What Trailer Sailer?

Alistairr

Alistairr

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We're still not sure what to do boat wise, we will probably buy another big boat in a few years, we may stay with motorboats, or we have discussed moving to sailing, its something we want Callum to grow up and learn.
But meantime I'd like something thats towable that can be kept in the drive to keep costs down, no marina fees.
A open bow speed boat is out, and a yacht is a possibility. What trailer sailors would you recommend.

Our requirements would be:
Easy to sail, as i need to learn.
Roller reefing.
3 or 4 berth.
Galley and Potti.
complete with trailer.
Under £10k budget.

My wife says accomodation is important, but she realises there is only so much you can do with the interior of a 20'-25' sail boat.

Also how easy are these types of boats to launch and rig up?

Something like the Beneteau Firsts, and the Jeanneau Sunfast 2000 look good, but am happy to all suggestions and links to bargains appreciated too.

I also like the look of Spyro Trapper 300, but don't think i want to be tied to a boat moored in a marina for a while.
Hope this doesn't sound a dull and impossible post.

Look forward to the responces.

Cheers

Al.
 
Re: What Trailer Sailor?

Something like this:

1790173.jpg


Details here: Sun 2000
 
I used to sail a Parker 235 ( Fully retracting lift keel) and it sailed great, although out of your budget.


How about a Parker 21, built like a proper yacht and sail well, easy to trailer launch and reasonable accomodation

There are a few Super Seal 26's about for near to your budget, still trailerable and a bit more spacious inside ( they also sail well, were used as cruiser racers)

see here for the seal association and boats for sale

http://www.sealasc.org.uk/boats_items_for_sale.htm

Parkers seem to be great boats and they dont really advertise of do the shows, when my father in law bought his 235 there was a 18 month waiting list

Can thouroughly reccomend them for being a proper yacht, handling and perrofmance, and the insides are not so bad either
 
The answer to your question depends on ......

1. Your tow vehicle. Some of the above will demand a big car or 4x4. If you are planning to negotiate steep country lanes and slipways you will need to think long and hard before approaching the towing limit of your vehicle.

2. The type of sailing you plan to do. Most trailer sailers are tough to set up an launch between SHMBO and yourself ..... probably not something you will want to do for a weekend sail too often. The exception being a Gaff rigg, perhaps somthing like a Cornish Shrimper ... but finding a later 4 berth one for that money may be tough.

There is a risk you end up concluding a proper little yacht on a swinging mooring makes more sense in term of convenience, value for money and sailing capability
 
Let's get this out of the way to start with.
Has your wife sailed?
Does she get on with "tippy" boats?
It could make a world of difference. The Sun 2000 is fairly tender. Lots of smaller yachts are a bit tender and those that are stiffer can be a bit sluggish.
 
For a very small boat that does most things a big boat does, I'd look at a Swift 18. You can buy a nice one for about 5k fully equipped. You can easily keep it on a drive. Its a pocket cruiser really. At 18ft its bound to be very small down below, but ticks most of your boxes and saves money.

I sail a Dehler 22 trailer sailer. Its not roomy, but you can just sleep four for a weekend. The Dehler scores on its overall build quality and sailing performance. Parker 21 is a lovely little boat and you may just get one inside £10k if you are lucky and patient.

The Macgregor takes a lot of flack, but it comes at the 'problem' from the other end of the telescope providing maximum space and flexibility for your £, but as a sailing machine they are a bit compromised in the upwind dept, and with such a big freeboard windage can also be irritating. They are quite a lump to tow, unlike the Swift/Parker/Dehler, and need a bigger parking place.

I'd go and look at them all if you can.

Tim
 
How about an Anderson 22? Great wee boats and you should get a decent one for less than half your proposed budget but do consider carefully the practicalities of trailer sailing.

Launch and recovery and rigging and de-rigging are hard work (especially the first few times) and will take up a significant proportion of your available sailing time. If you only spend £5k on a boat you'll have quite a bit left over to spend on the convenience of a pontoon berth or a mooring.
 
Hunter Medina (pdf file)

My mate who races a Folkboat brought a Medina back from Cowes to Lymington single-handed for a friend. It was against the wind most of the way and blowing 5+. but he said it was a great boat and handled it very well indeed.
 
Thanks for your great replies.

We have just got a big new 4x4 this year capable of towing 3tons. So towing won't be a problem.

Launching should be ok too, i.ve had plenty of practise at that.

We aim to boat on the west coast of scotland,on the clyde, but having a boat thats towable would mean possible occasional use in Loch Lomond.

Rigging up is something that i was wondering about, is it possible for one person to do on their own, and is it usually a big job?

All advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Al.
 
I would imagine that the biggest problem for your family will be accepting the more limited accomodation, compared to what you've had.

There is a blue hulled Medina (she's not for sale) at Ardlui, she used to be in the berth next to me, but she's now on a swinging mooring. The owners mobile no is on the side of his van ( I have a note of it ) if you wanted to chat to him.

This Swift 18 for sale was trailed and sailed on Loch Lomond and then the Clyde in May this year, I could get a mobile no if you want.

The second hand boat show on the clyde is on 10, 11, 12 October, the boats at Largs are usually open and you can wander on and off. Also boats for sale at Helenburgh, Kip, Troon.

In general, if you wander along any pontoon and spot an owner aboard a likely looking yacht, and ask him what she is, and express an interest, and explain that you're thinking about buying something similar, then you're likely to be invited aboard for a look around.

Ash
 
It's outside your budget, has no trailer and is geographically about as far as it's possible to get from you and stay in this country so I'd have thought this was ideal. Ocean 760 .

Seriously, it does look a lot of boat for the money and it's got lots of clever little features. Being a fully lifting keel will make it a lot easier to recover than something with a stub or bilge keels. I'm quite tempted myself.
 
Have a look at Dehler 25... nice size, easy to rig, light but not tender and sails really well. Dehler 22 ditto but cramped.

You need to work out your pattern of sailing... occasional weekend, day sailing or a few weeks afloat? I am not sure that trail sailing is viable on a boat above 20ft just for a day - too much hassle.

Parker 235/21 also excellent. As said here, be aware that some of the more modern trail-sail boats are light and tender.

Etap also worth a look... 22i superb. 23 a bit more room but significantly heavier.

Trail Sail Association is a source of much knowledge.

Also have a look at Boatshop24... the Dehlers and Etaps are hugely popular in Germany and Holland and there are some attractive prices at the moment even with the £/Euro rate.
 
Hunter delta 25. This one is in budget.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F192801

Recent articles in PBO July, Aug or September should give a good over view of the boats you could consider.

I have had one 5 years with a trailer and a drying mooring, but only tow it home out of season currently. Fantastic boat, realy good all rounder that lives on a swing mooring. PM me if you want to know more.
 
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