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Old 20-04-2020, 09:03   #16
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

I've always liked the Seaward 26RK design. I think they also make a 30.
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Old 20-04-2020, 09:08   #17
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

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I've always liked the Seaward 26RK design. I think they also make a 30.
Actually its a 32 - I have been wanting one for a while. Get a newer model though. There were some keel problems on the 32 and 26 that were addressed in a design change around 2010. Seaward and Island Packett are sister companies, made in the same plant now days.
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Old 20-04-2020, 09:23   #18
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

Quote: "We’re looking to buy something new so Macgregor isn’t option for us but would definitely consider if they still made them. Something comparable would be perfect. '

What makes you think that a new boat (ex factory) is "better" than a "new to you" boat? If that notion is a carry-over from experience with cars, then please do rethink it. A older boat well maintained is almost always a better bet both in terms of cash outlays year after year and in terms of general utility.

And do scull around on HolyMotherNet to see what is available OTHER than McGregors. There are innumerable pocket cruisers that will perform better under sail and still motor perfectly satisfactorily.

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Old 20-04-2020, 10:21   #19
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

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New to sailing, we're looking for a starter pocket cruiser that we can grow with.

Two big caveats – (1) it must have a retractable keel for shallow docking by our home. (2) Also, our home is behind a low hanging bridge so the sailboat must have a folding mast and motor to get us under the bridge and into the bay.

I was looking at Macgregor 26 but noticed they stopped manufacturing sailboats a while back.

What are our options now?
Long Island. I'd see if I could find a cat boat with a gimbled mast.
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Old 20-04-2020, 11:59   #20
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

This. BayCruiser 26 | Swallow Yachts
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Old 20-04-2020, 12:21   #21
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

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New to sailing, we're looking for a starter pocket cruiser that we can grow with.
I don't know if anyone should buy new as their first sailboat. There's so much to learn (and docks to hit ) that I would always recommend a used boat as your first. Besides, until someone gets some sailing time under their belt, they usually don't know what qualities and features they appreciate most in a boat.
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Old 20-04-2020, 12:33   #22
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

Dear Michael,
I have been happy for very many years with my TES 678 BT.
It has all you are looking for. I crossed the English Channel with it, see YouTube:
Success!
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Old 20-04-2020, 12:47   #23
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

Marshall Sanderling with folding mast. One stay, huge cockpit, easy to sail, draws 18 inches with the centerboard up. I have one. Works great.
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Old 20-04-2020, 13:11   #24
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

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Long Island. I'd see if I could find a cat boat with a gimbled mast.
I had a hell of a time finding them. Look up Cape Cod cat boat. I found some with a gimbled mast. Beamy with lots of room not sure on headroom?
Best of luck.
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Old 20-04-2020, 14:26   #25
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

If you want performance under power but far better sailing than the Macgregor - I recently read an article on the Coast 250. Built by Swallow Yachts (swallowyachts.com). Report in Practical Boat Owner April 2020.
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Old 20-04-2020, 14:40   #26
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

If you can locate a boat with a swing keel, it's easy to convert a DECK stepped mast to a TABERNACLE, i just completed this on a 34 foot Sloop, that lives in Santa Cruz harbor, slip is passed the bridge, lowering and raising the mast is a piece of cake, using a 12 volt winch motor with the remote control, as a Shipwright, it was the first time i had tackeled this kind of project, but after doing some research, it was quite simple.
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Old 20-04-2020, 14:43   #27
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

With a small enough boat, a tabernacle mast becomes fairly doable and I don't see why not on the water. When the boat/mast get too big/heavy then it's a problem. But rigging is time consuming and pita etc. Have you considered an unstayed mast for this? I wonder if a Freedom type is possible to demast on the water?
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Old 20-04-2020, 15:00   #28
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

Why buy a new first boat? Think it over.

Our Aquarius had a swing keel and 1' draft with the keel up. The 26' mast stepped to the deck and I could raise or lower it by myself. It was 23' and was a lot of fun.
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Old 20-04-2020, 22:14   #29
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

Find the best Nimble 25 you can find. Canadian (I think). Perfect for your needs. I think it’s a Yanmar diesel and Shoal draft, easy to step mast and sails nice.
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Old 21-04-2020, 08:40   #30
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Re: Sailboat with folding mast & retractable keel

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Find the best Nimble 25 you can find. Canadian (I think). Perfect for your needs. I think it’s a Yanmar diesel and Shoal draft, easy to step mast and sails nice.
Yeah those Nimble's are pretty cool. A bit scarce though. Nimble 20, 24, 25
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