[Rhodes22-list] epinions
Ben Schultz
BenS at ApproSystems.com
Fri Jan 9 13:48:53 EST 2004
Fred,
My family had a Catalina 22 when we were growing up, and I sail a Rhodes
now. I was in the market for a Catalina when I stumbled across the first
Rhodes that I had seen. From the first glance, I liked the Rhodes better.
The biggest draws to me were:
1. The cockpit is noticably bigger. We like to take other people out
sailing, and we are very comfortable with 6 adults on board. I'm not sure
that would be the case with some of the others.
2. Innermast furling. I intended from the start to sail single-handed a
lot. (Ironically, this is a feature that I ultimately decided against, but
it sure would be nice to have when those summer squalls spring up suddenly.
Even without the IMF, the Rhodes is easy to single-hand. My wife
occasionally takes it out with no crew other than non-sailing friends, and
nothing is too heavy or difficult for them to do.)
3. The Rhodes is just plain good-looking. Velvet Elvis is the nicest
looking boat in our marina, even though it is the smallest, or very close to
being the smallest.
4. As I started to research the boat a little, I realized how beneficial
the centerboard design would be. As it turns out, my favorite gunkhole is
always mine and mine alone, since smaller boats aren't comfortable for an
overnight on the hook, and larger boats are afraid to traverse the sand bar
that guards the entrance.
And although I didn't know this at the time, the customer service you get
from General Boats couldn't possibly be matched by what you would get from a
bigger company. Where else can you get on the phone with the guys who have
been building the boat for decades and have them talk you through a problem?
I've seen Stan's home phone number posted for us on this list. (I know that
I wouldn't do the same for my customers :-))
Those were the big things for me. Others are really moved by the
floatation, mast raising system, motor mount, captains chairs, etc. All of
that is great too, but I'll leave it for those who feel passionate to
elaborate.
By the way, where are you located? Maybe one of us can take you sailing
soon!
Ben
R22 Velvet Elvis
Baton Rouge
-----Original Message-----
From: Wally Buck [mailto:tnrhodey at hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 7:35 AM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] epinions
Fred,
The Rhodes 19 is a great little boat and as you already know a bit different
than the Rhodes 22. I am not sure of your reasons for changing but I am
going to guess you need more room for over nighting. That being said I do
race my R22 for fun and I can keep up or pass the other pocket cruisers that
race.
I also considered some of the boats you mentioned before purchasing the
Rhodes. Compac makes a great boat but there were several things I didn't
like about the Compac 23. The biggest concerns were small cockpit and lack
of both a pop-top and CB. I race against a Compac 23 every now and then. It
is the slowest boat in our small race fleet. It has a shoal draft like the
R22 but no CB so it doesn't point well. They are well made though and I like
the lines. Compac still in business is a plus.
For a year or so an O'Day 222 slipped next to me. I am not sure what is
different about the O'Day 22 and the 222. The 222 had a shoal draft with CB
but no pop-top. I sailed past this boat easily. I really didn't think much
of the looks of the boat. The cabin layout was not as nice as the Rhodes.
Quality seems to vary, all of the boats are older and of course O'Day is not
around. On the plus side they are cheaper.
The Catalina 22 performs about the same as the R22 and has a pop-top but I
did not want a swing keel or wing keel. They are cheaper though and plenty
of them around. But I liked the cockpit and cabin lay out better in the
Rhodes. The positive floatation, strong rig, and stability made the Rhodes
look even better. I have sailed a Catalina 22; I am biased but I think the
Rhodes is a better balanced boat and plows through the chop like a much
bigger boat. The Catalina did not provide the same feel.
In regards to pointing ability; I think it really depends on sail plan. If
you have a genny larger than a 125 you can not sheet inside the outer shroud
with out furling. My 125 can be routed inside the shroud while providing
great sail shape. My boat points fine and I do well on the upwind legs. If
you go with the 170 Genny as your only sail you will sacrifice pointing
ability. Down wind and reaching the 170 performs great but if you have crew
you wouldn't be sailing down wind with your genny, you would be flying your
spinnaker. I wish my 155 was still usable but it needs some TLC.
General Boats sell used Rhodes 22 with a warranty. Many on this list have
purchased used boats direct from GB. I purchased my 84 2 years ago rom a
private owner 810 miles away in Madiison WI. I searched for about 6 months
on the net and eventually found a boat that suited my needs and budget.
It is a solid little boat and will handle a blow. I was out solo last Sunday
in a steady 20 Knot wind with gusts up to 35. I had the main and genny
furled and the boat was balanced. I was able to move upwind and tack through
the white caps without any problems. I never dipped the rail.
If you have any questions ask away.
Wally, Knoxille TN
>From: "Info" <info at roadworksauto.com>
>Reply-To: info at roadworksauto.com,The Rhodes 22 mail list
><rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>Subject: [Rhodes22-list] epinions
>Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 23:49:52 -0500
>
>I sail a Rhodes 19, and am considering a Rhodes 22. I know it a s
>totally different type of boat, as far as performance goes. My question
>to anyone who would comment, is: Why a R22 over an Oday 22, Catalina,
>Com-pac. I do like the shallow draft, but am concerned with upwind
>performance, pointing and folding up problems. What are god conditions
>used R22's going for these days. Thanks, Fred.
>__________________________________________________
>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
_________________________________________________________________
Check your PC for viruses with the FREE McAfee online computer scan.
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
__________________________________________________
Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
The information transmitted may contain confidential material and is
intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed.
Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of or taking of any
action by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is
prohibited.
If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the information from
your system and contact the sender.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
More information about the Rhodes22-list
mailing list