Needing Advice for Boat Selection

[MontanaSailor]

Hey there all,
We've gotten great help from you all in the past with our last boat purchase, a Balboa 20, and are soliciting help once again. We've had a great time sailing our La Brisa in Flathead Lake this year, but are already setting our eyes on the next adventure and therefore the next boat.
We're planning to leave next November-ish (2012) for 3-4 months to trailer a boat to some tropical sailing grounds, probably the Sea of Cortez. These are the criteria we've worked out so far for this boat:

1) Seaworthy in the Sea of Cortez/near coastal sailing
2) Headroom => 6'
3) Trailerable with our truck (<~8,000 lbs towing weight)
4) Resonably affordable (<$8000) with trailer and motor

We have a 'short list' going and would love any feedback and thoughts. There's actually a S2 for sale in Bellingham that we've emailed for more info (http://bellingham.craigslist.org/boa/2450029932.html).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have!!
Midship 25 / Parker Dawson 26 / Dawson 26
Centaur 26
Bristol Corsair 24 (25)
Cape Dory 25D (MK II)
Grampian 26
Beachcomber 25
Ericson 25+ or Ericson MK II
Yankee 26 (25)
S2 7.9 Grand Slam or 8.0 Ocean Voyager 26

[zeehag]

what length markII ericson...
cal 30 is a good one and small enough to trailer and sturdy. i know 30 cal full keel for sale in sd for cheeep and in good shape...... is 5 ft draft, sails well and sturdy and perfect for your needs with good running inboard..........

[Cheechako]

Hi, I'm in the NW also. You will want a reasonably stout boat for the SOC. The northers blow hard sometimes creating large rollers etc. Having said that, I've seen many people in S2's etc. who sailed to the Sea. If it's blowing, you look out the harbor and see the rollers so you stay put! Your challenge is finding something trailerable. If I remember right the Parker Dawson is not very seaworthy.... FYI: Winter in the SOC is not that warm, and the water is about 63 degrees....but it's till nice. I'm trying to think of trailerable boats...but it's tough. Just two of you?
There's a boat the kinda flys under the radar...a Chrysler 26. Stiffer than most trailer sailors, heavier construction, than an Oday, Catalina etc. I know someone who had one. Go on line and you will find only good things said about them. Pretty decent head room If I remember right too...Chrysler? who the heck are they!!

[MontanaSailor]

Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts. Yes, it's just the two of us - and our dog (50 lbs) while in Montana. We'd be interested in learning more about the Cal 30 in SD. Is it trailerable though?

Thanks,
Katie

[tropicalescape]

the bristols are nice a fellow in NJ has one that could be had for 1750.00 pm if interested.good luck DVC

[Cheechako]

If you jump up to 30 ft and boats that arent normally "trailered", then there are a alot of boats. You'll need a travelift to launch and retrieve them in Mexico though, and keeping to $8000 with trailer and 8000 lbs might be tough.

[MontanaSailor]

Yes, we know it's going to take some time and patience to satisfy all of our criteria. What makes it even more difficult is that we live in MT and there isn't much of a market in the area! We're always up for a challenge though!