Good 2nd Boat?

[AJ168]

My Dad and I currently own a Snark, but after taking the ASA beginners class would like to get something large enough to sail a little more comfortably for greater distances now that we're a little more confident. We also must be able to carry at least 4 people on board. We'll be mostly in Great Bay. The instructor reccomended that we get something about 18-20 foot that has a small cabin. We'd like to find something that's easy to sail, drafts as little water as possible, and is easy to trailer. We can only afford to buy used, and after the instuctor telling us that he got his 22 foot Catalina for 1000 dollars with sails and a kicker, definatley wouldn't want to spend any more than that.

 

[tommays]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

Can you do your own repiars ? on things like the trailer as well as the boat<br /><br /> If a thousand is your budget your going to need to stick to the small side unless your willing and able to due some fixing up<br /><br />A small outboard alone in good running shape is worth 300 to 500 dollars easy<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[sloopy]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

If you want to buy new I would look at a new Hunter or Catalina. If you are looking for something used, look for an old Catalina, WestWightPotter, or an O'day. Stay away from the Macgreggers (sp) they are maintenance hogs.

 

[Almeja]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

Catalina 22... can't beat it for your purposes.

 

[AJ168]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

The Catalina 22 is actually what we learned on. It was a little too big though for the shallows of Great Bay. We just put a deposit on a 17 foot AMF Sunbird with trailer. Only $300!

 

[Profjim]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

I bought a Snapdragon 24 for £3000 it took me the best part of six months, and another £1000 to get it suitable for the water. Although it technically has 5 berths, it is only suitable for 2-3 people to comfortably sail. So I would really suggest either upping your budget. Although, for your present budget you could buy a decent second hand dinghy and have the time of your life more often than most "big" boat owners.

 

[Profjim]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

http://community.webshots.com/user/jbailey227 <---Snapdragon 24 incase you didn't know what one was

 

[BillP]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

The Sunbird is a good choice and I believe similar to an O'Day 17 Daysailer, which would be my other pick...but a decent O'Day will cost at least $1500-$2000. You did good for $300.

 

[cgBosun3]

Re: Good 2nd Boat?

The AMF Sunbird is pretty good ride. I have an 16' AMF Apollo from 1980. It has near zero stability, but it goes like the wind and is still in great shape! The Sunbird is quite stable and easy to sail - I think you will like it.