Pocket Cruiser/Gunkhole express advice

[Hunter]

I seek the wisdom of the community! -I have been enjoying my 1965 O'day Widgeon on Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan for two seasons now, but alas, it is time to upgrade. Let's see what y'all think:

Needs: trailerable (& trailer launch)
Comfy over-night for 2. (we are young folk ((2o's ))
Cheap ---(we are young folk .... haha)

Budget =<$5,000

Wants: a functioning head.. maybe
large enough cockpit to entertain a few more + a dog on day cruises
small outboard
Beachable from time-to-time

Uses and Geography: Day sailing 3-4x per week close to home
Multi-day gunkholing expeditions 1-2x a month around islands, islets, river mouths of Northern Lake Michigan, Straights of Mackinac, North Channel - Lake Huron.

She would be kept moored in a sheltered area 3-5ft deep.

-What I have looked at so far: San Juan 21, Compac 16, Montgomery 15, Catalina 22.)

Also: (I don't know if this is proper etiquette to concatenate this question to the above; if not, call me out and I'll start a new thread where appropriate.)

-But has anybody done a system to carry sea kayaks, surfboards, or even bikes on the deck of a boat 27ft or less?
Thanks for the input!

[Hunter]

*Just to clarify (I hadn't realized "express" was used as a euphemism for motor-sailors.) I am NOT looking for a motorsailor or trawler. That's definitely out of my price range; just wee lil' cruisers. Thanks.

[svHannabel]

How about this O'Day 25? She checks most of the boxes, though I personally am not crazy about an outboard for use on the big lake when there's a swell and you need to get home.

Or how about a West Wight Potter 19? Good little boats with a strong reputation.

[RainDog]

What will you be towing with? How often will you trailer?

I like a folkboat for your requirements, but they draw 4' and are not super easy to trailer.
A centerboard or lee board boat is best for trailering and gunkholing, but does not stand up to wind and waves as well, and probably will not do as well carrying cruising gear and supplies.

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by svHannabel

how about a West Wight Potter 19? Good little boats with a strong reputation.

I have heard good things about West Wight Potters. -I'm afraid the O'Day may be a little more boat than I am currently looking for.

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by RainDog

What will you be towing with? How often will you trailer?

I like a folkboat for your requirements, but they draw 4' and are not super easy to trailer.
A centerboard or lee board boat is best for trailering and gunkholing, but does not stand up to wind and waves as well, and probably will not do as well carrying cruising gear and supplies.

I will probably only trailer it to/from storage at the beginning and end of each season. Mid-size truck. Tacoma.

And I know!!! -If only I could afford a Flicka 20. Haha

[hellosailor]

I'm a firm believer in heads, but they seem to be found on 28' and larger boats, and I think that's arguably proper because even a really tiny cramped head, plus the holding tank and plumbing and second sink, TAKE UP SPACE.


So I'd really think towards a commode bucket (they sell real toilet seats & lids for those) or a portapotty wouldn't be so bad unless you plan a lot of week-long camping on the boat. If you use a commode bucket, it is incredibly easy to put two plastic bags in it, add a cup or two of clumping kitty litter (any brand), and then simply lift up the bag and tie it after use. No odor, no leaks, dirt cheap, unlike the $3 apiece "wag bags". Leave the tied bag in the bottom, and two new bags...cheap simple and zero cleanup.


Opens you up to a lot more in small boats, without all that head equipment. And the deck pumpout fun, too.

[Stu Jackson]

CATALINA 22 is fine, pushing your rig for a C25, like the O'Day 25 suggested. I wouldn't call the C25 a "trailerable" but once a year would be doable. Great boat, we had ours for 13 years!

[monstads]

Check out the Aquarius 23. We love ours, and I think it has everything you mentioned, including being towed by a Tacoma! There's an active owners group on yahoo as well.

Sent from my A0001 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Hunter]

The kitty litter thing is a fantastic idea!

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

CATALINA 22 is fine, pushing your rig for a C25, like the O'Day 25 suggested. I wouldn't call the C25 a "trailerable" but once a year would be doable. Great boat, we had ours for 13 years!

What is the argument for going to the 25s? More boat for a similar price-point? Hellosailor's kitty litter tip appeals to me (still have to consult the girlfriend, haha.) because I am all about keeping it as simple and as easy to maintain as possible.

[RainDog]

Boating 1965 Abbott Folkboat mahogany over oak Classic Wooden Boat For Sale in Michigan

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Hunter

What is the argument for going to the 25s? More boat for a similar price-point? Hellosailor's kitty litter tip appeals to me (still have to consult the girlfriend, haha.) because I am all about keeping it as simple and as easy to maintain as possible.

Yes, same system simplicity with literally three or four times the volume and twice the space, plus standing headroom with the poptop up, enclosure available.

Plus the company is still in business and there is an active and vibrant owners association website so you avoid reinventing the wheel for any repairs and/or upgrades. Association Forum - Catalina 25 Specific Forum

[Seymore]

O'Day Mariner with a centerboard, Portapotty and camp style stove. It's a 19' weekender with a big cockpit for guests and dog.

[Hard Rock Candy]

I had a 25 ft Macgregor. for a year. Trailered it to Belize with a 73 Datsun 4 banger pickup. It was a fine little sailer. I put a chemical toilet in it. It would work well for three male's for a 10-day period. I sailed it for 60 days in Belize and Guatemala. Mac