Posted by Jeff Potter Link: Out Your Backdoor -- HQ for indie outdoor culture
on 10/16/2009, 7:02:00
I like boats. I have canoes and kayaks but want a daysailer for my family of 4 (two kids, 9/11). We probably won't all be going out at the same time all the time but I'd like to be able to fit 4. My sailing background is diverse. We basically have zero budget so I'm "stuck" with having to buy whatever comes up locally at the cheapest rate. About $500-$1500. It needs to be light, simple, and easily trailered. We'd want to go out for an hour up to a beachable weekend. But here's my hunch. I wanted to bounce it off you guys: I'd think that any boat of this type would do. That any boat is better than no boat. Are there "bad" ones in this class? (Sure, there's bad condition.) I'm considering boats like the Wayfarer or ODay Daysailer. I bumped into a Cape Dory 14 -- a bit small for 4, but darn cute. My secondary dream is a boat that can be rowed. But likely any little trailerable daysailer can have oarlocks fit. I'd like one that sails decently -- that is, it points. To me, if a boat doesn't point, it's hard to get somewhere and back. You can go out for the day and wander, but otherwise it can be frustrating. The clincher is that I just bumped into a local WW Potter 15 that we just might be able to afford. I've long appreciated this type/model, but I'm wondering if it's too salty (overbuilt) -- too slow -- for casual sailing in our frequent light airs. Does it point? Does its "big little boat" rep mean more time to launch? There might be one put in at our local lake -- I should go over and see if I can walk around on it a bit, to see how it feels. Then I guess I should drive over and take a look at this boat for sale... Maybe I just lucked out... Any feedback appreciated. I feel like I'm floundering a bit out here on my own on this... Thanks! --JP PS: I see there's room to add a link here...so I might as well post my website here. I publish a diverse resource for indie outdoor culture...
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