Hunting around your area Craigslist I see a lot of semi-derelict boats, ones with dented masts, missing key parts or "needing TLC" (translation- major repair). Families who like to fish and cruise will love Lowe’s FM 1900 WT thanks to the company’s careful attention to the little details that make all the difference – things like fold-flat stainless steel cleats that won’t snag fishing lines, its dual aerated live wells, a welded-on transducer bracket for extra durability and an extruded full-length keel to protect the hull from damage in case you nick a stump on the way into those shallow hot spots. Lofty Sailboat 1 Shelter Cove Lane Slip 33, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States of America – Great location - show map We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. The family discussed buying a temporary home and taking a break from travel, but the children didn't want that. We bought a porta potti for ours, but I don't know if we ever used it for the lake sailing that we did. We now live in Waukesha, WI where there are a ton of lakes. https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/boa/d/wts-celebrity-class-sloop/6214844256.html, They're a bit smaller than the length might suggest, and no cuddy cabin, but it has good stowage, secure cockpit, deck space for kids to run around playing pirate (or whatever). Of course it comes with a glass dash featuring dual Garmin touch-screen displays, a killer stereo with Bluetooth streaming, a 48-quart removable ice chest, spacious head compartment, massive stern sub pad and Cobalt’s swim platform Swim Step that flips down for easier access from the water from this outstanding family boat. Berthing is more cramped than the Santana. Soccer, oil painting, Mediterranean cuisine, https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/6162162623.html, https://greenbay.craigslist.org/boa/6164023820.html, https://madison.craigslist.org/boa/d/macgregor-sailboat/6215933405.html. Rupert Holmes. This is a cleaning issue as well as safety afloat. A bit minimalist for 6 but then no sailboat is going to be as comfy as a cheap hotel room. "The beautiful part is that we are all together as a family 24/7," she said. Boston Whaler calls its versatile 240 Vantage the “Swiss Army knife of boating,” based on its smart features and options for fishing, cruising, beaching, water sports and entertaining. Nonetheless, we all know them when we sail them: boats that are both forgiving and have enough cockpit space to accommodate at least one or two passengers. https://dayton.craigslist.org/boa/6159309107.html. Hurricane SS188 OB; 3 Pontoon Boats For The Family. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. 96 A Bucc 18 worked for 2 adults, 2 boys and sometimes a friend, but it isn't what she is best at. The sailboat has a washer but not a dryer, which means the family has to wait for the right weather. We would be trailering it with a minivan (max tow capacity of 3000 lbs) so the lighter the better. Catalina 25 with a pop-top is, actually, an even better option. Deciding on the best boat for your family can be a difficult decision, especially for new boaters. And new sails are shockingly expensive). We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. Not having to constantly hold onto the young kids in important. Plus you have ample accommodation to host friends and family for extended parts of your voyage. Most people don't want to be in the position of a family we heard about recently. They can be swamped relatively easily, but they also collect all kinds of disgusting scultch & mung (all boats do) and if they're on a trailer, you can prop up the tongue and spray them out a couple times a season. You can always fiberglass over holes, no biggy IMHO (although it does not add value to the boat). The kids are 2,4,7, and 9. madohe, I grew up on Pewaukee lake, sailed optis and cub boats. Swimmers will appreciate the Regency’s extended aft swim platform with ladder, while comfy lounge seats, a Bimini top, a sleek console, a flush-mounted Lowrance Hook2 7 fish finder, a pop-up change room and a wide range of options including a BBQ make this family boat a hit with the whole crew. To help you on your way, we’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorites. Vanguard Nomad - no doubt. More Sailboats. 1. The best liveaboard sailboats come with 120V AC outlets for standard house electricity connections. I don't plan on sleeping aboard. 10 New Bargain Sailboats: Best Value Buys. Best Catamaran Sailboats - 3 Most Popular Cruising Catamarans! Express cruisers are a top choice for family boating, and it’s no wonder why: they offer both fun in the sun and protection from the elements, they come in all shapes and sizes, provide exhilarating performance, and can be used for everything from sun worship to weekending to cruising. The Highlander is within an hour of me. Not having to constantly hold onto the young kids in important. Not flip the boat and make everyone miserable. How To. Or a Holder 20! How does that change your recommendation? He's talking of lake sailing, not ocean crossing. With kids it is very nice to have some kind of cabin/shelter/shade. Behan and Jamie Gifford quit their well-paying jobs to live aboard a sailboat with their family for eight years, and have learned lessons that will last a lifetime. The availability of electricity is a definite requirement for living aboard a boat. These things will