7 posts
Hi all,
Being French I used to (cruise) sail on 35feet yacht in Marseilles. I know realise how easy this was (no tides, current, sandbank, heavy rain, mudflats....).
Anyway, I miss sailing and I would like to introduce my kids (6,8) to sailing including spending 1-3 nights onboard. Not looking at racing, just making sure they are not scared and making it home safe and sound even if the weather gets nasty in the bay.
Looking at: Investigator 563, Sunmaid 20, Catalina 22, SouthernCross23.
Is the length as important as the state of boat/trailer? Am I better off with a 'good' well maintained 563/Sunmaid20 rather than an older C22 or SC23.
Your words of wisdom (and experience) would be greatly appreciated!
Also need a boat easy to rig (by myself!)
Laurent
QLD
122 posts
Our family has just commenced a similar path on Moreton bay. A few things I would be thinking about:
1 boat ramps and kids can be a stressful place to be. After 2 summers of launching at boat ramps on weekends we have a different boat on a wet berth......
Time to work on a boat when you have a family can be hard to find! A well maintained yacht for me is always above a similar size / spec at a "bargain" price. I speak from experience.....
If you are like us there is really only one person sailing the boat and the other partner is keeping the kids in line, looking after food, drinks ...etc. Make sure you are comfortable to sail it yourself and think about the rig and sail control setup to do this. Some adjustable bungy cord makes for a good temporary helmsman...
I dont have any experience with all the options you have mentioned, however Catalina has a good name.
Good luck, start small and work up. Our first trip out as a family was less than 2 miles. Its easier to build on good experiences rather than fix bad ones!
Cheers
NSW
28 posts
I started with a 16 ft red jacket.Bullet proof but a bit cramped.Next was the investigator.spent a couple of overnights with wife +3.top boat to sail.Easy to rig,sail.. Cheap to keep/maintain.easy re-sale and made money when I sold it.
7 posts
Fiesta - you're life experience onboard is full of insigth and entertainment!
Doug- Thanks for comments on Investigator
My recurring Qo is should I buy a 'cheap' 6-8k Investigator or spend a couple more grounds for a 20ft in ggo dcondition such as Sunmaid/Catalina22.
Also the 'parking' issue is a point of discussion in our household: in front of the house off-street parking, hardstand in marina or the full expensive mooring/berthing solution.
Any recommendation on boat would be great.
NSW
7757 posts
Having to park a trailer sailer in front of your house is going to ad further stress to owning a trailer sailor. Certainly going to limit the size. The country is awash with trailer sailors stored or stuck away because owners have lost interest in the daily hassles of ownership.
I would shop eBay and keep the initial purchase price low as possible. Add Boomaroo to the list and a few other well known brands, they all appear on eBay regularly. Watch it for awhile and see which ones attract bids, most don't get a bid of course but it gives the only decent trend.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bonito-Aquarius-22-trailer-sailer-/121073276569?pt=AU_Boats&hash=item1c30879699
QLD
2246 posts
G,day Imz, we have a 20ft Boomerang that we,ve been sailing on Moreton Bay for 3 years now. Not really a hassle to launch now as it,s more a routine. The Boomerang is ideal for 2 of us to sleep on overnight and with the drop keel you can pull into the beach without need of a tender.
Cheers
Ken
NSW
28 posts
Hi Laurent,check eBay trailer sailer,investigator good dual trailer good outboard,good inventor.......I might bid myself
NSW
28 posts
Meant to add lose all the dark brown
7 posts
Humm thanks fir your replies...they help to formulate my own opinion.
Slainte: where do you park your 20ft (at home or in a boat yard...)
Doug27: I could not find this investigator on ebay...you bougth it already :):):)
NSW
28 posts
Search traler sailer 5 62.its in bellarine peninsula Victoria. It has the dual axle traler.much more peace of mind to tow than my old single axle
7 posts
What about a 1985 sunbird 20 in very good condition (trailer less 5 yo) that a guy wants to sell at 12500? Sounds a bit much for this length?
QLD
12365 posts
The thing about trailer sailers is that back in the 80s they were booming and manufacturers could pump them out to retail at $8k to $16k quite profitably.
Today with the cost of glass, resins and labour, what sold back then for $10k, now has to be sold for $50k for viability of manufacture.
There is a good market for trailer sailers but not at the price they have to be sold at.
If you can find a one owner, well maintained and good design of trailer sailer for sale at it's original new price, it is most likely a bargain.
Keep it maintained and you will surely get your original purchase price back when you sell.
7 posts
Thanks all for replies. Narrowing the choice:
Between Catalina 22 in fair to good condition ($11000) or Sunmaid 20 in excellent condition ($1200) or Southern Cross 23 in fair condition ($14500) where do you think my money would be better spent?
It looks like for around $10k you can get a pretty decent TS.
Or should I wait for a 5-8k bargain with some maintenance to do....
Lets your lights lead my way of thinking :):):):)
