different colors. They both have excellent web sites where you can check out their set up and philosophy.
Have fun.
Dave

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Check out a Wayfarer, should be easy to find one for sale at a good price they have been made since 1957. They have been sailed all over the world. Many people race them, others use them to tour. You can buy a boom tent and sleep on board. Very stable safe boat, easily towed with a small car.


Check out the website,

http://www.glit.info/uswayfarer/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=31

Bob

 

[woodster]

I have a sand dollar, home built that is a wonderful rowing and sailing dinghy. Plans are from Arch Davis in Maine. He also has plans for a fantastic boat called a Penobscot 14 and a Penobscot 17 that would be amazing small sailboats.
Here's a picture of my sand dollar.

Now that is one good looking boat ......

regards

woody

 

[finding41]

I'm with Eric M. and Dave Lundy. Join a yacht club. One that leases boats to its members. Even offer to crew on race days.
The small club I belong to leases ($124/year) Lazer 1's, wayfarers, CL14's. Did I mention the price!
When I joined our club this spring I asked the membership coordinator if there were any members that would like to crew. I found out that not all members own a boat or even lease them. Some just crew. So I have had 2 different guys crewing for me. This is my first year at any club and I am glad I joined. We are meeting new people and even going out on other boats. It's a great way to get to know the pros and cons of other boats. We are learning lots too.
Good luck.