I am wanting to buy a used swing keel mono hull that is capable for a few crossings to The Bahamas in good weather. Then cruising the Bahamas once there in relatively protected waters. Does any manufacturer produce (older boats) a swing keel in the 27 to 28 foot range that is seaworthy enough for this type "mission"? Seems most boats of this size are glued/rivited together to same $$ and be competively priced. All suggetions are appreciated. Not looking to spend a lot of $$. Thx@
Who makes a swing keel 27,28 ft. monohull?
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Check on the older Island Packets... middle 80's .... 26 to 31 ft.
here's a 26 http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/18135
here's a 27 http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/12639
and a http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/13403
here's a 26 http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/18135
here's a 27 http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/12639
and a http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/13403
In the 70's Seafarer made a number of swing keel boats from 24-29 feet.
The Balboa 26 may be an inexpensive option too.
http://www.practical-sailor.com/boatreviews/Balboa-26-boat-review.html
The Chrysler 26 is a heavy built boat available with a swing keel. I used to sail on a deep keel version of this boat and it would be worth a look. Also likely to be very inexpensive and is trailerable. Amazingly it has 6 ft of standing head room too and large vee and aft berths.
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/12462 is a good example for $6500 on a trailer. Not the prettiest boat, in my opinion, but certainly worth updating.
If you can find an 26 foot S2 with a swing keel the build quality is quite good too.
Your problem is going to be that, in my opinion, you really need an inboard diesel for what you are trying to do even more than a swing keel.
Bob
The Balboa 26 may be an inexpensive option too.
http://www.practical-sailor.com/boatreviews/Balboa-26-boat-review.html
The Chrysler 26 is a heavy built boat available with a swing keel. I used to sail on a deep keel version of this boat and it would be worth a look. Also likely to be very inexpensive and is trailerable. Amazingly it has 6 ft of standing head room too and large vee and aft berths.
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/12462 is a good example for $6500 on a trailer. Not the prettiest boat, in my opinion, but certainly worth updating.
If you can find an 26 foot S2 with a swing keel the build quality is quite good too.
Your problem is going to be that, in my opinion, you really need an inboard diesel for what you are trying to do even more than a swing keel.
Bob
Why? Are you looking to gunkhole in the Bahamian shallows or just want a trailerable boat? Swing keel boats have a weakness and that is a predisposition for keel slap in strong seas. Heavy seas will actually jerk the keel from side to side putting heavy pressure on the pivot shaft and the keel trunk support. Keel slap may be more severe on an old used boat as the shaft and keel pivot joint will already show some wear. I would not consider taking a swing ballasted keel boat offshore across the Gulfstream. Why don't you look into a short keel centerboard design. This design makes the boat more tender but safer in heavy seas than a ballasted swing keel boat.
Thanks for the great advice! I need a trailerable boat to be pulled with a Powerstroke Dually...that is why I wanted a swing keel. But your advice is well taken!
If you look on the other side of the border, there are couple of importers of European trailerable sailboats - both with swing keel and solid ballast. These vessels carry the CE "B" certification, making them one category short from the full independant ocean crossing capable cruisers. They are designed to be trailerable (with a vehicle capable of pulling approx 8000lbs) and easily trailer launched...no, they are not inexpensive.
TES Yachts have the 28 Magnam http://www.tes-yacht.ca Magnam is a classy family cruiser.
The other one comes from Delphia Yachts http://www.northlakesyachting.com
Delphia 28, on the other hand, would be something to consider if you are looking for something real fast. Less overall cabin space, less wood, but more perfomance oriented.
My 5 cents, and the first post. I have seen both of them at the Great Lakes and they really stand out.
TES Yachts have the 28 Magnam http://www.tes-yacht.ca Magnam is a classy family cruiser.
The other one comes from Delphia Yachts http://www.northlakesyachting.com
Delphia 28, on the other hand, would be something to consider if you are looking for something real fast. Less overall cabin space, less wood, but more perfomance oriented.
My 5 cents, and the first post. I have seen both of them at the Great Lakes and they really stand out.
Hunter 25.5 to the Bahamas
This menu has a series of articles about cruising the Bahamas in a Hunter 25.5.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=14&page=model&mn=25.5
The pix are great, but you can see that Brian and Steph are very happy with the capabilities of the Hunter 25.5 for this trip. The nore recent Hunter 260 and 26 are water ballasted boats with a retracting center-board. It's designed to trailor. and make a good all round package. A number of 260's have made the cruise to the Bahamas.
This menu has a series of articles about cruising the Bahamas in a Hunter 25.5.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=14&page=model&mn=25.5
The pix are great, but you can see that Brian and Steph are very happy with the capabilities of the Hunter 25.5 for this trip. The nore recent Hunter 260 and 26 are water ballasted boats with a retracting center-board. It's designed to trailor. and make a good all round package. A number of 260's have made the cruise to the Bahamas.
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