[Rhodes22-list] R22 vrs 26RK

[Stephen Staum]

Peter,

I second Mary's comments about cockpit comfort. The cockpit is where  
you really "live" on a sailboat & the Rhodes is unbeatable. The dining  
table mount in the cockpit is another nice touch. My wife & I sit at  
our mooring @ sunset w a full spread of hor'dourves & cocktails. Our  
guests are always delighted! Also, the pop top & canvas cover give you  
the standing headroom you desire (albeit small & cozy).  We sleep  
either on the double in the salon or on our king size cockpit bed  
under the stars, weather depending.

I have become a real advocate of "kiss". Keep it simple... Sail more -  
fix less.
I nixed the 12v water pump for a foot pump (15 gal lasts all season @  
1 oz/pump), have the original rope & pulley assisted engine lift,  
added a 5 HP Briggs & Stratton outboard (air cooled & pull cord  
starter), added solar battery charger this year & use hand held VHF &  
GPS. I feel I have all the comforts of a bigger boat without the costs  
& maintenance.

It sounds like you have a lot of single handed sailing in your future.  
The Rhodes is very hard to beat when solo. The furling sails &  
convenient jib & main sheet locations add up to an easy & relaxing  
experience.

Good luck whatever you choose.

Stephen Staum
87 R22, Carol Lee
Needham, MA

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 10, 2010, at 1:26 PM, Mary Lou Troy <mtroy at atlanticbb.net> wrote:

> Bet the 26RK cockpit isn't nearly as comfortable as the R22 even if
> it's comparable in size. The open area under the cockpits, the angle
> of the cockpit sides and the cabin wall make for the most comfortable
> seating of any boat I've ever been on though I don't recall ever
> sitting in the cockpit of the 26RK so I can't compare directly. The
> only criticism I've ever made of the R22 cockpit is that for us
> short-legged folks there isn't a good way to brace yourself when you
> are heeling way over without perching on the edge of the seat. Small
> price to pay for the exceptionally comfortable in every other way  
> cockpit.
>
> Mary Lou
>
>
> At 12:42 PM 10/10/2010, you wrote:
>
>> I think I looked into the Hunter 27 but didn't go further because of
>> the problem of trailering. I don't know enough about Hunters to have
>> an opinion, but I've met a few owners of larger boats (30'-40') who
>> criticize Hunter for the quality of their workmanship.
>>
>> At the last Annapolis show I attended (2008) I looked over the
>> Hunter Edge, which they bill as a motorsailer & which is obviously
>> designed to compete with Macgregor. The Edge is water ballast, too.
>> Not a graceful-looking boat. It too has a steep companionway to a
>> very generous and, in the boat show version, nicely appointed cabin.
>> Lots of headroom--might be just the boat for basketball players who
>> sail. I don't expect to tow any water-skiers & so I don't feel a
>> need for 75 hp. Also, you have to scramble over the cabin to get
>> forward on deck, the price paid for so much room below.
>>
>> BTW, the cockpit on the 26RK compares well with the Rhodes,
>> particularly if you forego a wheel (classy as that looks)& use a  
>> tiller.
>>
>>
>> 2003 Klingle Rd NW
>> Washington, DC 20010
>> 202 483 3822 C: 202 821 2679
>>
>> 911 Silver Palm Way
>> Apollo Beach, FL 33572