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Choosing Trailerable Sailboats For You
by Chris Wethered
There are many reasons sailors choose trailerable sailboats. The range on offer compliments those reasons. From a 14' Laser dinghy through to a Colgate 26' or beyond. Common sense should tell you that your best plan does not involve purchasing the first boat you see. Whether it be in a boat yard or online! You need to get on the water if at all possible to check her out.
Comparison
It's best to compare options first. But before that, parameters have to be considered and written down. There is no use buying a 25' vessel if your only using it a few times each year. Factors to bare in mind include:
* The level of experience of those interested in sailing on board.
* What purpose will the vessel serve? IE as a learning experience or for weekend trips etc
* Type of craft may determine where you can sail. IE depth of water in inland tributaries
* Where will the boat be kept?
* Are you working to a budget?
* What is the realistic amount of time the boat will be sailed and maintained?
These factors will help guide first timers and also act as a checklist for experienced sailors. On the face of it, they seem a bunch of niggling questions! Which to be fair they are. However down the line when you hear a terrible scrapping noise as you launch off unknown public slipway. You may wish to kick yourself for not finding out whether the slip is suitable for pocket cruisers.
Taking the questions in turn let's go through the list
Level of experience
If your trained and accredited then you'll be aware of the safety aspects involved with larger vessels. Dinghies are generally designed to be less complicated to sail. With fewer ropes and halyards, smaller sails, so less powerful if things get hairy. Try telling the recent Olympic champions dinghies are for wimps!
What purpose will the vessel serve?
Looking to teach your kids to sail, is different from weekend cruising. Days out on dinghies are more rewarding for a young crew in terms of knowledge gained. If you want more than day sailing the more invested overall is required. As confidence and skills grow, then larger boats become easier to handle.
Vessel type can determine location
Not just in terms of water depth. Think about how far you plan to travel with your boat. Distances take longer to cover. This will eat in to your leisure time. Depending of course on whether you keep her at home or on the hard standing of a marina.
Where will the boat be kept?
There are several options here. In the water, on a pontoon or swinging on a buoy. At the marina on hard standing or at home. There are costs to weighed up over the mooring fees and antifoul versus lifting fees or hauling if you have a larger boat. Of course hauling a Sunfish is much easier at 150 pounds, than a 2,600 pound Colgate!
Are you working to a budget?
As we know there are a multitude of out goings with any boat. Trailerable sailboats are no different! Of course scale is a factor. Here a few to consider:
* The condition of the boat versus cost for replacement parts
* Getting a survey done by an insurance approved surveyor
* Mooring fees, lift fees, insurance, fuel and so on
Determine what is realistic before being disappointed.
Do lots of research. Become an expert! Ask friends, ask owners - get a balanced view. You can then compare opportunities. Vessels of any description if carefully maintained will hold their value over time. Of course finding out whether they have been raced is important. This has pricing issues. Racing puts much higher stress and load through the hull and rigging. Dinghy hulls can actually change shape!
Manufacturers to explore for trailerable sailboats include:
* Laser
* Sunfish
* Precision
* Columbia
* Catalina
* Colgate
* Beneteau
* Hunter
You can get information from forums or dedicated websites specific to the make - but not run by the manufacturer! You'll get an enthusiastic reception and relevant advice. Good luck and great sailing!
About the Author
boatpride.com
Good sailing everyone.
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