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As you can probably tell, I <i><b>need</b></i> to sell my boat but, I don't <i><b>want</b></i> to sell my boat. Whadya think about this scenario? Do you think it likely?
I'll sell my boat, motor and trailer for significantly less than I've previously stated and take a relatively late model (90's vintage) C22 in trade. I would reduce my storage and slip costs to nothing and I'd still be sailing. I live about 1500 yards from a ramp that I think could launch it.
I thought about asking this question on the C-22 website but it looks like you have to be a paid member to access their discussion page.
John Russell 1999 C250 SR/WK #410 Bay Village, Ohio Sailing Lake Erie Don't Postpone Joy!
As a C22 owner for 30+ years, it sounds like a good way to reduce costs and still be able to sail. A mid-size SUV will tow it (Isuzu Trooper, Pathfinder, Trail Blazer, etc.) easily, requires only a class II hitch. You'll have a bit of a shock adjusting to the smaller space. I still love sailing the C22, including racing it. You might even be able to race class instead of PHRF. If you can trailer sail it, you'll cut your expenses significantly.
I wouldn't do the trade thing unless somebody made an offer I absolutely couldn't refuse... I'd sell the boat for cash (getting the best deal I could) and then look for the best deal on the best C-22 (or similar) out there. I wouldn't constrain myself to a single boat that turns up as a trade-in. There are too many variables and too many opportunities.
The downsizing scenario as you described has merit for the reasons you mentioned that would lower your annual costs. The things to consider (not showstoppers but just that you should think about it):
1) The benefits of a slip (if not that far from work or home) is that that sail time is maximized and the docking/undocking is not a big deal. Trailering your boat each time to go sailing even if the ramp is fairly close will still mean more time needs to be set aside for setup and takedown. So, I would consider travel time to a slip versus travel time to a ramp and the setup/takedown time/difficulties that involves each time you want to go sailing. Generally, the further the boat slip is located from you or the more time it takes to get to go sailing and then put things away will reflect in just how often you go sailing.
2) You know your present boat. Any improvements you have made are done and you are enjoying them, Any to do in the future, you have probably assessed and will get to them when time allows. Getting another boat, even if a bit smaller, is going to have initially some issues that you will want to address and that will drive at least the first year costs up. How are the sails - Blown out. Outboard ? Is boat set uop for singe handed or easy sailing from the cockpit. Is there a topping lift ? How are the sheets. All lights working ?
When I bought my boat, Iaccomplished quite a few upgrades including a new outboard, main and furling rig genoa. Then there was the outboard bracket, solar panel & controller, new switch panel, fans, etc, etc. If you can keep from making upgrades to whatever boat you buy in exchange, then your cost savings makes sense. But if you saddle yourself with getting involved with a bunch of upgrades, then you may be better off with your present boat. I guess the slip fees vs no slip fees is the biggy and that would support downsizing. Just that I see you doing far less sailing with a boat you have to trailer and setup. A friend of mine has his boat on a trailer at a marina. Dry storage is a fraction of the slip feesat the marina. But it takes some time setting up the boat to go sailing and his mast is up ! Tyhe thing is, I don't think he is going to go sailing that much anyway, so dry storage may work for him. Afterall, it took him 1 1/2 years to get to his maiden sail day and the time was spent performing maintenance on his outboard, putting registration numbers on his hull and afew other odds and ends. Dry storage may work for him. consider how frequent you want to sail and if trailering to a nearby ramp is going to be satisfactory for those days when you only want to go out for a few hours.
Good points. I travel an hour and a little more to get to my slip now. So 5 minute drive and 30 minute setup, I'm still ahead of the game. I really haven't done many significant upgrades. That's why I bought a newer boat. I've added a larger headsail and cleaned the main. Replaced a battery. The rest has just been typical maintenance.
I think your idea, Dave, of selling for the best price and then buying makes sense. I just thought that it might be enough incentive for a C22 owner to make the leap to a larger boat.
Is there anything between your home and the ramp that would force you to raise and lower the mast, such as power lines or bridges? If not, your trailer setup time would be significantly reduced and you may sail more often. Just a thought.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by John Russell</i> <br />...I just thought that it might be enough incentive for a C22 owner to make the leap to a larger boat.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...That's good for you <i>IF</i> that C-22 is <i>the</i> one you would've bought otherwise. Trade-ins are good for dealers who are turning around and selling whatever they take in. I'd recommend you take an approach that lets you pick from the entire market--not take what one person wants to get out of. Take it slowly, one step at a time, so you can evaluate your next purchase like you did the last one.
Why limit yourself to Catalina? I'd get a 15' Daysailer which is super easy to set up (lift up the mast by yourself) and is a very nice sailing boat at even less $ and work than a C22. We have a fleet of them at the club and they are nice boats. No truck needed to tow them either.
I went from a 17' O'Day Daysailer to my 250. I want a little more boat than the O'Day for the big inland sea named Erie that I live 2 blocks away from. I do know a guy that is the leader of a Sea Scout Ship. They've regularly get boats donated to them. over the years (there are 2 in his yard right now). They usually sell them and use the money to maintain their 42' Ketch and their 25' Trophy motor boat and their fleet of Lasers. That could well be the source of my next boat. It was the source of my O'Day. He even has a Bristol (in need of renovation) in a warehouse he owns.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by John Russell</i> <br />He even has a Bristol (in need of renovation) in a warehouse he owns.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">No relation... although I, too, need renovation...
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.