New Starter Boat

[flaming]

Bit of an unusual one this.

I have a friend who is looking for a boat to get started day sailing with his young family. He's a very good dinghy sailor, but now wants something to take his kids and their friends pootling around harbours / estuaries and possibly indulging in some Swallows and Amazons like activities. So small enough to tow behind a car but large enough to provide some security for small children and stable not dinghy like. He's not sure if he wants a traditional looking boat or a more modern look, but the one thing he has decided on is he wants to buy new, not second hand.

I'm not really that up on this market, so could only think of the Hawk 20 and the Drascombe Lugger to recommend he looks at. There must be others that would be suitable, although I'm guessing they spend more time on their boats than their websites - as Google isn't coming up with much!

Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[dylanwinter]

westerly nimrod

these have big cockpits

easy to rig, cheap to buy

the cabin is big enough to sleep in and for kids to play houses in

small enough to laucnh and recover with a roller trailer

and they sail well enough to keep the helmsman entertained

never had the pox as far as I know

Dylan

 

[Twister_Ken]

Boring answer I know, but that's pretty much what a Wayfarer does.

Cornish Crabbers has just intro'd a 12 footer, otherwise its 'baby' is 17'.

 

[flaming]

Boring answer I know, but that's pretty much what a Wayfarer does.

Cornish Crabbers has just intro'd a 12 footer, otherwise its 'baby' is 17'.

Pretty sure he wants something a bit bigger than a wayfarer - he's really looking for a keelboat type, rather than just swapping his current tea tray for a bigger more stable dinghy.

And Dylan, I would agree - however he's ruled out second hand.

 

[tom_sail]

Hunter 20 mini C?

http://www.britishhunter.co.uk/page11.html

 

[aquaplane]

Bigger than a Wayfarer would be a Micro 18 (various makes) but they aren't new and unless you can dry sail one not ideal for day sailing either.

 

[Seajet]

Flaming,

if your chum has good taste and plenty of dosh, this would fit the bill very nicely, and I'm sure Arthur Ransome would approve !

Memory, 19' grp, centreboard. Available new. Not cheap but worth it...

 

[Tranona]

www.swallowboats.co.uk have something to suit

 

[andymcp]

New and modern, trailer-friendly and good for weekending? Beneteau 21.7, Elan 210? Depends how often he actually intends to trailer, there are pros and cons with each. Cracking performance too, not sure if they are the right kind of stable?

 

[Lodesman77]

Hunter 20 mini C?

http://www.britishhunter.co.uk/page11.html

+1

plenty of keel options and a well proven design...

 

[Twister_Ken]

McGregor 26!!!

 

[Seajet]

Twister Ken,

wash your mouth and typing finger with carbolic soap, then put on a pointy hat and stand in the corner...

 

[SolentBoat]

Hunter 20 mini C?

http://www.britishhunter.co.uk/page11.html

I keep an eye on threads such as this because one day I'll want a smaller boat. I love the look of the Mini 20 C this one is definitely on my shortlist of boats to sail once the children have flown the nest.

 

[armchairsailor]

Cape Cutter 19? They're supposed to be little rocket gaffers, but most would be home built, so quality variable.

 

[DavidMcMullan]

Laser Stratos?

 

[r_h]

Seascape 18 - http://www.seascape18.com/freedom.htm

Seems to tick most of the boxes and is fast yet stable (the design is inspired by the Mini class, but scaled down). I can see it being a lot of fun, but also easy to maintain and look after.

 

[flaming]

This is great stuff guys! That seascape would be my choice... allthough I've got a feeling it might be a bit highly strung for this purpose!

Amazing how many boats there are out there that pass you by.

 

[MissFitz]

Seascape 18 - http://www.seascape18.com/freedom.htm

Seems to tick most of the boxes and is fast yet stable (the design is inspired by the Mini class, but scaled down). I can see it being a lot of fun, but also easy to maintain and look after.

I was going to post that but thought it might be a little bit too exciting - if not, Seascape will be at the dinghy show March 3/4, might be a good opportunity to have a chat to them.

 

[Seajet]

Flaming,

while I still fancy the Memory ( she carries a topsail too ) there was a 'big dinghy' made by Laser, can't find it at the moment; had a hatch at the front, presumably for kit not people, and I think a ballasted plate; there was one on a mooring in Sweare Deep a while ago, looked the sort of thing to suit your chum.

 

[r_h]

Flaming, while I still fancy the Memory ( she carries a topsail too ) there was a 'big dinghy' made by Laser, can't find it at the moment; had a hatch at the front, presumably for kit not people, and I think a ballasted plate; there was one on a mooring in Sweare Deep a while ago, looked the sort of thing to suit your chum.

That sounds like the Stratos, as in post #15 - as much fun to sail as a dinghy, but with all the benefits of a keelboat.