[Rhodes22-list] Other boat possibilities.

[Robert Skinner]

To those who are choosing between an R22 and a larger boat:

Ed has covered many of the high points, and what I have to 
offer is from a different perspective -- not in opposition,
but amplification.

When I was starting to ride motorcycles, I got a dirt bike
and campaigned all over the east coast in enduros.  An enduro 
is a 70 to 100 mile cross country event -- thru the bushes, 
over the rocks, across cranberry bogs, etc.  I used a small 
bike (175 cc), compensated for horsepower with skill and 
perseverance, and rode to finish, not win.

Why do I tell you this?

Because in many ways, the R22 is like that small enduro bike,
and sailing her also has some aspects in common with enduros.

My bike was small enough to be handy.  It rode on bumper 
clips on the back of a sedan.  The R22 is small enough to be 
towed behind a lot of SUVs.  In both cases, the ease of 
transportation leads to a wider range of use.

My bike evolved over several years to become more capable.  
Ultimately it was prepared to ford water up to the gas tank.  
It could go almost anywhere and not leave me stranded.  The 
R22 has had years to be molded into the most boat that can be 
compressed into 22 feet.  It is versatile and reliable.  The 
sharp corners are rounded off.

When, after several years of riding in the dirt, I decided to 
get a street bike, my reflexes were honed to the point where 
I could (and did) recover from life-threating situations on 
the road with no scratches or broken bones - just a shaky 
leg when it was all over.  I am convinced that riding in the 
dirt has saved my life on the road several times.  

Now I am retired from riding the really big and fast bikes, 
but I still have a dirt bike in the shed.  Sailing a smaller 
boat sharpens you up to the point where you might be able to 
single-hand a big one -- but you will eventually go back to a 
small boat for the sheer joy of feeling her dance with the 
elements. 

What about the amenities?  The R22 has the basics, without 
the overhead of caring for a floating tour de force.  A review 
of the archives reveals that the major maintenance issues are 
bottom paint and keeping the centerboard and slot free of 
hitchhikers.  She is not a high-maintenance lady.

Like every boat from a floating log to the Queen Mary, the R22 
is a compromise.  But she is a particularly well-matured 
compromise.  One would do well to sail in her for a year or so 
to appreciate how well she can serve.

That brings us to the GB rental and recycle programs.  You can 
put your toe in the water without committing to swim the 
English Channel.  You don't have to buy a diamond ring to get 
to know her.  Just take her out to dinner.

/Robert
----------------------------------------------------------
Tootle wrote:
> 
> Jay B:
> 
>           No boat is going to be perfect; even if you design and build it
> yourself.  Go back and slowly reread Bob Keller's post:
> http://www.rhodes22.org/pipermail/rhodes22-list/2007-February/038529.html
> 
>            The R22, it is a very trailerable big daysailer.  You can
> overnight or even cruise.  It is not inherently easily trailerable but has
> been made so by Stan's continued refinements.  If you took a new design,
> think that if it had Stan behind it, in 20 to 30 years, it might also be as
> user friendly.
> 
>         Your wife liked the Hunter 38.  Then show her an Island Packet in
> the same size range.  The issue is that you would need to have a dock or
> slip to keep it.  And as Hank pointed out, even on boats of that size that
> are advertised as being able to single hand , you best be an experienced
> sailor and very athletic to boot.
> 
>       You say that you have been looking for two years.  Are you waiting to
> be too old to enjoy the boat?  If you get a Rhodes 22, you will learn how to
> use it.  Then if you want a bigger boat, you will have a better
> understanding of what to look for.
> 
>        The Rhodes 22 means sailing, there is more than one former Rhodes 22
> owner who now regrets the loss of sailing time.
> 
> Ed K