Advice on which Day Boat to buy

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NicHutchins

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I am looking for a 16' to 18' sailing day boat to buy. Ideally a Picarooner, but I am having difficulty finding one, so would appreciate advice on suitable alternatives. Basically I need something stable to get my two young children out on the water (they are 3 and 5 years old), sailing off South Cornish coast, and have a budget of approx. £4,000 - including trailer. All advice appreciated. Many thanks, Nic.
 
I had a Cornish Crabbers Coble when my girls were young and found it great,ease to sail, safe for young children with high seat backs loose footed main, can launch and recover single handed- just.
 
The Drascombe range are, IMHO, brilliant, with not too much maintenance.

We had a Lugger, which is 18'10" plus the removable bumpkin. It was a fantastic family boat - both safe and spacious. It could take any weather, and Webb Chiles in fact came close to completing a circumnavigation by Lugger. There is also the Drascombe Dabber, which is also a yawl, and is I think circa 15'.

There are a few boats advertised on the Drascombe Association website, which you will find at:

www.drascombe-association.org.uk/smallads.htm
 
What about a Wayfarer. I guess it would be much easier to launch and recover thatn the Drascombe range, especially if you're essentially doing it yourself.

Nice and stable, but with plenty of room, especially if you remove the rear seats.

I've sailed around the Isle of Wight several times in a Wayfarer, in some strongish winds (a good 6, with stronger gusts) and if reefed well down there are few other small boats I'd consider for such a trip. Never felt as if the boat would capsize. A bit wet, granted, but then you wouldn't be out in such conditions with youngsters.

She's also exciting when the kids get older and want more fun. I remember a thrilling spinaker reach from Poole to Calshot in a 4-5, kite up all the way (well 85%) sun shining, sea sparkling, teriffic. 5 hours of pure fun.
 
I sailed a Picarooner once. Just about the slowest thing on the water, overtaken by kids on a li-lo. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Go for the Wayfarer.
 
Shepherds of Windermere have this
[ QUOTE ]
1993 CENTAUR 20 £ 4,000.00
Name Karen
Engine Mercury 4hp Outboard Motor
Berth
location Bowness Bay
Inventory Dutch Built Open Day Sailer with Lift Keel, Custom Trailer

[/ QUOTE ]

Standing on it's trailer out side the chandlery. I could take a pic if you're interested.

Or there is one in Essex (pics on this site)
 
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