Trailerable 19'-23' swing keel weekender...?

[Bugtooth]

I think some of the regulars really like these kinds of posts, so I look forward to your suggestions. Am looking for a design with these parameters:

-Trailerable; 19'-23', with overall weight 3000lbs or less.
-Must have a cabin of some sort, although height is not terribly important, but must sleep a family of three for an overnight/weekend. One berth may be outside with a tent over the boom- that's OK by me.
-Simple rigging, again, intended to be trailered.
-Relatively long cockpit, for family daysailing with friends
-Centerboard, with board up not to exceed 18" or so of draft (This will be sailed on the Chesapeake)
-Fast, of course! ;)
-Relatively simple construction. This would be my first boat project of size, and would probably benefit from a plywood based design, although I have yet to see a plywood boat that I'm entirely happy with the appearance; the flat surfaces tend to be too obvious.

My idea of a pretty design is long and narrow, so overhang at both ends and low freeboard is a BIG plus. But, at the same time I realize a catboat design would give me more of the interior room I'm seeking- I'll leave it up to your judgement and taste!

I wasn't thinking that I would have an internal engine, although the idea of an electric motor has appeal.

Let me know if you have questions...! Thanks everyone; always enjoy the posts. -K

[chrisk]

Selway Fisher's Rona Yawl is in the ball park for you. It's trailer wieght is said to be 3000 lbs.

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Yacht2024.htm#RONA

I like Kittiwake also but it's a little bit deeper.

Chris Kottaridis (chriskot@quietwind.net)

[Rancocas]

I've been looking for quite some time, and my requirements are very similar to yours. I keep coming back to Phil Bolger's "Chebacco", in the glued-lapstrake version.

[Steve Paskey]

A lapstrake Chebacco:

http://www.boat-links.com/PT/PT2001/Jerome-1.jpg

[DrakeChristensen]

Dudley Dix Cape Henry 21 (http://www.dixdesign.com/ch21.htm) might be an option for you.


http://www.dixdesign.com/ch21rig.gif

[BillyBudd]

Bugtooth -- I'll lend support to Bolger's Chebacco (19'-8"x7'-6"x12"), but in the easier to build sheet-ply version. See WB mag. No. 107 with an article on this boat in 3 versions. This is worth reading if/when you get serious. The weight of the boat will be about 1000-1500 lbs., you'll have a cuddy to sit up in that will allow 2 to sleep on the floorboards, and making removeable floorboards that come up to the seat level will give you sleeping (under a boom tent) for at least 3 more. Speed has been reported to be in the 5-6 knot area. Lots of strings to play with -- gaff rig with a mizzen and optional jib. Some add bowsprits and larger jibs, some have spinnakers. Plans inexpensively available from HH "Dynamite" Payson. There's a (now lethargic) website devoted to the boat with lots of older articles available to "hold your hand" when building.

It was / is my first real boat (I'd built a canoe before) and things have gone well. I'll be launching soon. I sailed on Ed Heins' Chebacco when he trailered it to the Small Craft Festival in MD. Those waters liked that boat and vice versa. Check out www.chebacco.com, the magazine article, Dynamite's website.

[JimD]

I've never heard of a trailer sailer with long overhangs. I guess it's just not very practical. Anyone ever come across one?

Also, Glen-L has several designs you might want to look at, but none with long ends.

[Bugtooth]

Reply to JimD: One trailerable daysailer with long overhangs (to my eyes) would be Speculation, by William Atkin. This was my favorite design for years, and might still become my first project. Raise the bow and stern slightly, bend the sheer a lil, and add a low cabin, and this would prolly be what I'm looking for..

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Sail/Speculation.html

[epoxyboy]

Jonh Welsfords Penguin.

[JimD]

Reply to JimD: One trailerable daysailer with long overhangs (to my eyes) would be Speculation, by William Atkin. This was my favorite design for years, and might still become my first project. Raise the bow and stern slightly, bend the sheer a lil, and add a low cabin, and this would prolly be what I'm looking for..

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Sail/Speculation.html

Bugtooth, Speculation might have the profile you are looking for but I think it would be a huge mistake to try and turn her into a weekender.

Now a centerboard version of something like Barrie or Lady Joan would be more like it:

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Sail/images/Barrie-1.gif

[Vernon Hunt]

Bugtooth,
I'm building Speculation.... and I don't think it's gonna work for your use. Check out mine on the Building/repair section Building Speculation part 2
It's a pretty boat but for 2 people at best or 1 adult and 2 kids.

[Woxbox]

There's also a stretch version of the Chebacco at 24' which would cruise 3 much more comfortably than the shorter one. (I know, a foot over your limit). I've been all over the north end of the Chesapeake in an 18' sloop (a plastic Sanibel 18). That boat has a little more stowage and people space in it than most its size, and despite the fact it was advertised as sleeping four, it fills up really quickly with all the gear and stuff just one person needs to take along for a few days on the water.
Before you decide, make a carefull list of all the stuff your family will be packing and make sure there's room for all of it. Lots of boats this size cheat reality to look good on paper -- mine had no chain locker, for example, and no dedicated place for a cooler. And then there's food, duffels with personal gear, fenders, docklines, extra gas for the outboard, some sort of boarding ladder, maybe a battery...
It can work, and the Chesapeake is a fantastic place to sail a small boat like that, but every cubic inch gets accounted for!

[StevenBauer]

The latest issue of Watercraft Magazine has in its Grand Designs section a nice write-up of Reuel Parker's new Seabright 23. Pretty much exactly what you are looking for. I don't see it on his website yet, but an e-mail might get you some info.

Steven