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Old 18-09-2014, 20:10   #16
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Niagara Les's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Toronto
Boat: Niagara Nautilus 36
Posts: 33
Re: Advice for Anyone Sailing a Small Boat with lots of Kids?

Here's what we did, maybe it will help...

We have a blended family, wife has 2 kids I have 2, we had one together ( sometimes referred to as the only thing that all of us have in common- she's our family glue!)
The Challenge- not a lot of cash to buy a huge no-maintenance required 50 foot boat, but still want to go cruising- so... we bought a new 24' trailer sailor with big aft cabin. That worked for up to a week at a time until we were at the stage you are at- a teenager or two. We then bought a second sailboat ( an old 17' trailer sailor with bunks for 2 for $1800) which we called the "kids" boat.

Best thing we ever did. They have all learned to sail, and care for that boat. The independence that the kids developed is priceless.

Just a month ago I watched as my 19 year old son took 3 friends out on it for the day. He towed the trailer to the ramp, launched,rigged, sailed for the day, and retrieved the boat just before sunset.
Best part is, who cares if he scratches it? He does!

We sold the 24' boat and have just now bought a "big" boat for us, and now half of them don't come anyway. Bonus!!! They will NOT let me sell the 17' boat though!

Those we good times.
Towed from Toronto to Florida a half dozen times for as little time as one week at March break ( just one boat in Fla). Sailed the North channel of Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario (both boats). We anchor out mostly and either rafted or anchored separately depending on what the kids wanted to do.
We even flew a couple of kids to Miami as 2 flew home (for a crew change- lol)

Anyway, a bit of creativity, and the whole thing will just "happen"

Message me if you want access to my online photo albums of some of those trips, a launch ramp comedy act for sure!





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