Sanity Check

[Portager]

Since the scheduled completion date of "Portager" is still a few years into the future, I have been exploring the possibility of getting a smaller trailerable boat in the interim. My requirements are; Trailerable with my current vehicle i.e. boat and trailer <4,500 lbs, sea worthy - safe outside the breakwater (Southern CA.) in good weather and maybe a trip to Catalina, at least a cuddy cabin and sleep 2 adults, covered helm and low cost.

If anyone has any idea of boats that meet these requirements, I'd be interested in your suggestions.

My first choice would be a used boat that is currently operational. I don't mind a fixer, but I'd rather have something I can use and improve as I go.

I need a sanity check. In my desperation, I have started to consider an "Oceanside open w/cuddy" http://www.yachtworld.com/listing/yw...USD&units=Feet I'm not sure about the price, but it seams like workable and sea worthy hull. I would remove the windshield frame and fit it with a pilothouse and enclose about half of the cockpit. My problem is I can't find out any information on who built the hull or what the manufacturers original design was. I am told that it was a production boat but the owner purchased it "as is" and never finished it. I don't know if it was intended to be an inboard, stern drive or outboard. Anyone familiar with this design?

Cheers;
Mike Schooley

[Willallison]

I know of a group of people currently working on a project that would be just the ticket - from memory, I think it's called Option One....

[Nomad]

I like it Will

[Portager]

By the time those guys finish taking polls, I have Portager done!

Cheers;
Mike Schooley

[Nomad]

Well with all of us Florida people it might be ten to 12 years!!!!!!

[8knots]

Portager....
I see lots of those SeaSports up here 24-26 foot models the actual manufacturer escapes me now. They resemble the Orca's
Most have single inboard I/O but they do make them with options for outboards. They seeeeem to be a great weekender for Alaska.
Most have no fear of running from Seward to Kodiak in one. Now the trick is finding the affordable one!!!!!!Good luck 8Kts

[Nomad]

What Orca are you talking about 8knots?

[Portager]

Thanks for the input 8knots.

The Sea Sports are nice and a capable boat http://www.seasportboats.com . They also tend to be a bit rich for my interim boat budget and the smallest one, the 22' http://www.seasportboats.com/22sportsman.html weighs 4,500 lbs with the smallest engine.

I assume the Orcas your talking about are the Sagit Orcas http://www.skagitorca.com/ . Their web site seams to be down, but I looked them up on http://www.goboatingamerica.com/2002/detail.asp?id=1514 . Their smallest is also a 22' and weighs 4,500 lbs.

I also like the Silver Streak cubby cabin http://www.silverstreakboats.com/19-32cuddy.html . There is a 19' Silver Streak for sale on Yacht World http://www.yachtworld.com/listing/yw...USD&units=Feet . It is a 1990 and they are asking $31,250. It is in Port Clinton, OH.

Cheers;
Mike Schooley