Frugal to the Max! – Trailer Sailers
Cruising on a Shoestring!
Imagine scooping up a complete, ready to sail 20 foot sailboat with a galley, head and comfortable sleeping accommodations for four adults, for a mere $2000. Including a roadworthy trailer and a 5 HP outboard engine. “OK sure, but I’ve heard some negative opinions on water ballasts”. Oh, I forgot to mention, this one has a lead bulb, retractable keel too! True story! Combined weight with trailer squeezes in under 2000 Lb or 908 Kg. “What is this sorcery”, you may ask.
-It is indeed the Matilda 20. Perhaps the thriftiest option among Trailer Sailers with similar facilities. However, we have a few more for your consideration. some of them a surprising size, for a vessel designed specifically to be trailered.
From 18 to over 30 feet! There are Trailer Sailers of all varieties and sizes. The savings in annual mooring and storage fees are shocking, not to mention fuel, insurance, (Not even technically needed.), haulout, launch, yada yada yada. You get the picture.
Matilda 20
Available in many parts of the world as it was manufactured by multiple boatyards throughout the 70s and perhaps beyond. It’s appearance is unique, with a slight resemblance to small 60s motorboats, largely due to the dual forward facing portlights and lack of side deck. adding a sailing rig to this peculiar manatee-esque, wannabe motorboat doesn’t help with the appearance either. The optics improve considerably once you sneak a peak below though and the marvel of engineering inside the center console that houses the keel and retraction mechanism, is nothing but brilliant.
Full specs on Sailboatdata.com
C&C Mega 30
A “One Design” 30 footer with an average PHRF rating of 147, that is also a comfortable, trailerable cruiser. Although most were built by C&C in Canada, they were also produced in the USA and Germany. Like the Matilda 20 above, the Mega 30 features a real retractable bulb keel and surprisingly for a 30 footer, outboard auxiliary propulsion. There was a fixed keel version as well but it does not qualify under the same One Design. What makes this boat attractive are surprisingly low prices, coupled with the versatile design, equaling phenomenal value. Good condition examples can be spotted for a few thousand dollars. Interior wise while not as sparse as some race boats, could certainly be considered a foundation for a custom DIY cruising interior.
Full specs on Sailboatdata.com