best sea going trailer sailor

I agree with most of the above and would just add that trailer sailers are not the most commodious for more than a week with a small family aboard.
I have friends who have now moved to a Westerly Pageant from a Seal 22 and the 5'11" headroom alone and storage makes that much difference to their enjoyment, however the Pageant is slower unlike the dinghy-like performance of the Seal, and not trailerable.

Their Seal is now for sale c/w trailer and outboard. PM me if you require further information (£3250 asking ).

ianat182
 
Hi futureweb,

I 'd suggest you first visit the local slipways and harbours and see what's available to you.

I would also say buy the boat you will use now, not one that will take you places like the Scillies - that will come in time but, why not make that a trip for the next boat?

I have a small trailable Yacht (Hunter Europa) but there's no way its worth launching and rigging for a day - a week would be preferable. I don't mind that however cause I live inland, can't justify the mooring fees and wish to explore lots of different areas. It's also seaworthy and capable: qualities I wanted and for which I am happy to put up with the hassles of trailer sailing. This set up works for me in my circumstances.

So,
1) If money is no object, consider a small yacht: something like a 20-23ft and put it on a mooring somewhere. (Bilge keelers or lifting keelers will permit cheaper moorings) Anderson 22, Coribee 21 or Halcyon 23 might do... This sort of thing would open up the possibility of cruising S. Wales in settled weather.


2) If you want to daysail and sleep on board occasionally, get a smaller trailer sailer (16-18ft) and accept the limits on seaworthiness for the moment. Hunter 490, Shipmate Senior or Swift 18 might do? This will be cheaper if you can keep her on the drive.


1.5) Somewhere between is the trailable yacht - put it on a mooring for 6 months in summer but tow it home for winter maintainance and storage. A good compromise, which would allow you to have a summer in a new place each year.


3) Do you really need a cabin? There are plenty of good dinghies that will let you cruise a bit (even sleep on board!), and offer minimum hassle for towing and rigging. In sheltered waters (somewhere like Plymouth, Falmouth, Salcombe) this might be a good place to start with a view to moving onto bigger things...


The other thing to consider is your cruising grounds - the Bristol Channel is known for is tides. So get something that will cope with local conditions.

The perfect solution is one that suits you, fits your budget and gives you the kind of sailing you want for minimum hassle...

Jon
 
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Although a bit more expensive than the OP mentioned, I would recommend an Etap. I had a 22i which I sailed in the Bristol channel and France. I never got as far as The Isles of Scilly but would have been happy to take her there. I certainly agree with the negative comments about day sailing. I could rig and un-rig my boat in an hour each but would not want to do this in the same day. Eventually, like others, on here I decided £4-500 per year was worth it to enable me to get on the boat and sail straight away.
In some areas the police are cracking down on trailers. It is important to make sure the weight, size, insurance ect. are all correct.
I know someone who is selling a good Anderson 22 if anyone is interested.
Allan
 
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