[Rhodes22-list] Re: Help me decide if a Rhodes 22 is for me.

[Wally Buck]

C. Craft,

I am not sure if the Rhodes 22 is any easier to trailer than other boats the 
same size. However the R22 is fairly easy to trailer launch and recover. The 
GB mast hoist makes the mast a snap to step single handed, the rest of the 
boat is fairly easy to rig. I would think the Explorer with tow package 
would tow the R22 just fine.

I keep my boat in the water year round so I don't have much experience with 
launch and retrieval. The first time I rigged and launched it took me over 2 
hours; the second time took barely an hour. I think it will be even faster 
the next time.

Regarding ease of sailing single handed; I sail all the time by my self in 
heavy winds and couldn't imagine how it could be any easier. I have the IMF 
main and a Harken jib furler.

The Rhodes is well built and many use for coastal cruising. Several on this 
list have sailed the coastal waters off FL and can verify that the R22 does 
just fine.

Good luck with your search. I purchased my used 84 a year ago and the boat 
has met or exceeded all of my expectations.

Are you near KY Lake?

Wally, Knoxville TN


>From: "Craft, Clyde" <Clyde.Craft at EKU.EDU>
>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Help me decide if a Rhodes 22 is for me.
>Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 15:35:00 -0400
>
>Rhodes 22 Owners,
>
>I'm a novice when it comes to sailing, but I've done enough to decide that 
>I would like to buy a boat. The Rhodes 22 is one of those I'm considering. 
>I haven't sailed one yet, but I did see one at the Strickly Sail show in 
>Chicago. When I narrow my selections to a few, I plan to test sail them.
>
>I live in Kentucky and make several trips each year to south Florida. 
>Therefore, I think that a trailerable boat would be best--lake sailing in 
>Kentucky and Tennessee and inshore day sailing and limited coastal sailing 
>in Florida. I was also attracted to the Rhodes 22 because of the apparent 
>ease with which it could be sailed and trailered by one person.
>
>Some of my questions regard coastal sailing the Rhodes 22. How well does it 
>hold up in salt water? Is it enough of a boat for some limited coastal 
>sailing--what kind of weather and seas can it handle safely?
>
>I also have some questions about towing. Given the distance I plan to 
>travel (1000 miles each way) what kind of vehicle tows it best? I presently 
>own a Ford Explorer w/towing package. Is it easy to tow on the Interstates 
>or do the big trucks blow you around badly?
>
>Any other points of consideration you can provide would be appreciated.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>C. Craft
>__________________________________________________
>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list


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