Challenger 7.4, Seaworthy?

[LynnWellin]

Hello, I am looking at buying a Challanger 7.4. Could this boat be taken out in the open seas? Will she be able to handle a storm at all?

[boatman61]

I like the long fin... I don't like the idea of an O/B hanging off the back... much prefer the 'Well' type... or fit a 10hp Bukh...
She has the line but the comments below would have me looking carefully...







Challenger 7.4

Specifications:

L.O.A.: 24' 4" (7.4 m)
L.W.L.: 20' 2" (6.15 m)
Beam: 8' 2" (2.49 m)
Draft: 3' 5" (1.04 m)

Displacement: 4000 lbs. (1814 kg.)
Ballast: 2090 lbs. (948 kg.)
Sail area: 230 sq. ft. (21.37 m²)

Motor: outboard (8 to 9.9 hp).
Headroom: standing
Berths: 4
Rating (PHRF-LO) : 243

Price range: $5,000 to $7,000

• This boat was originally known as the Challenger 24, and later renamed the 7.4 (and was sometimes referred to as the Challenger 23 or 7.5). It is one of those sailboats which attempts to provide full standing headroom in the cabin for the least possible money. It may not be the best built, or nicest looking, or the fastest sailboat around, but it's probably one of the least expensive model that can be found on the used market with standing headroom (another would be the rather odd-looking Wegu 23, or the Georgian 23 with its boxy-looking cabin). The interior of the Challenger 24 has a V-berth, a semi-private head, a small dinette/berth, and quarter berth and galley counter. The foredeck of this boat has a noticeable arch as it appears that it is stiffened with a convex construction technique (as opposed to the use of a wooden core).
  
  by Michael McGoldrick.

[LynnWellin]

Are you referring to the comments related to the "cheapest" this "cheapest" that? If so, then yes, those aren't very nice. But is this seaworthy? In other words, if I get hit by a storm while I'm out there, are the chances of my making it out 25%, or 75%? And any other suggestions for boats that are capable of handling sea journeys? I'm basically on a non existent budget, but I don't care; I'm getting a boat anyway, and sailing pretty damn far next summer.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by LynnWellin

(...)

Challanger 7.4
(...)

Could this boat be taken out in the open seas?
(...)

Will she be able to handle a storm at all?

Apparently, the limits are set by the skipper's imagination, excess, or lack of thereof.

IMHO this design looks delicate and much as I can envision sailing open waters in anything, I would rather prefer not to be in a boat of this type in a storm (especially a storm to be weathered in open waters).

I think for 4-7k one can get a boat that will be easier and safer in bad weather offshore.

b.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by LynnWellin

(...)

I'm getting a boat anyway, and sailing pretty damn far next summer.

If you want to get 'damn far' then would it not be a better bet to chose a 'damn good' tool for the job?

b.

[LynnWellin]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

If you want to get 'damn far' then would it not be a better bet to chose a 'damn good' tool for the job?

b.

No ****. I'm trying to get some help figuring out WHAT tool to get right now. I.e., seeing if this one is appropriate.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by LynnWellin

No ****. I'm trying to get some help figuring out WHAT tool to get right now. I.e., seeing if this one is appropriate.

Not in my book.

The one below is an inexpensive, solid, safe, small design that I would feel (relatively - because of the size) safe in:

INTERNATIONAL FOLKBOAT sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

tags: offshore, storm

Our friend sailed one of them from Germany to West Indies and back. That's pretty far and with at least two passages where you can get caught by a bad storm.

b.

[LynnWellin]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Not in my book.

The one below is an inexpensive, solid, safe, small design that I would feel (relatively - because of the size) safe in:

INTERNATIONAL FOLKBOAT sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

tags: offshore, storm

Our friend sailed one of them from Germany to West Indies and back. That's pretty far and with at least two passages where you can get caught by a bad storm.

b.

Thanks, that was slightly more helpful. But I need something readily available (in Ontario, near Toronto preferably). In other words, finding a specific boat like this would mean higher prices, and the shipping fees would probably skyrocket. Would you say Thunderbird 26 foot boat is seaworthy? What about Cloylee 30?

[barnakiel]

I'd rather look towards things like a Contessa 26. I think Tania Aebi sailed one.

I think someone built them on your side of the pond too, here they cost 5 to 15k depending on condition.

b.

[goat]

Start here;
Mahina Expedition - Selecting A Boat for Offshore Cruising
and here;
Atom Voyages - Good Old Boats List

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by LynnWellin

Thanks, that was slightly more helpful.

You'd help yourself more by being more specific about your goals and budget.

When you say "damn far" what do you mean... once around Lake Ontario and maybe a canal or two? All over the Great Lakes? The Caribbean? Borneo?

The Challenger would make an OK first boat on the Great Lakes, if the budget is tight. I expect they are solid enough; the "not the best-built" is probably a comment on the level of finish and maybe the hardware used, which is something you can upgrade.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by LynnWellin

Are you referring to the comments related to the "cheapest" this "cheapest" that? If so, then yes, those aren't very nice. But is this seaworthy? In other words, if I get hit by a storm while I'm out there, are the chances of my making it out 25%, or 75%? And any other suggestions for boats that are capable of handling sea journeys? I'm basically on a non existent budget, but I don't care; I'm getting a boat anyway, and sailing pretty damn far next summer.

Yes I'm referring to that.. and not the best build... but it has pluses like the solid plastic deck... long fin keel... good... check the rudder tube for rust if steel... a few Hurleys and others have sunk when their tubes rotted out and water poured in...
Only you can tell when you inspect... if it feels good go for it... most boats are tougher than their owners..

[bobconnie]

+ 1 on what Boatie said !! Almost all boats are tougher then the sailors aboard them !!

[LynnWellin]

What about Hughes 25 footer? I found one in pretty good condition fairly cheap