Posted by Jeff Potter 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...

Link: Out Your Backdoor -- HQ for indie outdoor culture

Posted by Dave Combs on 10/16/2009, 7:59:48, in reply to "Any daysailer will do?"

Jeff, Your price range will be a limiting factor but you might want to look at the Sea Pearl 21. Dave

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Posted by Steve W (NY) on 10/16/2009, 9:45:24, in reply to "Re: Any daysailer will do?"

I paid 4200 for a Sea Pearl and thought I got a great deal. I'd buy 5 at 1500 knowing I coud sell them all for 6000 tommorow. But it does fit his criteria. Take Care, Steve

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Posted by Steve W (NY) on 10/16/2009, 9:49:14, in reply to "Any daysailer will do?"

I had an O'day daysailer once and it was a cappable boat. It pointed well and was reasonably fast. IT also heald a lot of gear forward. I used to sail-camp and I loved it for that. It was beachable. About the only thing I didn't like was this constant leak around the CB handle, and that it took a while to set up at the ramp (25 minutes). I think you should be able to find one in your price range. Take Care, Steve

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Posted by Carl on 10/16/2009, 12:12:59, in reply to "Re: Any daysailer will do?"

I'm sure if you take your time and not hurry, you'll be able to find a boat that is just right for your type of sailing. I searched for 3 years before I found "the" boat in upstate New York. (we live in north central illinois) I didn't care much for the original color or sails, but that was easily rectified over the first few years. Oh, and I only paid $1100 for the boat and trailer. Good luck and have fun looking!

Posted by Justin Terrell on 10/17/2009, 9:40:10, in reply to "Any daysailer will do?"

Jeff, were I in your position, I'd be considering putting myself together a CLC Skerry. http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/wooden-sailboat-kits/skerry-rowing-sailing-dinghy-kit.html

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Posted by spencer on 10/17/2009, 14:11:58, in reply to "Any daysailer will do?"

Jeff, We are in the EUP and have a nice Gibbs Built Rhodes Bantam in your price range($1,500 OBO). Being that you are down in Williamston you should look into the Interlake. There are a couple of fleets down there. One at Portage Lake at Pinckney and one at Clark Lake south of Jackson. They are a great sailing boat and very family friendly. They are 18' and very easy to set up and sail. We bought ours used several years a go for $1,500. They are a lot of bang for the buck and the race crowd is the friendliest group of folks you will ever come across if you ever decide to race. They have a good website and if you want to sail one I can get you a ride easily. If you look around you should be able to find one in the $1,500 -$2,500. If you have any interest in the Rhodes give me a yell.

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Posted by Gary on 10/18/2009, 1:38:04, in reply to "Any daysailer will do?"

There was a guy trying to sell his Wayfarer on Drummond Island for $850. His number is: 906-493-6820 days 248-816-6523 evenings

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Posted by Jeff Potter on 10/18/2009, 6:20:39, in reply to "Re: Any daysailer will do?"

Thanks for the feedback! We'll just keep our eyes open and try things out. --JP

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Posted by Jerald on 10/25/2009, 11:09:45, in reply to "Re: Any daysailer will do?"

Actually CLC's Skerry might be small for a family of four. As a sailing vessel under its spritsail they rightly suggest it is for sheltered waters: its canoe hull can be a little tippy. Their more recent product, the Northeaster dory, while larger and more stable has a very low sail. You can't see under it from the helm, and when tacking the crew must duck very low. Four would be feasible, but still a crowd in that one too. My bet for a CLC design sailboat for a growing family would be their bestselling Pocketship. Here's the thing: try before you buy. CLC very helpfully offers vessel tryouts every year at their Okumefest. They are great folks, very helpful, I've built one of their kits (a wood duck) and highly recommend them.

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Posted by john on 10/25/2009, 18:59:38, in reply to "Re: Any daysailer will do?"

I was just going to suggest Midwest Sailing! It's about 3 miles from my house. They have an Interlake on their web site right now for $1200.

Link: MIdwest Sailing