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Eotnak · 15-08-2020, 12:06

Hello, just introducing myself. I've been hot rodding, motorcycling, and canoeing/kayaking all my life but always wanted to sail. I've decided that it's time to take the plunge with a budget and a plan. The original plan was to start with a really small daysailer and hit some close lakes.

I found a really nice Capri 16.5 and was ready to pull the trigger, but as I dug deeper into actually using it, I found that it was banned locally due to blue-green algal blooms. Not to mention that the local club is not meeting due to COVID and blooms. My plan was to take lessons with them, but a friend has offered to teach me considering this.

So my latest idea is to find a bigger, yet beginner-friendly (but not so beginner-only) trailerable boat. I understand that bigger means not so intimate with the toxic water and therefore allowed on the water. Primarily I'd like something that I can take day trips on with my family of 4 to these lakes, and possibly learn my way into coastal trips with it.

My budget is $4000 for boat, trailer, motor with nothing missing. I'm definitely not afraid to put in some restoration work but from looking around it doesn't seem like it is necessary with my budget. I'm seeing a ton of Catalina 22's of course, but I wonder if something else fits the bill.

Anyway, I realize I am presenting a question in the wrong spot here, but I felt it was necessary to help you guys know who I am.

Thanks,
Tom

**Don C L** · 15-08-2020, 12:29

Welcome aboard Tom! No you have the right spot. Given your history in hot rodding I immediately thought you'll need a fun fast boat like a little catamaran like a Hobie or a NACRA (though you'll need a mentor at first.) But since you need to be separated from the water more (I hadn't heard of that!) a Catalina 22 would be a fine choice and probably can be found on a trailer in your price range. A Catalina 25 may be a better choice given your desire to take the whole family out. A good one on a trailer will probably go over your budget, but you never know. Good luck!

IslandInfedel · 15-08-2020, 12:32

Maybe a Flying Dutchman

Or laser 2

I was going to recommend a J24, but a $4K J24 probably will be more of a project than a boat.

**Jim Cate** · 15-08-2020, 18:03

G'Day tom, and welcome to CF and the sailing world.

IMO the Cat-22 is a good fit for your situation. Relatively inexpensive, well proven, easily enough room to do day sailing and more with the family, and plenty seaworthy for any lake sailing... and so very popular that there is always a market for them when it's time to move on from it.

FWIW, I had one way back when... hull #61 out of the ten thousand + that have been built. Sailed her on California lakes, and then on SF Bay and the Pacific for 7 years including several trips to the offshore islands in SoCal and a month long stint in the Straits of Georgia and the Canadian islands, with ex-wife and two smallish kids on board. So I know of what I speak!

There are certainly other similar trailer sailors that would do the job for you, and some are arguably better boats in one way or another, but over all, the Cat 22 seems a good choice to me.

Good luck and enjoy the trip.

Jim

Eotnak · 16-08-2020, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don C L

...But since you need to be separated from the water more (I hadn't heard of that!)...

It looks like I got confused by a reader's comment on some article somewhere out there because I can't find anything from the official pages. They are only showing swimming bans.

No doubt those Hobie catamarans and those folks leaning over the sides of that Flying Dutchman look like a ton of fun! My girls are just a bit too young for following instructions like that for now.

I know from experience with working on cars and motorcycles that with high production numbers come great resources in aftermarket support and interest. My guess is the same goes for sailboats. I think a Cat 22 is my aim, especially if you tell me you did all of that in yours, Jim.

Thank you everyone!
Tom

Eotnak · 02-12-2020, 08:29

Well we ended up with an O'Day 25 with the shoal draft / ballast and
swing centerboard.

It's in much better shape than I'm used to seeing on the coast.

Interior is in serious need of updating but I'm in no rush

From what I understand, she spent her whole life on Lake Michigan. 14 hour drive out with my daughter to go pick her up in Chicago

Thanks for all of your input, folks! I actually feel a lot more confident after watching a lot of Youtube videos...which is hilarious; I feel like a 15 year old learning how to refinish a cabinet or something. I feel that I can do this, we're going to start out in a reservoir near us and get the hang of everything before we venture out in the bay. I have to learn how to read charts and tides and storms and....