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

[Eaton, Gil]

	Hi Clyde,
	I'm also pretty new to sailing (ex Sea Ray), have a 1993 recycle
barely a year now.  I keep it in a marina, currently in Rock Hall,
Chesapeake Bay.  I used a '97 Blazer to tow the Rhodes 22 from Edenton
(single axle trailer), NC to Ekton, Md, top speed is 65 on a smooth highway,
motor carried in the back of the Blazer.  No problems with semi rigs.  The
Explorer should do better, it's heavier, bigger towing capacity, a V8 is
definitely better for longer trips and hills.  I have launched and recovered
single handed, the mast hoist makes it a breeze, you will get a lot of
admiring glances at the ramp.  
	I have had one trip of about 30 miles from Elkton to Fairlee on the
open Chesapeake Bay, a good breeze (15 to 20?), the Rhodes was a blast!  We
did get the rail wet a few times from shifting winds off the various points
coming south, waves up to 3 feet.  No experience with salt water, perhaps
someone else will comment.
	Good Luck,
	gil

Gil Eaton
S/V Closing Time
Spring Cove Marina
Rock Hall, MD


-----Original Message-----
From: Craft, Clyde [mailto:Clyde.Craft at EKU.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 3:35 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Help me decide if a Rhodes 22 is for me.


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