[Rhodes22-list] New here - intro and some questions

[Rob S.]

Joined last night, got my first digest today.  I figured I'd introduce myself.   
I own a 1973 Venture 17 which I enjoy with the wife, or a friend, or 
single-handed on the local lakes, the Susquehanna and the Chesapeake.  I first 
saw a Rhodes at the Annapolis sailboat show last year.   I was smitten.  I read 
every page of that book Stan calls a brochure.  


I tried overnighting on the 17 but just need (want?) something bigger, and of 
course I'm on a very tight budget.

Right now the top two choices are a Macgregor 25 at a bargain basement price and 
it needs work in a few areas that I have experience and ability (cleaning, 
engine, woodworking, trailer modification)      And a used Rhodes with standard 
floorplan, IMF, fancy engine lift and a Rhodes trailer.   This is from General 
Boats, as-is.   But it's exactly 4 times the price of the bargain basement 
Mac.    Still a bargain compared to the one private-sale Rhodes I've seen 
lately.     I presented both options to the wife.  The Mac is in the "who cares, 
do what you want" price range and the Rhodes will require me to buy her new 
curtains and put a tile floor in the kitchen, and will totally deplete my 
allowance fund.   


I'm seesawing back and forth.   The 22 and 25 both seem to have "enough" room.  
The 22 I think would be more like my 17 in that if I feel like going out for a 
sail in the evening after work I can just go down to the river, rig and launch 
it myself and poke around until after sunset.   (and launch in an unprotected 
ramp in river current) 


I guess I really didn't have a question other than "is there other things I 
should be thinking about in this comparison?"  


Thank you in advance for any replies.    -Rob