Searching for a trailerable pocket cruiser.

[spiritrunner]

I'm slowly working toward being a novice sailor.
I'm interested in getting a pocket cruiser that will allow me to tow anywhere and launch for weekend trips.

Right now, the only two contenders are the Hunter 25 and Mac Gregor 26M. These models have an enclosed head and have a wheel helm as opposed to a tiller. I'd really like to find a boat that includes a shower, but it seems I'd have to step up to something that is not trailerable and will run significant price difference. If you know of any other sailboats that would fit in with consideration to these two boats, please let me know.
I'd like to consider Catalina, but I haven't come across one with a pedastal and wheel and small enough for trailering.

I'd like to hear about adding air conditioning to a pocket cruiser. The only descent A/C units that I've seen are for salt water.

Spiritrunner

[David Luckenbach]

While some people do prefer wheel steering, I much prefer a tiller. Wheels ad complexity with cables and or gears, so can break down more and reduce the "feel" you get with a tiller.
You seem to want a rather large boat for trailering, not what most people think of as a "pocket" cruiser. The water ballast models are much lighter on the trailer and easier to tow, but they do transfer parasites from one lake to another. Since they usually have a swing keel they sit low on the trailer, which means not only easier launching but also easier to climb in and out of while on the trailer.
I don't like the Macgregor 26M, mainly because of the large motor they come with, but also the wheel is connected to this motor and the ones I have sailed had zero "feel" in the wheel. The wheel is small and they are hard to steer with that big motor.
You should also look at the Catalina 250, which you can get with water ballast, and the Hunter 23.5 (my personal favorite for this type of boat).
Air conditioning? Why not just stay at home? If you're on the water, it is usually pretty cool at night, and in the daytime you can pour a bucket of water over yourself to cool off. Also very effective is a bimini so you can be in the shade in the middle of the day. A 12 volt fan is all you usually need at night.
The "solar shower", a plastic water bag with hose and valve, works quite well. You can hang it from the boom and shower in the thingypit.
You are heading for the mistake beginners often make, trying to fit out their boat for every possibility. You will end up with a heavy boat filled with "stuff" you rarely use and don't need. Every item you put in the boat means less space for humans! Keep it simple, it's more fun. When you get your boat, take some short trips first to find out what you really want and what you'd rather do without.
David

[spiritrunner]

David, Thanks for your reply. I'll keep your advice in mind. I was thinking the Mac Gregor had a smaller steering wheel and was hoping there might be an option for a larger one. I've had some people tell me that using a tiller is not as comfortable. I imagine I'll need to find out for myself since I've never used one.
When using a tiller, can you rest the weight of your forearm and hand on it, or is it sensitive to weight?
You are quite right. I really don't know what I want, but I'm looking for something that I believe I would spend all day in.

Thanks,
Jason

[David Luckenbach]

Yes, you can rest you arm on the tiller while sailing. Most are built very strong, you don't want something to break when you're sailing.

Larger wheels are easier to steer, and when not connected to an outboard motor they are easier to steer.

However they do take up a lot of room, so it is not as easy to get around the thingypit when you have a wheel.

With a tiller, you KNOW which way the rudder is positioned. With a wheel this is not always apparant.

You should sail both before you decide which system you like the most. If one system was the best, we wouldn't have both in use. It is a matter of preference, so get the one you prefer. I have seen too many people buy a boat without sailing it, and later regret it for one reason or another.

David

[spiritrunner]

Looks like my boat of choice is going to be the Catalina 250 with a wing keel. I'm curious about how most poople launch their 3'6" draft boats. Some of these trailers don't seem to have a long enough toungue to get the trailer out deep enough to release the boat and I wonder if most ramps are long enough to launch.
The comes comes with tiller or pedestal, so I'll be sure to figure out which one I like best.

Jason

[spiritrunner]

After speaking with the Catalina Dealer in Dallas, I learned that trailering a sailboat seems to not be the way to go and that I'd likely want to store the boat in a slip. Since launching and stepping the mast are time consuming, It really takes signicant sailing time away from your overall day.

As for cost of ownership goes, it looks like its mostly about the boat financing and the monthly slip fee and possibly any additional marina club dues.

I understand that the average cost is 5 dollars a foot for slip rental in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Does anyone have any suggestions for selecting a marina. I've been told that Grapevine Lake's marinas are almost saturated and would likely yeild hirer fees. I'm currently thinking about Eagle Mountain Lake since I live closer to Fort Worth.

By the way, when it comes time for a bottom job on a boat, is it basically the same process as painting a wall in a house, or does it take the skillset of a automotive painter? (obviously paint material is different)

Jason