Next boat ideas

[BruceW]

I saw the thread about the eclipse owner who wanted more room.

Brackish is just a bit ahead of me; I am getting to needing more room also. Why can't I just figure out how to turn the sliding hatch into a pop top?

Well, anyway, I have been thinking of getting a Suncat daysailer and putting two biminis on it, that both do that telescope up thing, when the boom is out of the way. I'd then have a camp cabin lower out of them and could stand up while at anchor.

hahaha, maybe.

Anyway, I don't think I am for a bigger boat; just better use of the smaller ones.

Ideas?

[Tim Gardner]

Bruce, I think there is a way to make you 23 a semi-pop top.  I also own a Hunter 23 (for sale) that utilizes a two-piece sliding hatch, the forward hatch when the after hatch is slid forward, hinges up from the forward edge.  Held in place by stand arms, a soft dodger top attaches to it leaving standing room at the slide out galley. I've thought I might make that conversion on my 19. If I can find some pics of it I will send them along.
TG

[BruceW]

Thanks, Tim!

I would be very interested in making this work. I have a friend who has a F-24 who thinks he can show me a way also. I hope to show him the boat this coming week.

Pictures of your rig would be great!

Bruce

[brackish]

My "next boat" plan may be a smaller day sailor, periodic use of the well established bareboat sailing charter industry, and this for my lake overnights and fishing expeditions.  The advantages over a production boat are primarily the HP required to run it, very low tow weight, and the ability for customization.  Just have to find a place to build it. 

https://bateau.com/studyplans/DE23_study.php?prod=DE23

[BruceW]

I see a lot of guys take a daysailer & convert it to a trawler. Keith Scott has done it w/ CP 23s.

Advantage is starting w hull you like.

Not for me, but maybe a daysailer and tent.

[brackish]

I see a lot of guys take a daysailer & convert it to a trawler. Keith Scott has done it w/ CP 23s.

Advantage is starting w hull you like.

Not for me, but maybe a daysailer and tent.

Not a hull I'd like for that purpose.  Limited to displacement speeds.  That DE23 can run comfortably at displacement speeds in rough weather and plane at much higher speeds using only about 1.5 gallons per hour when the seas are a little calmer.  And it can be foamed unsinkable.  Also much less draft than a 23 or even a 16.  Literally beachable.

I've got plenty of experience with stitch and glue epoxy composite construction and also general woodworking.  Also very well equipped.  What I don't have is a covered place with moderate climate control large enough.  I found out on the first build you need that to keep a six month build from becoming a two year build.

[Mas]

Don't know bout you guys but sounds to me that you all wish standing headroom and also simplicity! It was that factor that caused No Mas to be no more. She was too small and too big. Truly it has been a revelation to have our 31 and a 16. The best of both for us. We don't live near the boats so we needed a place to stay and you can sleep on a boat but you can't sail an apartment. Meanwhile we sail more than almost anyone else at our marina cuz of the 16 as well. Maybe not for everyone but for us one size did not fit all. Jus sayin!