Best Daysailer under 20ft

[rdahmes@cox.net]

I'd like to get some opinions on the best daysailer under 20ft LWL. I'm thinking true daysailer........sit inside (no hiking), all lines lead to cockpit, easily single-handed, easy to rig and un-rig, relatively fast but dry, comfortable motion, etc. I think you get the idea.

A few boats come to mind......Alerion 20, Rhodes 19, Harbor 20........but other opinions would be appreciated.

Rob

[Doug Lord]

How about the Nomad? http://www.bana.com/nomad/support/sailingMagBoatTest_jun03_vanguard_nomad.pdf
http://www.sailingonline.com/boattest_vangard-nomad.html

[bruceb]

What and where are you going to use the boat? Are you going to keep it in the water or trailer it, and are you going to single hand it or sail with a crew, and do you want a boat with a special "look". Sorry for all the questions, but it really helps to focus on your needs rather than any given boat first. Bruce

[Wynand N]

currently under construction in my workshops - Lightning 6 or for short the L6

[Gary Baigent]

Tongue in cheek suggestion: 5.5 x 2.25 metres, 110 kgs weight plus water 70 kgs ballast when necessary.

[CML UK Ltd]

Not the most exciting but with family and safety in mind.... The Hawk 20. Estabilsed design, self righting, trailable, easy to set up and unsinkable!

http://www.hawk20.co.uk

[RHP]

The Hawk should be the best in the world at that price as well mate........

[CML UK Ltd]

Cheers RHP! it took me a long time to like it but finally accepting it's credentials I now thinks its a fantastic boat.

[rrhal]

Swallow Bay Raider (http://www.swallowboats.co.uk/content/view/115/30/) is an elegant craft - if I won the lottery it may very well be one of my first purchases.

In the same line of thinking:
John Welsford Pathfinder (http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk/jwdesign/jwdesign_files/pathfinder.htm)

Highlander 18 (http://www.selway-fisher.com/Highlanders.htm)

There are others -

[mattotoole]

These days it's hard to beat the Harbor 20, but you might look at the old Cape Dory Typhoon (http://www.sailingmagazine.net/boats/used-boat-notebook/534-cape-dory-typhoon-). For a lead-free option, see the Flying Scot (http://www.flyingscot.com/), which are still actively raced all over the US. The Laser Stratos (http://www.laserperformance.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=443&Itemid=302) is billed as "the ultimate family daysailor." It looke like a Nomad but with a ballasted keel, for stability and self-righting. My sister's family in the UK bought one for that reason.

Of course it depends on what you want the boat for, the conditions, etc.

Don't overlook multis. I had a ride in a Farrier Tramp (http://www.f-boat.com/pages/trimarans/Tramp.html) when it first came out many years ago, and it seemed like the ultimate family daysailor. No heeling!

[rrhal]

One of these - Saffier 6.5 (http://www.saffierjachten.com/Engels/saffier-65/65-algemeen.htm) - would be nice. A bit on the pricey side for me though.