I rather think the most rational plan, after getting rid of both and buying a camper
eek, would be to get rid of both and buy a Centaur or similar. Comfy for two for weekends - or weeks - aboard, and fairly undemanding to sail, though still with an adequate performance - and a proper head!
Actually, I profited from people giving up sailing to go Mobo.. They returned their sails to the maker after they decided to just motor the boat. Chance conversation with the sailmaker gave me a nice set at a bargin price, as my little cat yawl is a variation on the same boat.
We've got an old VW T4 as well (eek). I know exactly what boat I would love, either a Parker 23 or an Etap 21, on a trailer. That's if I were to sell both, but I think selling both would only fetch maybe 4-5K. The beauty of a trailable boat is that we can leave it rigged in the boat park 10 mins away and winter store on our drive. Call me tight but It irks me whenever I have to hand over the best part of a thousand quid every winter! I just wish I'd kept my Varne 27 but I was told there was no possibility of getting a mooring here. I found out differently after we moved.I rather think the most rational plan, after getting rid of both and buying a camper
I almost acquired a 6m RIB in PX for my Varne but it fell through. It definitely has its attractions but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. I wouldn't even consider a trailer sailor if I had to step the mast each time. The great thing here is that I can leave her fully rigged in the boat park 10 minutes away.
I paid £3k for her, which I don't think was too bad. I've just replaced the forestay and will be covering the cushions (we do boat upholstery). She has a nearly new Tohatsu outboard, stackpack, DSC radio etc. All in all she should be worth what I paid. I did the Round The Island race for 8 years and there was nearly always a Hunter in front of us at the finish, usually a Sonata, sometimes a Medina. They do sail well.
Just what I was hoping to hear! I'm definitely coming down on the side of the Hunter. The only doubt that's stopping me is the seaworthiness of such a small boat. (and our 8' wide roads with grass up the middle for the last 3 miles of our homeward journey).
I'm in South Devon, I find towing something big, or even really big, is easy because everyone sees they have to get out of the way. On the other hand an empty boat trailer is a nightmare because they can't see it so feel disinclined to give way and you can't see it so reversing is a nightmare
That's a good point. you could always put a couple of side poles with flags on top. I'm in the very lucky position that the boat will be kept next to the slipway on the trailer, ready rigged. I just need to turn up and drop her in. What do you tow?
Hey thanks, and thanks for posting the pics the first one looks like a bit of a chop. Congratulations, you're the clinching vote. You've put the lid on it! I was genuinely switching thoughts by the hour but now I am absolutely convinced. You're right. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the sea today or tomorrow, regardless of the boat. I see us pottering about on the Fowey River and maybe occasionally poking our nose round the corner in stable weather, or maybe even the odd evening race, so yes, the Hunter is the obvious choice, and imagine, I can do the winter work by walking out of the house, rather than trekking down to the boatyard with all the stuff and signing in and signing out. Then instead of shelling out 200 quid to launch, we'll tow 10 minutes at the beginning and end of the season. Thank you.I think you know Zircon has to go. Don't waste another quid or a pang of nostalgia on the doubtful romance of wood.
I envy you deeply for having the versatile Hunter and space at home to park her. I only pity you the obligation that the woodie represents.
If you have a boat you can keep at home, she need only cost you mooring fees in seasons when fair weather is likely. I'm surprised you think yourself 'tight' for recognising that (although chaps here accept perpetual absurd mooring costs as if they were inevitable).
And if (for whatever reason) you foresee a summer when you can't use the Hunter, she'll sit dry and clean on her trailer, equally ready for whether you want to sail or sell her. As long as it's the former, you can berth her close to home, or switch to the East Coast or abroad, even the River Medina, without needing a sea passage. The Lakes are within your reach, which much bigger boat owners can't say.
As for the objection to the Hunter as a lightweight, ask yourself how much you want to be sailing any boat when it's blowing like this bank holiday weekend. Most yachtsmen with big boats only go out in winds that would be manageable in a dinghy anyway, because their wives won't tolerate worse motion. And the Medina is much better in a stiff breeze than any dinghy. I'm so envious!
Photo: Simon Stanley
Thank you, that sounds excellent. I think I will fit some side stays at the mast base axis to protect against dropping it sideways. I've already got a mast crutch that fits astride the pushpit rails so I'm pretty much sorted. Just need to find something to make an A frame out of. I had a water ballasted Hunter 26 which had an extremely simple built in gin pole system that worked superbly but I think I'd rathe have an A frame.
Yes an American 26ft TS has purpose fitted side stays from spreaders to deck in line with mast axis. I have considered it but have got away with out. Around here almost every boat has mast lowering for bridges but to my knowledge all use 2 poles (Aframe). It really is good to have a 2 level mast crutch. I disagree with Wombat. While there is a need for maintenance ona trailer it is a joy to have your boat at home for winter where you can potter doing boat maintenance. ol'will
