In praise of the "trailer sailor"

[Frank]

For far too long my little suncat has sat neglected under a barn lean-to roof getting dusty. I hauled it out for a clean up in prep for a few sails before a trip to Lake Champlain.
As I hosed the dust off, it struck me how these little boats are so worry free.
Drag em out, a quick wash, put your gear on and go. When done, drain the fuel from the outboard, take your gear off and park until the next time....be it soon or years later. "Done"
No yard fees, dock fees or big worry's ..
These little guys have taken me to Chesapeake Bay, Buzzards Bay, Moosehead Lake in Maine (x3), Lake Champlain (x3), Mooselamaguntic Lake in Maine, the North Channel on Lake Huron (x3) and up and down the river here at home.
I never would have gotten to sail all those waters without these ease of trailering a small boat.
Lots to be said for small boat adventures and KISS

[SailorTom]

I completely agree. I have a little Siren 17 in Maine to sail the lakes. While my Triton is on a trailer it is just not the same launching it. :o  In fact I'm trying to decide on which small car top dink to build so I can explore the lakes too small for the Siren. And also to get rid of the trailer complication.

I've never sailed Moosehead Lake, but it's on my list. Do you have any advice/insights? My biggish,2500 acres, local lake Unity Pond, is allegedly strewn with large rocks just below the surface that can take out a boat but I can't seem to find FACTS. Just 2nd, 3rd hand info. :(
Edward

[Frank]

Moosehead is probably one of thee best lakes to cruise a small boat. A lttle hamlet..Grenville, sits on the S shore and is super boat friendly. This is a unique lake, really varied shorelines, low mountains, cliffs, islands and multiple bays and inlets. Get a chart and go ....you will not be dissapointed!!
Even Thoreau went twice  ;)

scroll to pics at bottom of this link  http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=2481.0

[Frank]

Feeling blessed after, sadly, some of my best cruising buddies sold their boats, but then I came across another small boat group.
I'll be joining them for a North channel cruise the last week of June. Should be a hoot!
In prep, I hauled Jubilee out, dusted her off, gave her about a 2 hour once over and  launched her this afternoon for a little shakedown after sitting so long.
Once again I couldn't help think how simple and easy little trailersailors are to own and operate. No yard fees, no systems to worry about other than a porta pottie and outboard. From one use to the next, they await your return "as stored" and are typically a joy to sail.
Great afternoon today! So nice to get out on the river here. Water is still COLD but the sun was warm.
Hope everyone is getting out or ready to get out.

[CharlieJ]

"Hope everyone is getting out or ready to get out."

Early tomorrow morning, over 40 small boat sailors will depart Port Isabel Texas to begin the 11 th Texas 200. Winds are inn the 20's temps in the 90's and water in the low 80's. They'll camp on the barrier islands for the next five days and wind up here, a mile from my house on Friday afternoon

Wish the fair winds and safe sailing

Wish my injured back would allow me to have joined them!!

Edited to put quotes BACK around Franks statement