Which Boat Would you Choose?

[Captrhino]

Appick, I live on the local lake so I have the advantage of keeping the boat within 20yards of the house. I agree with the trailering would get old that's part o the reason we moved to the lake was I grew tired of hauling the jet skis to the lake every weekend it's much nicer to just walk down and hop on them and go. With keeping one in fresh water how often do I need to haul it out to have it clean? We actually have a sailboat repair shop that has opened up in the last couple years less than 15 miles down the road. I think I will go non trailer able and have it moved to the gulf when/if I ever wanted to. Here's a shot of my dock . . I want to keep the boat where the jet ski is sitting and have two pilings put in to keep it from banging into anything .


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[a64pilot]

As far as the bottle of Jim Beam etc., I was looking at six figure, 40 ft boats and I'll tell you I'm absolutely amazed at how people just don't seem to clean a boat they put up for sale, nor do they seem to realize that leaving the last meal in the grill and liquor bottles around etc, has to hurt their sale chances, don't only look at boats fully cleaned and prepped for sale, or you will miss out on many boats

[Captrhino]

Sanman60

I agree with most of what you said and appreciate the input.
I like the Ticon and will try to go see it but the partial refurbished also concerns me.

[crazyoldboatguy]

I have trailered a boat near the size of the Ticon. If you aren't going far you could get away with a 1/4 ton PU. However, stepping the mast can be quite a task - it's a big cross section and requires special consideration for raising so you maintain control of the spar. I have launched/stepped unstepped/recovered my 28' Triton many many times. I know what it takes. Not for the faint of heart. And you aren't going to launch in the morning, sail the day and recover in the evening. That is too tall an order for a boat of that size. I don't know much about the Ticon but I like the size/displacement for when you venture out into the gulf. Shallower draft/lighter displacement boats will require care to maintain control in more open water.

You may have to start with the Cal or O'Day and move up larger later. Both are OK boats for smaller bodies of water.

[Igotnuthin]

Originally Posted by Igotnuthin

I've worked on a Ticon before and I was very impressed at the way they planned the layout so that absolutely everything was easily accessible. Had to rebed staunchions and such and panels were easy to remove to gain access to the nuts.....

I really ought not write messages first thing in the morning!
I am an airhead! I worked on a TRITON yacht and THAT ONE is well layed out. Don't know about the Ticon....sorry

[crazyoldboatguy]

step one - coffee
step two - coffee
step three - write posts

[Igotnuthin]

Originally Posted by crazyoldboatguy

step one - coffee
step two - coffee
step three - write posts

I swear......it WAS step 3!

[Captrhino]

Any one had experience with a Tartan ? I maybe asking for too much out 1 boat . Bigger comfy cabin , shallower lake type draft but safe for gulf waters.


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[crazyoldboatguy]

What you are hoping, to take this to the extreme, is to be able to sail an overpowered open cockpit racing boat with a centerboard on open waters. I would not do that. I know - it is taking it to the extreme. However, you are hoping that you can have it both ways. When you compromise too much you end up being unhappy in both places. And possibly unsafe as well.

@Igotnuthin -

[Captrhino]

Not quite to that extreme but I get your point . It's just my lake depth and depth at my dock that's concerning me . I could go daggerboard route, would that give me a feel of how a keel boat will act or do they act totally different ?


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[crazyoldboatguy]

A boat with a swing keel will be closer to a keeled boat than a dagger board. You are in a challenging situation. The boat that would be decent to best in the lake will be marginal in more open waters. When you add children to the mix this can make the situation more challenging. If you get into rough weather on open waters with a light displacement boat you can at least make your crew less happy about sailing. Good luck and happy hunting!

[Captrhino]

I think a swing keel will be the way to go and when/if we ever want to take on open water, look at selling and going with a keeled boat. Anyone have a hunter or had a hunter ?


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[Captrhino]

Would anyone suggest jumping into a bigger type boat with no sailing experience or go with a dinghy type sailor first?


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[offline]

If it were me I'd go for the Santana or the Catalina.

WD Schock makes a nice boat and so does Catalina.

Columbia should also be on the list somewhere.

The others I wouldn't touch

[crazyoldboatguy]

My first take is to start small and work up. Like motorcycles. To start w/a 110ci Harley right off is a challenge.

I have known folks who start with a larger boat and do well - it is a personal thing. I don't know what your capabilities are. If you go larger, I would seek out some blue water sailing classes - that'll give you an idea of how things happen on a larger boat in open water. Much of boat handling is in tight quarters. If you have never sailed a 40' boat and find yourself in a marina with a contrary wind you will have problems.

I grew up on sailboats. Started off in a dinghy cause my parents wouldn't trust me with the bigger (28") boat. I have sailed THAT boat across open water in very difficult conditions. But I have decades of experience. Can a person acquire decades of experience in a short time. Of course. But only YOU can figure that out. Add children and a potentially nervous helicopter mother and you have a real challenge on your hands. Make sure you are aware of how the crew is feeling about things and go at THEIR speed.