Hi all,
I'm from the Canberra area and I am looking at getting my first sail boat and I'm in need of some advice.
I am looking for a small boat for some weekend cruising that would be reasonably comfortable for two to stay in for 1 maybe 2 nights.
I am currently having a look at a Sonata 6 (1980) vintage on a trailer for $7750. This is the description:
Nav lights, chart plotter GPS, Depth sounder, metho stove, 12 v fridge, pota potti, solar charger, 6 hp johnson with charger, 2 main sails, two 12 volt batteries, spinnaker, no.s 4, 3 AND 2 jibs, as well as a large deck sweeper jib. Sorted for short handed sailing - remote jib downhaul, mast mate mast raising system. All this on a NSW registered trailer, with rego until April 2012. The No 4 and the primary main are 2 years old. The older main is kept as a spare. The swing keel was recently re-set and the hoist wire replaced.
The trailer doesn't have brakes, so I need to see how much it will cost to add brakes (total weight over 750kg). The seller has indicated he is willing to negotiate once I find out how much it would cost to retofit brakes.
Is this a reasonable deal to consider? Are there any things that I should be looking for that may mean there are problem? Any comments on the Sonata 6 suitability for a beginer?
John,
Sonata 6's are only 20 feet long and less than 8'2" wide. Do you really need a trailer sailer? Where do you intend to sail?
I mainly plan on sailing on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, with the odd trip down to St Georges Basin/Jervis Bay.
I was looking at the Sonata as it will fit in my yard and its a good size to tow to the coast.
good boat for sheltered water,sail lovely ,and good price if in good condition.
change the keel wire every year.
The seller mention he is after a bigger boat after going sailing at Jervis Bay, so I guess it was a bit rough.
What's involved in changing the keel wire? Is it an easy job I can do myself?
yes its fairly easy, its better if you can wind the keel down on a hard stand area , and then put the new wire on and wind it back on to the winch.
But you can also use spectra cord of suitable breaking strain, that may be able to be changed on a road trailer ,if there is an access port in the plate case to get to the attachment point on the keel.
regards
You could also consider a Hartley 16-18.
Bit cheaper than sonata, a bit more basic
but sail really well. and save yourself some $$
I didn't realize the seller had it listed on eBay too, but yeah, that's the one.
The RL24 looks good, but it's a bit far for me to travel to have an in-person inspection. It's a pitty there isn't one closer for sale. The Sonata is just down the road from me so I might go and have look this weekend.
Are there any signs to look for to check that the fiberglass is still ok?
My mate has a Hartley TS16 for sale. These are light, quick and can be used for racing or cruising. The boat only weighs about 350-400kg so no need for trailer brakes or a big car.
My mate's boat has 2 sets of sails (one set near new), all the bits except an outboard.
He is asking $4500
Hi John
I just sold Boomerang 20 with similar equp. for 12k. Only difference is my trailer was registered with new brakes. That boat / sonata 6 / is probably good buy, for its size/ equip. I suggest this, is an old boat and you check condition fiberglass especially
prev. repair and crack around stanchions and foot of the mast. Most importandly
sign of leaks. Than make a decision. If you can handle maintainace than it would be good. About the brakes, if you shop around, you find good deals. You buying the boat, trailer is much more easy to fix than the boat. Went through that in last 6 month.
Bough a good boat and trailer needs 2k repairs.
If you haven't already, you should ask these questions on www.trailersailerplace.com.au ... you're bound to get a lot of responses and recommendations. I think they also have some summaries of what trailer yachts are around.
Hi John trailer sailers are a fantastic option, even better considering where you live. Its always a compromise in a boat so small but you are camping not staying in an apartment. I have had a Hartley 16, castle 650, Seaway 25 and currently a Ross 780. I also Currently own a 41 foot keelboat. My wife and kids still love the Ross 780 and wont let me sell it even after the luxury of three double cabins and a "bathroom". Its very relaxing to park up a creek or sit on the hard on a beach and not have to worry about wind changes and bommies and dragging anchores and just step off rather than deal with the dinghy. You just have to deal with the sharp learning curve of yacht ownership. Good luck and happy sailing
Hi Mate,
You could also look at an Investigator.Just over 20 ft.Can sleep 4.Easy to rig.Easy to sail.I recently sold mine for $9000 when I bought my Northshore.800 Kilos.no brakes.
Just downgraded from a $60,000 [ me and the bank ] MAC 26 to my present...wait for it...$500 RED EAGLE...
Are you capable of some refurbishment...
The trailer to suit was bit extra, having only been wet twice before...and fully hot dipped galvanised...
Check ot the photos of what it was and what it is now...
Sailing doles not always have to be EXPENSIVE...
I changed because I wanted to get under those three $#%^^&& bridges at Fremantle. And when you are sailing, does it really matter WHAT you are sailing.