Sailing in the desert....??

[garbo38]

Can it be? Sort of.
Arizona does have a few lakes where small boats can sail, provided you can avoid the power people. I'm an old guy who has sailed for more than 65 years, and I'd like to find a gaff-rigged dingy that I can sail without getting too wet, and one that I can trailer easily from my home near Tucson. I'm very traditional with a deep love of brass and teak, but I'm unable to keep the maintenance up to my usual standards anymore, and will have to settle for FG or similar.
Any thoughts for a retired old guy on a budget?

[oldragbaggers]

An Edey & Duff Dovekie 21 maybe?

[boatman61]

How about this.. don't even need water..

[JPA Cate]

What about a small beach cat?

Or, research dinghy plans, find one you like and build it.

Ann

[Ungvar]

My recommendation doesn't hit all of your points, specifically the Gaff rig element.

I had a trailer sailor for some time and my biggest obstacle to getting out sailing- by far, wasn't launching it, or trailering it or weather. It was stepping the mast, especially if you will be alone.

Based on that, I would suggest something fairly small with a lightweight aluminum rig. The smallest Hunter, the 15' seems to meet most of your criteria, I'm not sure any Gaff rigger would be very easy to rig for an afternoon sail.

A 15 should be big enough to keep you dry, carry a couple of freinds, even carry some camping equipment and an outboard if you desire.

Just writing this response is making me want to load a dinghy up with camping gear and go sailing in the desert.

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