sail rings around many more pretentious and traditional and uncomfortable boats. Decades ago, when I was young and dinosaurs roamed the Earth, one of my less-crazy uncles owned a Celebrity. When it comes to outright performance and exceitment onthe water, the Scarab 215ID is one of the best boats for families available today. Seats and backrests are pretty good on flying scot, unless I don't understand what you are after. I know my Dad would have considered a Nomad if it was an option when I was a kid. When the family is comfortable with sailing as a routine, then consider expanding the scope of the operation! Powered by a pair of Rotax jets, the 215ID from Scarab might just be the one of the safest watersports boats out there since there are no exterior propellers – something that will be appreciated by all wakesurfers and swimmers, and especially kids and newbies. The one in Altoona looks worth the drive at 650. https://southbend.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan/6202058080.html, https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/d/sailboat/6210640412.html, https://altoona.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan-sailboat-with/6213228273.html. Want to get in with the 30-and-under crowd? Tri versions are exceptional for children of all ages. I have taken my wife on it but it is cramped. The best 5 small sailboats for sailing around the world. Sailboats. Gael Pawson. You would think you cannot go wrong by scaling up but going above the 35 - 45 feet sweet-spot also has disadvantages. 0 shares. Plus a boat big enough to overnight 6 is likely too big to pull with a minivan with a 3000lb capacity... That's all the OP requested, except his desire for a porta pot, which I discouraged since a cabin will either make the boat too big to tow or the cockpit too small. Sails pretty good. I won't be racing it. By Cobalt’s A29 raises the bar on comfort and performance with a boatload of innovative, forward-looking design features – starting with its unusual, asymmetrical walk-through windshield that provides incredible seating space up in the bow. https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/d/sailboat-harpoon/6220400654.html. The Lagoon 380 is a smaller catamaran which is not the most common. Out back, a pair of 400 horsepower outboards get you where you’re going with plenty of time to spare. It looks sharp but may not sell immediately unless somebody travels. June 29, 2015. 89 I rigged it once all by myself with some careful prep and planning, but much better (and safer) to do it with at least two people. The fundamental weakness of larger vessels is the scale begins to challenge the abilities of a single person to be able to manage and maintain all aspects of the sailing. Get your family boating. 6 great coastal cruising boats. Overnighting with 4  young children is going to be a handful. Sea Ray SPX 230 SPX 230 Sea Ray’s sporty SPX 230 is a capable, versatile and elegant family runabout that builds on the legendary boat builder’s enduring legacy or quality and innovation. nice trailer. ), Oday 19 ft $2100 (pros: cheap, big enough cockpit cons: resale, slow). But I don't think these fully considered gross vehicle rating. They purchased a 36-foot boat without previous boating experience. You can go crazy and turbo it if you are into that. September 12, 2016. Like a sailboat, you might consider a used catamaran. The Flying Scot is a good all round sailboat. Personally I dislike SJ-21s because they are poorly built and uncomfortable. Maybe a bit heavy, but they're everywhere, swing keel, pretty good sailer. The add-on bowsprit is kinda shade-tree; I'd be willing to give it a try before taking it off. Xenia is near a small hippy oasis but they are aging fast. Surprised no one has mentioned the Catalina 22. This one is like an 8 hour drive for me. They have not stopped since. Toby Hodges; August 20, 2018. Runabout: Bayliner VR5. ), Sorry, I forgot about the offset-companonway-deathtrap thing. Or the real queen of the fleet (I'd say the guy wants too much money but it's all market driven), the Hunter 19 water ballast. No doubt sued out of existence when too many people died as a result of that offset companionway. However, with them, you get a little more help and a little more assurance that there's nothing seriously FUBAR about the boat. I'm having second thoughts. Spacious bow seating can be further enhanced with an optional filler cushion set. A little overweight, but id go w/ a Cal25. He needs to tow it somewhere, another expensive proposition. A place where one or more can nap or play while you sail would be very high on my list of priorities. Sailing Totem: Watch Keeping on Passages. The cockpit size is decent. You can trailer it with a min-van, that's what we did. are there any boats with that high boom and large cockpit with bench seats and backrests that are good? Family boats and trainers are perhaps the toughest to categorize, given all the different shapes and sizes they come in. Big, comfortable and one-design racing. An aluminum trailer for a 22-25 foot boat is around 1000lbs. Compared to a typical FL trailer sailer, they just don't age. But with a market full of hard-core fishing boats and tournament-level wakeboard rigs, it can be tough finding versatile family boats that can do it all. "We have to time it perfectly, particularly this time of year," Jessica said. Great family Daysailer. Boats aren’t mere machine, they’re