Cameron
I am buying a trailer sailer this winter and at this stage a Sonata looks the best bet. I am not an experienced sailor but can handle a wayfarer with reasonable competence. My budget can stretch to around 6k but 4 would be better. My preference for a Sonata is based purely on the fact that I drove past one and liked the look of it- plus what I have seen on this site/other reviews etc.
I have a few questions though and would really appreciate any advice:-
1) I am about 6’3- will this be a problem.
2) It will be me, my wife (who can sail- better than me) and a young one who is on the way. Does this sound feasible?
3) I am not really interested in racing at this stage- just day sailing/cruising on the Scottish West Coast. There is a hunter 701 and a Hunter 22 advertised at the moment and they look slightly cheaper. Are these likely to suit me better?
4)Does the Sonata come as a bilge keel? If so can this be trailer sailed?
5) How big a wagon do I need to tow a Sonata. I have a 2 litre diesel saloon but can borrow a Discovery if need be (or buy a bigger car- see about baby arriving above!!).
Any advice is much appreciated.
Cheers Cameron
Cameron
Cheers for that. Its beginning to look like a 701 if I can find one. Am I right to say that they are a bit more ‘cruisy’ than a Sonata? What would you pay for a decent one?
StevenRolland
2) This should not be a problem. I first sailed on a Sonata only a couple of months old, and I know someone who sails with their kid without a problem.
4) I believe the Hunter Duet is a Sonata hull with a bilge keel (the Hunter Association should be able to tell you more about this).
5) Others know more about towing than I, but I believe your car should be fine.
Hope this helps.