Trailorable Boats

[Guard Bum]

I'm a very inexperienced sailer taking my basic keelboat sailing lessons this summer.  My only sailing experience is sailing Hobie Cats about 25 years ago.  I have considerably more experience with power boats, both coastal and offshore.  That being said, one thing I have definitely learned is living in Biloxi, MS (Home of Hurricane Katrina) I will not own another boat I can't take out of the water myself if I have too.

I've been doing lots of reading on line and would appreciate the forums recommendations concerning the best trailorable cruisers.  I only plan on doing some coastal cruising - mostly day sailing and weekends.  I'd love to get confortable enough to venture out further in the future.

Any experience, both positive and negative, that may help me in my search will be appreciated.  I have easy access to Florida where you can find just about anything for sale these days.  Thanks.

[CharlieJ]

We plan to be passing through Biloxi  aboard Tehani sometime late July, early to mid August. Maybe we can connect while we are there.

[Amgine]

With trailerable sailboats there are two 'flavours': boats that can be floated off their trailers, and those which must be lifted off.

Some boats *can* be floated off, if you have a long enough hitch extension and a powerful enough truck to pull them back out. Others, usually both lighter and much shallower of draft, are easily floated off and pulled out. I've also helped launch/haul boats using a rope to lower the trailer/pull it back up the ramp.

Heavier, deeper or otherwise complicated boats are more easily managed using a boat lift or crane. In my personal experience, even if the boat is easily managed on and off the trailer there will be fewer dings, scratches and less stress if you have it lifted off. If you're only putting the boat in the water spring and pulling it out in the fall the minimal cost (I've seen $50 each way, but usually its based on how big the boat is) may well be worth it.

Trailerable boats usually compromise some of their sailing ability in order to be easily trailerable. Most trailerables are a maximum of 8' in beam, some as wide as 8.5', to avoid requiring a special permit to move it on state roads. The benefit of a trailerable is you can tow it someplace exotic like Acapulco or the Bras d'Or Lake in a couple days on the road. Make sure any water, especially water ballast, is drained before trying to haul the boat out.

(My boat, a Cape Dory 25D, is a trailerable. It would require a fairly hefty trailer, however, and for peace of mind I'd have it lifted onto and off the trailer. On the other hand, it has full standing head room (5'11") even in the head, and could serve as a camper en route to distant cruising grounds.)

[Tim]

Welcome Guard Bum, There certainly is a wide range of trailerable sailboats, a couple that I have are good examples. My 26' Ariel is on a trailer but at best I would only want to put it on and off only once a season, and it requires a full sized truck to tow.  On the other hand my Potter 19 can easily go in and out for the weekend.

If you are not familiar with it another good site for trailer sailors  is

http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/trailersailor/index

[AdriftAtSea]

Multihulls are often trailerable... like my Telstar 28... and have fairly decent sailing performance.. However, they're fairly pricey. :)

[Guard Bum]

Thanks for the info thus far, I am looking for a float on type trailorable boat.  I don't want to be dependant on a very few lifts in this area before a storm.  My full size  4x4 Chevy can handle getting it in an out of the water.

[AdriftAtSea]

What's your rough budget???

[Guard Bum]

Not locked into a price, more concerned with getting a good value for my money.  The boats I've been looking at so far are 15 years old (or older) and all under $10K.  I am definitely not looking new.  I have some skills in mx and repair from many hours of work on power boats.  Thanks.

[Frank]

 There are a ton of different trailerables out there.Define your needs and you'll narrow the search. Be honest how you'll use it. Too often people buy something to fit what they think they will do...only to find it doesn't truly suit.
I have an absolute hoot with trailerables. Have made runs to the Chesapeake,Buzzards bay,Lake Champlain and the North Channel among other spots.There are several groups that do cruises and it is fun sailing these lil boats with others. You learn lots of mods,swap lots of stories and learn to sail better as most often it ends up being an informal race...ya know the old saying..put 2 boats on the same lake and the race is on  ;) The best part is when back home, ya simply unload,hose down,tarp it and your done worrying.

[Navyvet]

For me I have narrowed it down to small for tailor sailors, I like the WWP 19 for my own use but there is a list I have looked at. Macgregor 26 great boat but I want to take it slow and easy don't need the motor, Catalina and Hunters all good builds just not for me. Compac cute boats just don't like the price and I don't need the pretties on them. I like function more then pretty wood I like a enclosed cabin and I want to be able to tow it with my jeep so for me a wwp 19 is perfact. but I would go through a list and of course you will see haters for ever maker some people hate the hunters or macs or whatever take it all with a grain of salt when you do read. Enjoy the search and once you find your baby don't let anyone else kill your dream and never stop dreaming.  8)

[s/v Faith]

There is a boat out there to fit just about any purpose.  I do like the WWP's, but they can be pricey too.

