In article 30vdb.29962$Ms2.26443@fed1read03, "Wesnkat" wrote:

I have gone through roughly the same senerio over the past
20 or so years. The first issue is that any displacement
hull boat is roughly limited by the hull speed (i.e.length).
That said, some get there is less wind than others.

We used a venture/MacGregor 17 for many years, too small
for anything but day crusing but has served us well.
I would say 22 ft is a minimum if you plan to sleep on it
any, want a porta-head, and need the capability of bringing
along friends (kids or yours). As our kids got older we
added an old solcat to liven things up a little. The need
for speed then progressed to windsurfers.

Our 'kids' now have their own boats and we have upgraded to
a 1990 MacGregor 26D (water ballast,dager board). Dry weight
about 2000 lbs. Trailers nice, sleeps nice, and sails fairly
fast. MacGregors from the factory are a bit sparten. However
one can always add to the ameneties.

Water ballast mono hulls are a bit tender. Ours heels to 10
degrees in moderate wind, but takes a lot to get it past 15
degrees.

my $.02

mpm




I know this is probably a often asked question, but here goes (maybe again).

I have a great Hobie 16 that I have sailed in Mission Bay, San Diego for the
last 8 years.

But now, I've got a lovely wife and two kids (6 and 2). Bottom line, I need
to ditch the cat and buy a monohull that is fairly dry and cozy for the
family members.

I am looking for a used boat that is:
1. trailerable (i.e. light and swing keel; I have a Jeep Liberty to tow)
2. inexpensive (under $4000)
3. easy to sail by one or two people
4. extremely safe
5. fairly fast under sail (I coming off a cat after all)
6. able to handle an outboard motor
7. has a cabin.

Been looking at MacGregor (19?) and Hunter (water ballast systems seems very
safe), and Catalina.

Any advice on these or others would be greatly appreciated as well as where
to look to buy.

Thanks,

Wes



Michael Moorman
Durham NC