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

[Bob Keller]

Clyde,
The Rhodes is not the easiest boat to trailer for a lot of reasons, weight 
and rigging being two of them, but it is the best trailerable sailboat you 
will find if sailing characteristics, seaworthiness and comfort are 
important to you.  It does not have water ballast, which makes it heavier 
than some other boats (3,000 lb min.) and it has nine stays which adds to 
set-up time, but those two aspects are more positive than negative.  The 
Rhodes sails beautifully - I sailed a fixed keel Catalina 25 a couple months 
ago and hated it!  The rigging also makes for a sturdy boat.  I lost three 
stays when sailing a few months ago when my spreader came loose, but I still 
has six more holding up the mast - that was a relief.

I have taken my R-22 to south Florida twice in the past two years (650 miles 
each way) to the Punta Gorda area on the west coast.  When it comes to 
trailer vehicles, the bigger the better!  Mine trailers fine with a V-6 
Toyota 4Runner, but I have to have enough tongue weight to prevent 
fishtailing, but not too much or my steerage becomes a problem due to the 
relatively small size of my tow vehicle.  Next time, I will go for a larger 
vehicle, because it is difficult to tow the Rhodes and have my whole family 
(4) in the vehicle with luggage, etc.  The 4Runner has a 5,000 lb towing 
capacity and the R-22 is likely 4,000-4,200 lb with trailer.  So, your 
Explorer should be fine, but if you load it up with people and luggage you 
might want an Expedition instead.  That said, I just got back a couple of 
weeks ago and trailered it by myself and it was fine.

As for cruising in Florida, it is a great boat even in salt water!  I've 
been in 20 knot winds and 1-2 foot seas and the boat is solid.  My cruising 
has been in the ICW and bays like Charlotte Harbor, so if you go out in the 
ocean and have 2-4 foot seas, it is still only a 22 foot boat, but it is far 
heavier and better built than most other trailerable sailboats. The fact 
that it does not have water ballast makes it far superior to McGregors and 
Catalinas in how it sails.  But, it really is only good for two people (in 
my opinion) for sleeping, especially with the marine head configuration that 
cuts into the V-berth.  Of course, there is always the boom room option.  I 
was talking to a McGregor owner at the boat ramp in Florida while we waited 
45 minutes for his water ballast to drain.  He has more room in his 26 
footer than we do, but it heels quite a lot and I'm sure does not sail 
anywhere near as well as a Rhodes.  While sailing down there, my wife 
noticed that we did not see any other boats in the 22 foot range, but our 
boat drew constant attention and many compliments.

I could go on, but the features and quality of the R-22 make it the best 
trailerable that I have ever seen.  Yes, I wish it had a second cabin for my 
kids, but then it would not be a 22 foot trailerable if it did.

Good luck - there's lots of info available on the web.
Bob K
s/v Yankee Clipper






>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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