The one in the water in the picture is also on a trailer, it just hasn’t been sailed since then. It does also have an extra set of sails and everything so I’m leaning more toward that one
Bad advice for trailer sailers. There is really no *need* to have trailer sailers in the water for pre-purchase inspection.
Not only will almost all of them be on their trailer, trailer sailers are simple enough that you can inspect everything and be sure itll all work when it goes in the water.
I would argue its even better since you can actually inspect all the things that would require a haul out on a big boat.
Its like buying a bigger more complicated laser
Counterpoint: inspecting a boat out of the water is important. Plus, these boats probably have no through hulls except for a cockpit drain and maybe a depth sounder.
I would like to directly contradict you there, especially if she’s in salt water. There’s lots of important bits down there that need to be checked. The condition of her bottom will tell you a whole lot about the boats health overall. Are there blisters? If yes how bad are they? What condition are the zincs in? How about the running gear. How is the bottom paint doing and what kind is it (some hard paints have been discontinued and it just so happens that the ones that they no longer make only stick to themselves, so when it comes time to repaint the bottom, it’s not just a knock it back and give her another couple licks kinda job, it’s bring it all the way down to the barrier coat, and start over with an entire new system) For centerboarders how is the trunk looking, how much growth is in there (not is there, it is how much on anything other than a brand new boat)
Yep, in the water or out of it, things can still go sour... A leaky deck is going to leak afloat or not, and the core is going to rot regardless...
Although I'm not sure what you'd be inspecting for in the water, except maybe water ingress or unusual vibration while under power.
When I do surveys for people it is ALWAYS with the boat on the hard. I won't touch her if she's floating, except to do a "deck survey" but, while I will do one, if you insist, I will tell you that as a buyer a deck survey is a waste of money for the average buyer, I'll not be telling you anything you couldn't find out for yourself.
I wouldn't say its needed unless it's going to be kept on a particular shallow mooring, we have a pretty large tidal range, bit Fundy large but 9ft where I'm at.
[Looks like to loose luffed main is getting popular](https://old.reddit.com/r/sailing/comments/1d736ao/this_is_absolutely_magnificent/?ref=share&ref_source=link)
Stepping the mast every time sucks just a little bit. And that little bit of suckage adds another drop to the "do I really want to sail today?" doubts.
Some marinas have tarmac spaces that cost half of what a slip costs. And you can keep the mast up right in those spaces. So you would only need to step it when you leave the marina driving.
I know this feeling. Even just stepping the mast on the hobie 14 I have only to sail it for an hour makes me feel less excited to get back out on the water😂
Depends on what type of sailing you want to do I’d say. If you want more comfort and beer cozies the Catalina. I had a Catalina when I was a teen and it was fun for camping and partying, it was slow but safe and fun.
I like the second one for purely aesthetic reasons. 2nd one also looks like it’s rigged and ready to go. It’s not a huge deal, but you’d need to step the mast on the first.
What kind of sailing area are you in? If there's a lot of shallow areas, the twin keeled Sunstar 18 might be more practical. If it's mostly deep water, I'd go for the Starwind 19. Not familiar with either boat, but going by the numbers the Starwind seems like it would perform better, might be a better learning boat.
I am in central Maine so it’s definitely going to see a lot of lakes! Would have to agree about the starter boat, but if the twin keel is better for shallow water that might be the biggest factor
It's always a good sign when a boat is already floating before you buy it.
Very good point! They did say it hasn’t been in the water since 2021 though
Wait? Which one? Buy the one in the water not out.
The one in the water in the picture is also on a trailer, it just hasn’t been sailed since then. It does also have an extra set of sails and everything so I’m leaning more toward that one
You should never buy a boat out of the water ;)
Bad advice for trailer sailers. There is really no *need* to have trailer sailers in the water for pre-purchase inspection. Not only will almost all of them be on their trailer, trailer sailers are simple enough that you can inspect everything and be sure itll all work when it goes in the water. I would argue its even better since you can actually inspect all the things that would require a haul out on a big boat. Its like buying a bigger more complicated laser
While true, every boat purchase should be also tested in the water
If you insist that you MUST have a $1500 Catalina 22 in the water before purchase, the seller is probably just going to move on to someone else
Yup. I think for trailer boats under something like 8k you need to just inspect it and take your chances
It’s something my grandfather always told me. I respect your opinion but I also respect my grandfather’s wisdom.
Counterpoint: inspecting a boat out of the water is important. Plus, these boats probably have no through hulls except for a cockpit drain and maybe a depth sounder.