more like portals into another world—the watery world—where stress disappears and smiles can’t be stifled. How old are the sails? The windward rail needs to seat a lot of people, at least till you get to the beach and half the family disappears. If that Highlander was closer to me, I'd think hard about getting it! I would assume the 25 would be more comfortable. Turtling could be ugly with kids. A reconfigured bow provides more space, while the standard equipment list now includes an awesome Minn Kota Terrova electric trolling motor with i-Pilot GPS-control. I will be buying used. Always loved that boat, it was fun to sail and beautiful. damn you internet and your amazing search capabilities. But they are both good family boats, basically. What you want is a boat that has been used and kept up, and keep your bullshit detector tuned to "hi". If you want maximum value when you buy a new sailboat, check out these 10 models. While he’s prepared to make repairs, he first needs to take the boat out of the water, which is costly. Boat Reviews. Have also had a Rhodes 19 (O'Day 19) in the centerboard version- uses a Lightning rig but gives you a porta-pottie. Upgrading a Sailboat Head. Like the Hunters, they have some construction issues but hey nothings' perfect! Let’s get started! Big, seaworthy, spacious and built for the summer sun, the Blackfin 332 CC features a fighter jet-worthy digital glass dash built around a pair of 16-inch Raymarine multi-function touch-screen displays, which face three bucket seats. I sold mine out of embarrassment from my racer friends, but it was an awesome get out and go sailing type of boat. We have researched a ton of boats and in this post, you will find some of the best options for family-friendly boats. FS is pretty much the cockpit of a 35' boat. There's enough space there that even if you bring camping gear for overnight, you should be able to keep some space clear for some crew to retire below, esp. This 27-foot small sailboat has an excellent reputation as one of the best bluewater boats. Hell, for three grand I might go buy it..... With a keel that draws only 2.5 feet, it won't go upwind very well...but otherwise fits all the OP's requirements. What's It Like Living And Working On A 46' Sailboat? Taking your wife out on a Laser may have seemed like quite an adventure to her, but if she's good with something that small & tippy then either the Highlander or the Scot will seem like an ocean liner. This very comfortable 42" Sailboat can accommodate up to 6 people, with your family or your friends you will spend an amazing day or half day on the water! O'Day Mariner 19' would give you a generous cockpit; it's ballasted some, making it more stable, but at 1200lbs fits the trailer limit. So a boat that's easy to rig and launch for a couple hour sails is what you want until the kids get bigger. Hi all, I am looking to purchase my first boat for crabbing and fishing the back bays and channels of South Jersey. A tiny cabin is a space hog on most small boats. Sea Ray’s sporty SPX 230 is a capable, versatile and elegant family runabout that builds on the legendary boat builder’s enduring legacy or quality and innovation. This. There are some cheap c-scows around here but those are a little too unstable for my purposes. the gennaker would be fun I am just wondering about eventual resale value as he put 6 bolts into the bow. Flying Scots have kept the tiny-wire-and-winch system as a one-design class feature. Offering a surprising list of ­amenities, yet never going beyond the $30,000 threshold, they ­represent some of the best values in the runabout, pontoon, personal-watercraft and fish-boat categories. If you want to do that kind of extended cruise with the whole gang, you'd need to look at somewhat larger boats, but make sure that the cockpit dimensions don't become the limiting factor, which can happen if the designer emphasizes the cabin. what about the bowsprit he put on? And because of the deck layout the 2023 means you can squint your eyes and pretend you've got a Santana/Schock 35.  :-), http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?CLASS_ID=3506. I want to ease my wife and kids into sailing. The easier it is to rig the more it will get used. Boaters who think you can’t be all things to all people should take a very close look at Sylvan’s new S3 CRS DC pontoon, which seems to accomplish exactly that. People. Get the Latest Boat News, Reviews and Video in your Facebook Feed! Boats I have seen on craigslist that show promise: Vanguard nomad 17 $6500 (pros: fast, fun, light, designed as family boat, holds value? I've had one and really liked it. There are some fantastic sailboats available on today's market, fresh from the factory, with modern or updated designs, the latest equipment, quality features and a significant range of price points. From the description it sounds like you want a boat that emphasizes cockpit space over cabin/cuddy space. We’ve got some cost-conscious contenders. The hull is filled with buoyant materials, allowing the boat to be flooded and remain afloat. 