Looking for Suggestions

[wolverine]

I plan on selling my Seidelmann 295 this spring and purchasing a different boat.  The only reason being,  every so often the wind picks up out of the south for several days and lowers the water level at our dock.  We don't have a moon tide here, but a wind tide. If the wind is out of the south it will drop the water a foot at times. Most days are okay, but there have been a few instances where I dared not move the boat for fear of running aground in our little cove.  Right now I'm renting a slip for $125 a month.  Cheap enough, but there's only water, electric has been promised for the last 2 years.  I need a boat with less than 3' of draft. (there's 3 1/2' most days at our dock) Also, I need to fit under a bridge with a 45' max height. So far I've found two boats I like that would fit me.


Requirements:
Draft less than 3'
Bridge clearance less than 45' (with antenna)
Standing headroom (for those rare occasions the wife comes for a day sail)
Marine head (again the wife)
Inboard diesel
$30k or less
Located East of the Mississippi

The two boats I've found to date.   

Island Packet 27:
Draws only 2' with the board up
Roomy interior
Will fit under the bridge
Talked with an owner and stated they are very stable with the board down

Seaward 25:
Wing keel draws 2'
No centerboard to worry about
Will fit under the bridge
No wood interior = easier to clean (mildew and spills)
Can be trailered.
I can pull it out for bottom work and during bad storms

note: almost bought a Flicka, but our grandsons love overnight sails and we need more room

Have any suggestions on other boats to look at?
 

[Frank]

IP 27 is a good boat.
Seaward is no where near that build quality.
Compac 25's fit your bill as well but the IP 27 is far more spacious.
Deja Vu (my Jenneau Eolia) fits the bill with a keel/centerboard option but rare.
PS...I love shallow draft boats!

Good luck
Keep us posted on finds in your area

[wolverine]

I failed to mention that 90% of my sailing is along the AICW.  I have trailered my Compac 19 to Canada, FL, and every summer to southern IL for a Compac rendezvous.  This May I'll be participating in the FL120 again.
IF I was to choose the Seaward, I would sell the Compac and trailer the Seaward. 

I would like to make the jump to the Bahamas and realize the IP is much better boat for that.  Frank, did you sail your boat there?   

[Frank]

Yep..
I've crossed over a cruised in :
20ft Flicka
22ft Cdory
23ft Compac
24ft Jenneau
25ft Compac
26ft Ariel
27ft Campac

All were shallow draft
 
Very attainable in smaller boats..