posted November 07, 2004 05:13 PM               

---

I am getting itchy to upgrade from my CL 16 to something a take on longer voyages (overnight). I would like a true trailerable that I can launch and load by myself or with some help from my wife and the kids. I see lots of positive things about the sandpipers on this board and would be grateful for any insights you can offer on the following.

Is a sandpiper enough boat for my wife and 2 preteens to overnight on?

How easy is it to launch and load?

What kind of a tow vehicle is required? Does anyone know what the weight of the boat and trailer is?

IP: 65.48.213.102

posted November 07, 2004 06:48 PM              

---

I can start by saying it would be snug if anyone in the family approaches 6 feet tall.
The boat is supposed to weigh 1200pounds but add motor (6hp Evinrude = 67 lbs) plus anything else you might load into the boat. Add between 300 and 400 for standard trailer ,
allow for some moisture content in your wood/foam and you could be pushing 1800 pounds. This is the maximun for regular Dodge mini-vans without towing package. (2000 pounds)

[This message has been edited by whited (edited November 07, 2004).]

IP: 156.34.51.160

posted November 08, 2004 02:05 PM               

---

I would say the Sandpiper is not big enough to overnight 4 people, even if two are pre-teen. I would feel comfortable overnighting two people, that leaves enough room to store all the stuff you will have aboard if you are overnighting.

The boat weighs 1200 lbs, as Whited stated. My trailor weighs 550 lbs. I suspect I have 200 lbs of stuff aboard, bringing it pretty close to 2000 lbs. I tow it with a Villager mini-van that has 2000 lb towing capacity. I haven't had any problem, but I drive conservatively and do not use overdirve while towing. Increases fuel consumption quite a bit.

I have launched and loaded my boat by myself, including raising and lowering the mast. I wouldn't try it alone the first time out, but it wasn't too difficult once I was familiar with the boat. However, it's easier with two people, of course.

IP: 67.107.33.106

posted November 08, 2004 07:05 PM               

---

Dougster I have two young boys, I guess they're pre-teen , and the three of us have stayed out on my Sandpiper for as long as 4 nights. That's about as long as I think we could stand. If my wife came along for a foursome, I doubt we could get passed one night. Once you factor in cooler(s), dry food basket, cooking gear, sleeping bags, pillows, clothes, rain gear, boat gear, towels for swimming etc etc, you quickly fill up the cabin. There's also the privacy issue, or lack thereof, with the head.
If you run into inclimate weather, you'll all be inside. I throw a tarp over the boom for a cockpit tent, but even that has limitations in the rain.
I have an alcohol stove I use to cook on. I use it out in the cockpit. You maybe eating in shifts with just a camp type stove, unless you get a 'piper with a stern rail, where you could mount a barbecue.
In summary, I'd have to say, two adults for sure no problem, 1 adult & 2 kids ok, but 4 of anyone is going to get crowded.
Having said that, our family of 4 enjoys many outings for the day. The cabin provides a protected area for crew to lay down for a rest. We often pack picnic lunches to have onboard.
As far as weights etc, I once weighed my boat/trailer package, fully laiden, and it came in at 2200#. Granted I could put some items in the vehicle, but (as a rule) the towing weight of the vehicle is reduced as you load up the tow vehicle. As an aside, my boat is as light as a feather right now, since I stripped out everything from the cabin, and removed the keel!!
For set up, the Sandpiper is very simple, and probably can't be beat in this regard. Two are all that is need to comfortably raise the mast. It can be done solo when you become accustomed to it.
I would also suggest that as the kids grow, the boat will become smaller. I'm trying to hang onto the Sandpiper as long as I can, before I move up in size. Once my boys grow another foot or so, I think I'll be looking for another boat . Moving up though usually means much bigger and heavier, and more rigging issues. Granted, I'll have a bigger boat, where all 4 of us can stay aboard, but it'll be much more expensive for everything. Most things boat are by the foot pricing! Bigger boat means bigger sails, bigger blocks, more mechanical systems etc, which all increase the cost per use of the boat.
The Sandpiper is a great little boat. I love the simplicity, but I realize there are limitations.
Hope this helps in your decision making.
Eric

IP: 130.63.85.93

posted November 08, 2004 08:02 PM              

---

I'm getting near the other side of the spectrum. My boys are 25 and 23 with no interest in the boat. My plan is mostly daysailing with an occasional overnighter. On a long cruise, I'd rather go destination to destination where I could pull up & take advantage of motel accomodations.

IP: 156.34.51.160

posted November 08, 2004 09:47 PM               

---

While I sometimes wish for a larger boat, I might never move up for reasons of convenience and cost. The Sandpiper is the largest boat I can tow with my existing minivan. A larger boat would also cost me a new vehicle, or a SUV or truck, which I don't want to own.
The Sandpiper is the largest boat I can store in my garage, with just inches to spare. This allows me to work on it in the winter. Outdoor storage is not allowed in my town, so if I got a larger boat I would have to pay storage fees someplace.
The Sandpiper is certainly not the largest boat I could single hand, but it is approaching the largest boat size that I can conveniently launch and load by myself.
Larger boats also require larger, more expensive, hardware, sails, slips, etc. and they are more work to maintain just because of size.
For my use, the Sandpiper is just about the perfect combination. I still admire other boats and I recognize that other boats are perfect for other people, but I have not yet wished to trade boats with anybody.

IP: 68.73.193.253

posted November 08, 2004 11:42 PM              

---

I agree. I crewed on the Mirage 33 for 3 years and I don't believe the owner or anyone else spent one entire night on the boat. Costs were high also. His membership/slip/haulout/winter storage/launch fees were between 3 & 4 grand. When we blew out his genoa...he paid 2500.00 for a new one. Insurance paid 6000.00 for a new mast when it fell down. The owner didn't do any mechanical work so he paid a local company to look after the diesel & anything else. At one time he figured it cost him over $ 200.00 each time he took the boat out for an afternoon sail and I don't think he factored in the purchase cost.
Small can be better!

IP: 156.34.51.160