What's the Best Daysailer to Accommodate Guests
- Thread starter Souellette
- Start date
Great question! I thought about this as well. For a newer model, I like what the Tartan Fantail has to offer. Giant cockpit, overnight capabilities, carbon mast and self-tacking jib. Of course it comes at a price. Nonetheless, it serves as a good example of the features needed in a daysailer for lots of guests. One feature I would add is an enclosed head.
For a cabin boat, I think the Catalina 350 is a good choice. It might have more than you need down below, but the cockpit is roomy, it’s easy to sail, has the enclosed head and is of the right vintage.
One thing I do not like about the great looking Pearson Commander and Alerion for the specified usage is the tiller. Tillers take up a lot of space in the cockpit and makes hosting guests more difficult. I like tillers, mind you. Just not when the purpose is to have 6 people in the cockpit.
Just my opinion. Definitely a fun topic to consider.
-cf
Craig
For a cabin boat, I think the Catalina 350 is a good choice. It might have more than you need down below, but the cockpit is roomy, it’s easy to sail, has the enclosed head and is of the right vintage.
One thing I do not like about the great looking Pearson Commander and Alerion for the specified usage is the tiller. Tillers take up a lot of space in the cockpit and makes hosting guests more difficult. I like tillers, mind you. Just not when the purpose is to have 6 people in the cockpit.
Just my opinion. Definitely a fun topic to consider.
-cf
Craig
There probably isn't one boat that's going to be better than anything else for you. Although, you'd have trouble prying my 1996, Catalina 28MKII out of my hands. We use it primarily for day sailing on Lake Michigan, with the occasional small trip. As a day sailor, it really shines. Plenty of room in the cockpit, and because we removed the table from the cabin, you could play soccer down there. She has a wide beam, which has to impact performance, but the spaciousness is a proper trade-off in our opinion. Getting it in and out of the slip single handed is reasonable.
I call myself "boat show proof", as there isn't another boat I want.
I call myself "boat show proof", as there isn't another boat I want.
Your question is like askin' somebody else's mother what girl you should marry. 
I moved from a Catalina 22 to a C25 (for 13 years) before we bought this boat in 1998. There are so many boats out there, that all anyone here can do is offer you options, including theirs, friends or observations. Many very good examples of fine choices.
Good luck, happy hunting.
I moved from a Catalina 22 to a C25 (for 13 years) before we bought this boat in 1998. There are so many boats out there, that all anyone here can do is offer you options, including theirs, friends or observations. Many very good examples of fine choices.
Good luck, happy hunting.
Although there are many different designs out there, you need to ask what you want to do with a boat, amenities , racing or cruising design and cost. Then have the boat surveyed which insurance will require due to age if you want insurance. Remember, the ladies like a head for privy privacy is an issue. Ocassional overnighting? The list goes on. But only the choice to buy is left up to your better half and yours alone. If you like the boat well, you are more apt to keep it longer. You already mentioned the Catalina 28 Mark II, It was a well built boat that Catalina sold and I personally can say that due to the numerous ones sold by me as a dealer. I am a retired Catalina, Hunter, Precision dealer living in the mountains boatless. .
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,261
Here is an excellent day sailor. I saw her being shown at the 2018 Annapolis Boat Show. I believe she was outfitted locally in Annapolis.
Beautiful lines. Meticulous care given to design and detail, just look at the varnished bright work. It glistened with a deep shine. A large cockpit with ample room. A large salon to provide for a dining experience. Not set up inside for cruising.
Just imagine racing this beauty around the Friday night buoys.
Beautiful lines. Meticulous care given to design and detail, just look at the varnished bright work. It glistened with a deep shine. A large cockpit with ample room. A large salon to provide for a dining experience. Not set up inside for cruising.
Just imagine racing this beauty around the Friday night buoys.
