Small trailer-sailer

[rickginn]

Does anyone out there know of the Trailer-Sailer Club of GB or those who might give me advice on a suitable second-hand mini cruiser which is equally at home ona trailer or under sail. I can spend about £2000 for a GRP boat of approx. 18 ft. with lifting keel, small cabin and large-ish cockpit. The road trailer should be in good condition and ideally the package should include a small outboard.

I am told that the Westerly Nimrod might be one to aim for and if so, where could it be found? Should other similar boats be included on my list?

Any advice from any direction would be very much appreciated.

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[Joe_Cole]

Try <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.trail-sail.org.uk/>http://www.trail-sail.org.uk/</A>

There have been several write ups in PBO and ST which you may find helpful.

Joe

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[MartinGPerry]

Loads of Westerly Yachtsfor sale at the Westerly Owners Association web site
http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk
No Nimrods at the moment though


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[l'escargot]

Have a look at Swift 18's, maybe dearer, or Sailfish 18's, maybe cheaper.

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[graham]

I had a "Seafarer 18" once.

It had a very small cabin with just enough room for two berths .The cockpit was very large with room to sail with 4 people easilly.

You could probably get one for a bit less than your budget and they sail very well.

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[GrahamSC]

Hi
I have e-maoled this post to the owner of a well set up Westerly Nimrod on a trailer with all gear lying Edinburgh Scotland.
Regards
Graham

<hr width=100% size=1>Never recovered from loss of Tot, 1974

 

[BOWDONMAN]

Sorry to be a smart a*se Graham but the last tot was 31st. July 1971. I still miss it now. One of the reasons I left the Andrew in 1972.

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[floatything]

Take a look at the Express Pirate. There were many lift keel versions - the one I have is bilge keel. 17.5 foot, light-ish with a relatively huge cockpit. If you'd like a photo then email me.

Happy hunting


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[fastjedi]

Rule 1: Be very clear on the difference between a Trailer Sailer and a Trailable yacht. If you plan to keep it out of the water when not in use and launch / recover at a wide variety of sites then go for something that will float in 12" of water.

Rule 2: Don't get too close to the towing limit of your vehicle, especially if it is a 2 wheel drive car. A few extra bits and peices on the boat and a 1:6 slipway is challanging enough!

Rule 3: Spend at least as much time pondering the trailer as the boat. In addition to the obvious stuff make sure it is well balanced and has a decent weight margin for all those extra bits and pieces you take!

Rule 4: Don't under estimate how much the essential extras will cost if not part of the deal. Anchor, warps, fenders, instruments, flares, galley etc

Swift 18's are over your budget. Suggest you look out for a Skipper 17 (simple and strong), Sailfish 18 (excellent accomadation) or Micro 18 (excellent performance). Good Luck



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[Avocet]

Do have a look at a Leisure 17. We had one as a first boat and loved it. Relatively easy to trail and launch with a large family saloon car.

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[Adrian]

I can vouch for the sailfish 18, great little boat, 6’ cockpit, sold one a couple of years ago, its up for sale again, don’t know about its current condition. http://www.shepherdswindermere.co.uk/boatsales/used/sail/sail50.html

<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kydproducts.co.uk>http://www.kydproducts.co.uk</A>

 

[burt]

I am selling 'Cats Cradle', a Westerly Nimrod. Much as what you're looking for, 18ft, lifting keel, cabin, large cockpit. She's kept at Granton/Edinburgh, complete with trailer, Honda BF2 longshaft outboard, two mains, genoa, working jib, well equipped, in good order and ready to sail. Interested?

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[gerryscott]

What Trailer Sailor : Medina or Swift

I am looking for a small trailer sailer to keep on a tidal mooring and tow home for the winter. I am considering both the above. My major concerns are around single-handed sailing. I wonder if either or both these might prove rather a handful, especially the Swift which has a lower ballast ratio and more sail area. Does anyone have experience of this.