Largest bilge keel boat trailerable in EU

[etoimene]

Hi all!

Please help me identify bilge keel boat models trailerable in EU (max width 2.55 m).

So far I found
Leisure 23 (and all smaller models)
Vivacity 650 (Alex goes sailing vlog)
Hurley 22 (there is bilge keel version mentioned)
Seamaster sailer 23
Hunter Channel 245
Trident 24


I prefer Leisure 23 from these because of accommodation space and relatively large cockpit.
Bilge keel is so that I can even put it on a truck without stand. Might have issues getting a trailer in my storage space so this option looks nice workaround. Also, no need for special boat trailer - I can rent regular one.

Sailing in Croatia, so relatively protected waters, many islands to hide behind.

Must be available in EU (preferably some Austrian lake, because it is the closest ), but Germany, Netherlands, France could work.
That will probably exclude many US models.

Any other ideas?

EDIT: I just realized I can search sailboat data by these criteria.
Anyway, your experience with any such sailboat would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[Pete7]

Possibly, have a look for Gibsea 242, 262 and other similar model numbers. these are cheap lift keel yachts, sometimes with a keel stub, but low draft and go on a trailer very easily.

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/yacht/1...a-242-7957454/

You might also look at the baby Etaps. French, stylish and late ones shockingly expensive, but early ones cheap. Foam bouyancy in hull needs to be sound.

Of the Leisure, I prefer the later Leisure 23SL but that is a personal opinion only. https://leisureowners.org.uk/overvie...d-23sl-yachts/

[fc59]

In France, you can find the Biloup 77.

But beware : advertised manufacturer displacement is between 1500-1800 kg.
Real displacement is around 2000-2500 kg.

Beware 2 : you need a sizeable car to tow it (At list from an European point of view).

Beware 3 : you cannot use a ramp. Crane mandatory.

In the end, although legally trailer able, the complexity (Try find a parking place for the car with the trailer) and cost (Big car + insurance) and time needed (crane wait for boat lifting + speed limits on most roads) to tow it to sail at the place you want make boat renting very very interesting.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by fc59

In France, you can find the Biloup 77.

But beware : advertised manufacturer displacement is between 1500-1800 kg.
Real displacement is around 2000-2500 kg.

Beware 2 : you need a sizeable car to tow it (At list from an European point of view).

Beware 3 : you cannot use a ramp. Crane mandatory.

In the end, although legally trailer able, the complexity (Try find a parking place for the car with the trailer) and cost (Big car + insurance) and time needed (crane wait for boat lifting + speed limits on most roads) to tow it to sail at the place you want make boat renting very very interesting.

I trailed a 4 Winn’s 8 metre long 2.55M width all up with trailer 3.4 metric tons all through the length of France from Ireland including ferry from Ireland. No particular issues ( other then going through a gearbox in the RR ! ). This rig is motorway legal and hence I could typically run at 55 -60 mph. Insurance was covered by the car insurance for free ( third party ) the boat insurance covered the boat when in the trailer.

Yes it’s a big rig and you’ll not drive through little villages but I stuck to main roads and motorways. Slept on board in service stations , no issues on the ferry either ( other then the 2nd mate joking was I worried about the safety of the ship that I brought my own )

Did this journey, twice down and back 1200 km each way. ( a few years ago now)

[etoimene]

@Pete7, I would prefer fixed keels. At that age I suspect lifting ones could cause a problems. Also, special trailer required.

I also like Leisure 23 SL the most.

@fc59, many thanks for the suggestion. I really like it.
It also offers choice of inboard or outboard engine and TWO (2) cabins! Unbelievable at this size.
Not worried too much about trailerability because I would most probably move it with a truck and crane and avoid a hassle of maintaining and registering the trailer. Absolutely want to avoid paper work for special transport.

Regarding renting, it is not easy to find small boats to rent here in Croatia and those that do cost 100EUR/day. I plan to spend many weeks/year so buying is viable option.

I am looking for trailerability because of cheaper wintering. Marina berth per year here would cost more than a boat value.

[realem]

In France you can get a Kelt either 25ft or 28 ft. Lifting keel very stable boats

[etoimene]

Thanks! Not many on leboncoin.fr. I am looking for the bilge keel boat for logistics reasons I stated above.

[johnn33]

Perhaps a Parker https://parkerseal.org.uk/about/the-fleet
John

[etoimene]

Looks like Parker is a lifting keel.

I found Westerly Pageant 23 and Centaur 26 (Ok, Centaur is a few cm above the 2,55m)

[fc59]

Just as a side note :

Why not a rolling craddle ?

Yes, the logistics will be more complex on one side, with craddle storage. But I presume it can be made bolted and dismoutable for easier handling/storing.

On the other side, you no longer need a crane for boat loading, unloading on the trailer. You may even use a ramp for launching in water.

And it allows considerably more choices for the sailboat.

[goboatingnow]

In the med very few slips are suitable for launching anything other then very small boats. Most have no extended slip way into the water.

[etoimene]

I did consider a rolling cradle. There are very few slips here where I plan to keep her.