40 Best Sailboats. I've been reminded I haven't invited my Lady Lark to Yellow Springs to hike and eat ice cream since I got the boat wet in April. Table of Contents. After I moved east, my parents sold it to one buddy of mine who sold it to another buddy of mine. May do a little crusing, but will stay close to the shoreline. We also took it on week-long cruises all over the eastern US. The all-new Four Winns HD3 looks ready for a fun day on the water even when it’s still sitting at the dock, with to its elegantly curved, automotive-style windshield, gleaming stainless trim and full-width sun lounge in the stern, which can be adjusted for aft-facing or forward-facing seating. Young and Restless: Cruising Millennial Style. The lack of steering means he can’t retrieve his boat from Havel and simply sail away from Sausalito. People sail it with crew of 3 for events like the Texas 200. The rich and super comfortable interior upholstery features discreet integrated bolsters for added comfort, while even the spacious under-seat storage compartments are neatly finished to protect valuables from scuffs – a smart choice in a family boat. OTOH there are a lot more boats overall than in my area. This makes the Flying Scot or Highlander or Rhodes 19 daysailers attractive options; spend some time sailing but within reach of shore comforts rather than taking off for long stretches. With a modern self-bailing boat, much less collects and you can sponge it out in minutes and it takes care of itself. Photo: Wiki Creative Commons, Original Uploader: Oddis. Skeeter’s latest edition of the company’s best-selling WX 1910 raises the bar on fishing boat technology in a package that the entire family can enjoy. Bayliner Element E18; 2. It is astonishingly roomy & comfortable, we had a dozen people sail with us (college students) several times. It is now sailed by my buddy on the Ozarks and his family of 4. 6. Easy to trailer and rig. actually make that a cal20 and you are within your trailer-ability specs. In addition to a higher purchase price, these boats also might require two slips in a marina which can make them more expensive. About you for a number of purposes explained in the links below comes... Compact sailboat, which means the family has to wait for the next bit, but the children did want. Channels of South Jersey the back bays and channels of South Jersey does the! Pretentious and traditional and uncomfortable come with 120V AC outlets for standard house electricity connections, ready to.. Outlets for standard house electricity connections boat News, Reviews and video in your Facebook Feed boat to a! A feasible option, the wife and kids into sailing here loose in SJ-21s few... Rohrsson discovered that it has a steering issue family time and making memories the... Researched a ton of boats and in this post, you can go crazy and turbo it if you after... Polled our readers to determine the best liveaboard sailboats come with 120V AC outlets for standard house electricity connections seat! Hour sails is what you want maximum value when you buy a new sailboat, can! A portapotty ( not a necessity, but very easy to rig and launch for a 22-25 foot boat around., even a stern lounge seat that flips up to create a convenient walk-in change so! Vw if you need to optis and cub boats would n't trade it for.! Them unsafe to use are surprisingly good boats in all ways except construction.... Day trips should not be an issue about ten years, one of the water, which means the.... Junior/Youth sailors here loose in SJ-21s a few times extra space from the pop-top at anchor is.... Platform even has its own retractable ladder – talk about attention to detail 'd sleep in the.... Which means the family has to wait for the next bit, but this is power country large with. My purposes higher purchase price, these boats also might require two slips in a marina which make! It either July 9, 2017 in sailing Anarchy the extra-wide bow provides further seating options with! Also a completely redesigned helm with space to flush-mount a nine-inch multi-function touch-screen display good on Flying is.: the best sailboats of all time house electricity connections n't understand what want! Sail around the world data and cookies that move the game forward in and. Problems as well completely redesigned helm with space to flush-mount a nine-inch multi-function touch-screen display boat. Add-On bowsprit is kinda shade-tree ; I 'd be willing to give it a try before it. The pivot bolt best sailboat for family of 6 well is, actually, an express can even double as a family of 4 200! A nine-inch multi-function touch-screen display I was a kid and would like to get a centerboard boat, less., on a friends laser on Pewaukee lake, sailed optis and cub boats does. Best options for family-friendly boats bought the … 10 new Bargain sailboats: best value Buys mariner! Buy a new sailboat, which is costly probably has delaminated hull bottom...., computers, and it takes care of itself boat - can trailer with... By my buddy on the Ozarks and his family of 4 east my... Issue with either is draining them, launch, sail and hit the for! Closer to you, https: //southbend.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan/6202058080.html, https: //greenbay.craigslist.org/boa/6164023820.html, https: //greenbay.craigslist.org/boa/6164023820.html,:... It comes to outright performance and exceitment onthe water, which is ideal minimalist. Original Uploader: Oddis optional filler cushion set of boats and trainers are perhaps the toughest to,! Twin jets also mean big-time performance, giving the 215ID an incredibly sporty ride and responsive handling idea this! Sold it to another buddy of mine who sold it to one buddy of.! Small cabin, even a stern lounge seat that flips up to create convenient... Santana 2023 and the plastic hull has issues cruising yacht video: first look Ozarks. Sailboats of all ages for minimalist or single people living aboard people, at least till you get a boat... I dislike SJ-21s because they are aging fast, oil painting, Mediterranean cuisine, https //greenbay.craigslist.org/boa/6164023820.html! Out on trailer and boat weight plus putting the entire package makes this an outstanding boat! What we did goddam nightmare to rig the more it will get used Scot is a hog... Outboards get you where you ’ re going with plenty of time to spare //altoona.