I would go through a list and of course you will see haters for ever maker some people hate the hunters or macs or whatever take it all with a grain of salt when you do read.

Yes, and no.  I agree that some boats get a bad rap, and that these opinions are sometimes less then fair or educated.

However, some boats get a bad reputation for a reason.   If a hull flexes so much the port's pop out in a seaway it is not suitable for even coastal sailing..... one popular manufacturer makes some high end boats that have this problem.
Another popular boat has had rudder failure issues over a couple of decades.... but refuses to address the problem.

Other boats try to do too much and end up doing nothing well. 

  I do think it is important to consider the source, and to keep an open mind.  I know my bias, and try to share it with folks looking at boats.  The truth is no one can tell you what would be the best boat for your, since they do not know what really matters to you.... and YOU may not even know until you have owned it if it will suit your needs.

  Owners will often be great advocates for their choice.  Human nature is to promote what you have decided on.  Most folks will be honest if asked frankly about their boats short comings.

  It is nice to have places like this to come and discuss considerations and boats.  Especially having guys like Frank who have owned (or do own) most of the boats available.  ;D

[Guard Bum]

There are a ton of different trailerables out there.Define your needs and you'll narrow the search. Be honest how you'll use it. Too often people buy something to fit what they think they will do...only to find it doesn't truly suit.
.

Very sound advice.  I have lived this process in the motorized world = 5 boats from 16' - 40' progressively bigger each time.  I eventually got to big for my britches and needs.

My sailing is going to be coastal MS, AL, FL with day and overnight trips to our barrier islands.  Lots of shallow water so I am not looking for anything with a deep keel (not tailorable anyway) or fancy fixings.  I plan to keep the boat in the water in the sailing months, but my marina has mandatory boat evacuations anytime 50 mph or greater winds are expected.  This happens about 10 times a summer and can be a real problem.

A small cabin, fresh water, porta potti, bunk and the ability to single crew.  A reasonable power source to get in and out of marina and possibly seek quick shelter during a storm.  Finally, I need to get as safe a boat as possible given the other requirements.  Not asking for much eh?

Thanks for all the info.

[TJim]

Norsea 27.... A circumnavigating Trailer Sailer.. I doubt it can be beat.. I'd stay away from the center cockpit though... TJ

[s/v Copacetic]

I started out looking at MacGregor 26D, but decided the construction was a bit light for my taste.  After looking at several designs I ended up choosing a Chrysler 26 with swing keel. It floats off the trailer easily using a telescoping tongue, sails well and seems to be very solidly built including the rig. It has 6' max headroom and overall nice accommodations. It also has a very active owners forum.

Besides Macs, Catalinas, Balboas and others including some lift off, fin keel boats.

Google for information on any boat you're interested in, you may find reviews or forums. You can look up portsmouth ratings here http://www.ussailing.org/portsmouth/ or PHRF ratings here http://www.ussailing.org/phrf/Tool_%20HI_LO_AVG%20Report%20Oct%2021%202008.pdf.
These can be useful even for non-racers as a guide to relative performance.

You can also find brochures for many boats here http://www.msogphotosite.com/PDF%20Page.html

Look around, all designs are compromises, the key is finding one with compromises you can live with. Good luck!

[Rick Westlake]

Thanks for the info thus far, I am looking for a float on type trailorable boat.  I don't want to be dependant on a very few lifts in this area before a storm.  My full size  4x4 Chevy can handle getting it in an out of the water.

I am quite pleased with my MacGregor 26X ... water-ballast and a very light "swing-keel" centerboard; excellent, easy mast raising system; enough room belowdecks for me to feel comfortable.  I tow it with a Toyota 4Runner, so your Chevy would find it easy.  And even though they're quite light, the X has no chopped fiber and a rigorously-controlled layup schedule; MacGregor puts your money into the hull.

Give one a tryout if you can - and if you'd prefer something else, that's why there are so many different brands and models of boats out there.  Find one that speaks to your heart and soul.

[CharlieJ]

And as a past Macgregor dealer, I second the X over the newer models.The X had a far better cruising, "live in" type interior.The newer M just doesn't cut it in my opinion. I think Roger took a step backwards in accommodations, although the "M" IS a better sail boat.

But be advised- NEITHER of those is  a real offshore boat- great for Keys, coastal ( be SURE of the weather), Bahamas, but NOT long offshore passages. Just not designed or built for those.