What to buy?

Ross · Aug 9, 2010

Capri makes nice boats bigger than what you learned in. Go back to the school and ask if they know a local dealer and where you might find a nice used one in the 18 to 21 foot range.

Winkfish · Aug 11, 2010

Are you looking for something with a little cabi or just an open cockpit boat? With you just be sailing or will pic-nicking, swimming off the boat, etc?

I don't know so much about individual types of boats, so I can't recommend one over the other, and you'll find people will disagree vehemently on the "best" boat.

What I would suggest is that you and your significant others, especially the kids, go around to different dealers, look at and climb on as many boats as you can to get an idea of what features you all would like to have. Once you work that out, you can check the classifieds for used deals knowing what you want in a boat (or buy new if you've got the dough).

bffatcat · Aug 11, 2010

small trailerable boat my 2c

The reason you didnt get many replies on this site is (my opinion) this site is mostly for bigger boats. There are many boats to pick from. A rebel is a good choice. an o day daysailer
or for something a little bigger, a centerboard rhodes 19 is good There are many good choices out there. A catamaran is a fun fast sailer. minuses are you and your family are going to be sitting on what amounts to a trampolene Try the trailer sailer forum for more info in the size your looking for.

rgscpat · Aug 11, 2010

Hey, if the guys want to have fun, it shouldn't be too expensive to get an 18' (formerly Chrysler, now made by Nickels) Buccaneer,. There should be a couple of decent used ones for sale in the Valley of the Sun.

Tons of fun, only about 500 lbs., and you're allowed to talk like a pirate and use water guns at regattas. And, you have all the sails to play with and there's a huge fleet at Lake Pleasant (and at Tempe Town Lake when they re-inflate the dams and buy some water).

Drop a line with the Arizona Yacht Club folks; they meet once a month at the Rolling Hills golf course clubhouse near the Phoenix Zoo, Hall of Flame, etc., north of the Red Mtn. Freeway off Mills. also see buccaneer18.org Tony Chapman, Cynthia Pillote, Em Heisler and their scurvy crew should be delighted to help you.

dscribner · Aug 11, 2010

Chris,

I bought a book recommended by a friend (James L Nelson, great author, real character, buy his books!) called The Complete Trailer Sailor by Brian Gilbert. I got it for nine bucks at Amazon.com. It's a great book for newbies but most noteworthy, there's a section in the back that I wish I had when I was looking. There's 40 +/- pages on trailerable boats, which is what you are interested in I think. It gives specs, pluses and minuses, photos and sketches. Pick up a copy. It will help in many ways. And ask the forum anything. These guys/girls know EVERYTHING!

Fair Winds!

Don

Winkfish · Aug 11, 2010

Phxpoker said:
it seem the Mac is not liked by all

There is not a boat in the world that somebody doesn't like. Go with what works for you and your family.

coopert · Aug 15, 2010

larger sail boat

Phxpoker said:
Hi All, I am new to the site and sailing, did my 1st on a catalina capri 12.2 or a 14.2 (I think) and fell in love with sailing. I am looking to buy a boat, I need it for two adults and two kids (age 9 and 6), will be just going to lakes and the bay in San Diego, looking for easy boat and light weight. Does not have to be super fast, just fun. The capri was a blast but think it might be to small, am I looking for somthing like this or a Hobie cat? What I have read that the cat might be alot harder to sail. I just don't want to have to buy a differant boat 6 months later. If you do recommend a boat, please put the weight if you know it. ( I need to know for towing)
Thanks all and hope to you see you on the water soon, Chris

Try a 25 footer with a wheel and shoal draft also a furler jib

Tom