1986 Jeanneau Tonic 23'

[Jefmech]

What does everyone think of a 1986 Jeanneau Tonic as a first boat? Ie. Learn to sail, local waters, weekender kinda thing. Fresh water boat, immaculate condition, 5000$ ???

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[Twhitt]

Tonic a great little boat. We had the bigger version, Fantasia 27, loved it.

Still have a Jeanneau, now SO32. All Jeanneau seem to be good sailors and well put together, just had a SO36 charter in Greece for two weeks this summer, again was a good sailing boat.

[JBP]

I have a Tonic 23 and it is a great boat for weekend and even week long trips. It goes on a trailer easy and can be pulled by a regular large car since it is under 5,000 pounds with trailer. With no bulkheads below, a real head, galley, the outboard in a well (so you can pretend it's an inboard), and almost standing room, it has many of the luxuries of a larger boat. These come at the cost of sailing ability, it is not fast and it is difficult to maneuver at low speeds (you can't steer with the outboard). It takes a few hours to launch and rig, so it's not great for a day trip off the trailer. Mine was $5,500 including outboard, trailer, four sails, autopilot, and very much ready to sail.

As for learning to sail, nothing beats a dinghy where it is much easier to feel how your boat is reacting.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, JBP.

[barnakiel]

Tonics are easy boats and sail well. Our neighbour here has a J Fantasia, basically a Tonic + 4'.

Make sure the boat is all sound and then go get it.

Have fun on the water!
b.