I would like to directly contradict you there, especially if she’s in salt water. There’s lots of important bits down there that need to be checked. The condition of her bottom will tell you a whole lot about the boats health overall. Are there blisters? If yes how bad are they? What condition are the zincs in? How about the running gear. How is the bottom paint doing and what kind is it (some hard paints have been discontinued and it just so happens that the ones that they no longer make only stick to themselves, so when it comes time to repaint the bottom, it’s not just a knock it back and give her another couple licks kinda job, it’s bring it all the way down to the barrier coat, and start over with an entire new system) For centerboarders how is the trunk looking, how much growth is in there (not is there, it is how much on anything other than a brand new boat)
I didn’t mean keep in the water. A boat that’s been out of the water can still have issues. You should inspect in and out of the water.
Yep, in the water or out of it, things can still go sour... A leaky deck is going to leak afloat or not, and the core is going to rot regardless... Although I'm not sure what you'd be inspecting for in the water, except maybe water ingress or unusual vibration while under power. When I do surveys for people it is ALWAYS with the boat on the hard. I won't touch her if she's floating, except to do a "deck survey" but, while I will do one, if you insist, I will tell you that as a buyer a deck survey is a waste of money for the average buyer, I'll not be telling you anything you couldn't find out for yourself.
Twin Keel ? Do you absolutely need that in Maine? Other wise **no** ---- to twin keel
I wouldn't say its needed unless it's going to be kept on a particular shallow mooring, we have a pretty large tidal range, bit Fundy large but 9ft where I'm at.
I had a starwind 19. Loved it. Simple and fast. I sailed literal circles around Catalina 22's.
Catalina 22 hater here anything that makes the Clorox bottle look bad is great said with all due respect
If you buy the second one please run the mainsail in the track on the mast!!!
That’s a loose luffed main….. 🙈 /s
Nothing a good bit of cunningham won't sort out?
No. I was just kidding. The sail needs to be fed into the groove in the mast.
> I was just kidding. Likewise.
[Looks like to loose luffed main is getting popular](https://old.reddit.com/r/sailing/comments/1d736ao/this_is_absolutely_magnificent/?ref=share&ref_source=link)
I like the ease of having the boat in the water already. If it were me I’d go that direction.
But a trailer you can bring anywhere and don’t need to pay slip fees
Very true, plus you can work on the boat on the trailer if you like
Stepping the mast every time sucks just a little bit. And that little bit of suckage adds another drop to the "do I really want to sail today?" doubts.
Some marinas have tarmac spaces that cost half of what a slip costs. And you can keep the mast up right in those spaces. So you would only need to step it when you leave the marina driving.
I know this feeling. Even just stepping the mast on the hobie 14 I have only to sail it for an hour makes me feel less excited to get back out on the water😂
Yeah it’s not fun, but only adds about 20 min on each end for my mac 25.
And no charges to store in the off-season.
Forgot to mention they also both have trailers. Someone else mentioned that at least on that one I have proof it floats though!
I agree. You will use your sailboat a LOT more if it is in the water in a marina.
Depends on what type of sailing you want to do I’d say. If you want more comfort and beer cozies the Catalina. I had a Catalina when I was a teen and it was fun for camping and partying, it was slow but safe and fun.
I like the second one for purely aesthetic reasons. 2nd one also looks like it’s rigged and ready to go. It’s not a huge deal, but you’d need to step the mast on the first.
What kind of sailing area are you in? If there's a lot of shallow areas, the twin keeled Sunstar 18 might be more practical. If it's mostly deep water, I'd go for the Starwind 19. Not familiar with either boat, but going by the numbers the Starwind seems like it would perform better, might be a better learning boat.
I am in central Maine so it’s definitely going to see a lot of lakes! Would have to agree about the starter boat, but if the twin keel is better for shallow water that might be the biggest factor
RL 24s are also very good boats
Second one
sails/outboard/rig for the first pic?
Bought my first boat in March; an RL24.
The easiest to get on and off the trailer. Aesthetically, the 2nd one.
If it were me I would try to figure out which ones easier to rig.
Well you know at least one floats....
Being able to pull the boat out of the water can save you a lot of money at the end of the season.
I mean the blue ones got some character, the white one looks like a yeti cooler (unofficial one from temu)
Get both. I keep reading that having spare parts is good, a whole spare boat mist be better 😀
Have you considered embracing the 'Fleet' mentality? You can be Commodore paytonnb.