Current situation
Our area in the TX Panhandle suffered during the severe droughts in 2010,2011 and even before this the lake was losing
water.
It hit an all time low of 26’.
It killed the boating/fishing industry here. Our lake is recovering and now sets at 75’ .
With the drought we
lost our marina....no slips here now. Only a
motor boat rental marina.
I have never seen a sail on lake Meredith ever! However it would be a nice lake for sailing. Despite the few major draw backs that I know will be obstacles ie, no slips, far from coastal
water, no sailboat enthusiast, no other large inland bodies of water.
Getting to the point,
We are looking at being
trailer sailers for a bit. We will be stepping up our own
mast during the
learning process.
I contacted our local parks and wildlife authorities asking them about
anchoring.
They stated that they do have an
anchor
buoy. They also stated that you can’t leave a
boat unattended for more than 24 hours ( not able to find this rule/law in print).
Now I understand, not first hand, some of the draw backs of
anchoring for an extended period 48-72 hours, but the idea of stepping a
mast every time you want to sail seems daunting. I’d love to here your take?
Next, we are
learning and not wanting to spend more than 5k on 22’-25’ trailerable sailboat with standing room in
cabin.
Any input would be nice. We are looking at some of the Catalinas 22-25 pop tops, but there are many sailboats out there brands makers etc. Mostly just looking from afar.
Husband has ice sailing and lots of
motor boat experience, I’m about as green as they come.
At present we are researching, studying and considering all option.
The plan is to take lessons at some point and to
head to the coast if we remain enthusiastic and passionate.
Also we are house
boating on the
Mississippi in September and are hoping to make a few stops, walk some
marinas and look at sailboats up closer, if and when allowable.
TIA
Slim