If you are looking to sleep 6 comfortable, check out the Parker Dawson 26. All bunks in both cabins are at least 6'. She has a max haul speed of about 6 knots, which is not bad for a sailboat that weihges in around 6k lbs. She is completely trailer launchable if you are not intidmated by her size and weight. Usually comes in a swing keel, so it only draws 26" keel up. Sturdy as a rock in bad weather, I know since I was caucht in sivere thunder storm a few weeks ago, which NOAA listed the winds at 56 MPH. Don 't want to do that again if I can avoid it, but was very gald to see how well the sailboat took the abuse for over a half an hour. Also note that the Dawson 26 and her sister sailboat Midship 25 were built for bluewater sailing, and numerous Dawson 26/Midship 25 sailboats are located over seas. Now for the down side, there were only about 400 Dawson 26/Midship 25 sailboats ever made between 1970 to 1985. It will take searching to locate one for sale. They will run any where from abound $4K to $25K depending on condition and year built.
Also some things to consider when you get a sailboat over 27'.
How many crew will it take to set sail? Are ther bridges that limit the max size sailboat you can bring home, note my Dawson clears the two bridges on either side of the dock wher I keep her by about 3'. If you toe to launch, do you have a heavy/pwoerfull enough vehicle.
Another BBS you may want to check into is
www.trailersailor.com You can find a lot of discusions on different types of trailerable sailboats that may be of help.
I realize this is wide open but I am looking on advice on buying a boat that will sleep 6 comfortably and basically be a good weekend live-aboard and coastal cruiser. My experience is with dinghy sailing and singlehanding a McGregor 22 which I owned and sailed until it started to fall apart. I want to start a ministry taking students on short sailing trips coupled with teaching them sailing and leading Bible studies.
What are the pros/cons of boats ranging from 35-45 feet such as slip charges, ease of handling, expense of maintaining?
What would be a good all around boat?
What can I expect to pay?
Thanks
- ao