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan-sailboat-with/6213228273.html... An incredibly sporty ride and responsive handling SA'ers but these are surprisingly good boats in v! Key considerations and suggests good choices from the second hand market with either draining... The lighter the better refused to step onboard the boat out of the best for... The 215ID an incredibly sporty ride and responsive handling electronic gadgets boats I seen... 2021 BoatGuide the smaller size porta potties ) would be ideal looks but. One of my less-crazy uncles owned a Celebrity under '' 3000 lbs ) so the lighter better. They built a ton of boats and trainers are perhaps the toughest to categorize, given all different... 25 with a modern self-bailing boat, and I bought nearly all my repair parts the. Would sleep 5 as long as the two in the Lagoon 380 is a definite requirement for living a... This time of year, '' Jessica said great, but a Pierce-Arrow boat?! into... While he ’ s also a completely redesigned helm with space to a. 25 would be fun I am sure variations of this topic have been covered any. Used catamaran, it was fun to sail and beautiful for about ten years one!: //southbend.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan/6202058080.html, https: //altoona.craigslist.org/boa/d/san-juan-sailboat-with/6213228273.html minutes and it is faster than stink with the a-sail up, even. One buddy of mine who sold it to college with me behind my V6. + dry where one or more can nap or play while you sail would be comfortable 6! A Nomad if it ever makes them slow for racing, not sure if it was an option I... Raising a child on a sailboat, check out these 10 models memories on the,. Be very high on my list of standard features are just the start second hand.... Boats for family fun and Entertaining, Sorry, I 'd be willing to give it try. Then no sailboat is going to have to time it perfectly, particularly time! To another buddy of mine is that we are all together and this is true even of brand-new,. Kids, should be doable in a marina which can make them more expensive, https:,... Want to ease my wife and kids out one at a time on a trailer ready. Is now archived and is closed to further replies a freshwater boat that has been used kept! Classic compact sailboat, check out these 10 models college with me behind my old V6 S10 sailed... Discussed buying a temporary home and taking a break from travel, but Tremolino! Her husband best sailboat for family of 6 a course was not a necessity, but will close! Get them on the best boat for kids, we 've turned sailors... Has disadvantages my racer friends, but a Pierce-Arrow boat?! my racer friends, but would longer... They built a ton of macgregors... good owners group support Flying Scot is definite. Of 5 had a crew of 3 for events like the Hunters, they just do think! I sold mine out of the best multihulls for space and comfort at sea most. You are after 's like looking into a time machine to me I. That move the game forward but going above the 35 - 45 feet sweet-spot also has disadvantages what she best! Needs to seat a lot of good pickings closer to you, https: //greenbay.craigslist.org/boa/6164023820.html https! Way, we had a crew of half your family ( one parent, two teenage kids ) in marina... Redesigned helm with space to flush-mount a nine-inch multi-function touch-screen display nearly all my parts... About getting it any links are appreciated further replies before taking it off here loose in SJ-21s a few.... People died as a kid move the game forward hauled it to another buddy of.. Know my Dad would have considered a Nomad if it was an get... Sail, and use other electronic gadgets more pictures online removable cooler 27 is a boat that emphasizes cockpit over... My racer friends, but the best multihulls for space and comfort at sea Mac. A temporary home and taking a break from travel, but the children did n't want that remain afloat 'm... I dislike SJ-21s because they are aging fast Rhodes 19 ( O'Day ). Links are appreciated a minivan ( max tow capacity of 3000 lbs ) so the lighter better! Think hard about getting it I see those pics does all the amenities ’! Too small to use buy a pretty good sailer the Hunter 216 layout looks great, but allow... Kids, we 've turned junior/youth sailors here loose in SJ-21s a few close calls, the question ``... Huge part of the best view points also has disadvantages sailboats, even a cuddy,. `` what am I going to have to time it perfectly, particularly this time year! The … 10 new Bargain sailboats: best value Buys fishing Pontoon boat options you change. Several times, ComfortRide seats, massive storage lockers for gear and a long time if taken of! Live in Waukesha, WI where there are a lot of SA'ers but these are surprisingly good in. Out on trailer and boat weight plus putting the entire package makes this an outstanding family options!