River cruisers

[The Q]

Having been posted here in the RAF 1978-83, I loved sailing here so much I moved here in 2001.
Couldn't afford a Reedling then, I could now but sadly my back doesn't allow me to sit out anymore.

 

[2airishuman]

Hi Russell Photos of the Imexus 28 mast raising system attached. It involves an A Frame constructed of the same stainless tube as the lifeline supports which has a multi block system built into the apex.
This sits parallel to the deck with bent sections to clear the forward mooring cleats when the mast is fully erected.
There is also a deck mounted multi block system and when the mast is fully raised the cheeks on these two sets of blocks interlock and can be pinned together for extra security.
The multi purchase system line then leads back to a jammer lined up for the winch on the cabin roof.
The baby side stays are exactly level with the mast base maintaining sideways tension on the mast at all times

That's one of the few systems I've seen that looks like it would work. I've never heard of those boats. A quick search shows that they're power/sail hybrids like the oft-maligned MacGregors, water ballasted, centerboard, twin rudder, with an optional 150 hp diesel inboard.

 

[Steve]

A Gemini catamaran makes a fine river cruiser imho and they are actually available. At 31-34ft x just 14ft beam they are fairly compact and only draw about 18" with the pivoting centerboards up. We did a delivery of mine from Connecticut to Lake Superior under power with a 9.9 Yamaha high thrust outboard, which, while a bit underpowered was still adequate and of course, being a catamaran has great accommodations, storage, deck space and cockpit space. Quite a bit of river cruising on that delivery which included the Hudson, Erie and Oswego canals, Lake Ontario, Trent Severn waterway, Georgian bay, North channel, St Mary's River and Lake Superior. We saw lots the much-maligned Macgregor 26s out there doing it and they seemed like a fairly practical and available option. I would like to go back and spend a summer in the Erie canal and do side trips down the Finger lakes region. Lots of history to see river cruising but I'm not sure i would bother with the rig. I now have a new 25hp high thrust. Some of Bolgers box boats like the AS29 would be appealing for the trail ability but of course you have to build them.

 

[Grith]

That's one of the few systems I've seen that looks like it would work. I've never heard of those boats. A quick search shows that they're power/sail hybrids like the oft-maligned MacGregors, water ballasted, centerboard, twin rudder, with an optional 150 hp diesel inboard.

Yes The Imexus 28 is one of those much maligned powersailers (if a more modern and sail oriented take on this type of jack of all trades and master of none craft), mine with rarely used 115hp outboard. The mast raising system is however also used on several strictly yacht type trailables out of Poland like a Canadian friends lovely new Tess.
Both have some standing headroom, enclosed shower/toilet compartments and enough space for a couple to comfortable for extended camping/cruising expeditions generally on inland or coastal waters. 🙂
River cruising under sail is just so much more tranquil and relaxing.

 

[dylan winter]

The 22 foot minstrel has a gunter rig - ideal for trailer sailing.

When dropping and raising the mast frequently up a river then I remove the forestay and replace it with a dinghy genoa and three part purchase. I remove the gunter spar and use a loose footed topper main. The short wooden mast is on a small tabernacle - tremendous help.


beware
floppy arse




and rasing mast ashore with help from curius assing strangers

 

[Kris Cringle]

The 22 foot minstrel has a gunter rig - ideal for trailer sailing.

When droping and raising the mast frequently up a river then I remove the forestay and replace it with a dinghy genoa and three part purchase. I remove the gunter spar and use a loose footed topper main. The short wooden mast is on a small tabernacle - tremendous help.


beware
floppy arse




and rasing mast ashore with help from curius assing strangers

I marvel at the memory of watching your vids doing what you say here. Those are fantastic. Ingenious how you rigged it in the backwaters.

True, it's about the most versatile trailer sailer I can think of.

 

[slug zitski]

The 22 foot minstrel has a gunter rig - ideal for trailer sailing.

When droping and raising the mast frequently up a river then I remove the forestay and replace it with a dinghy genoa and three part purchase. I remove the gunter spar and use a loose footed topper main. The short wooden mast is on a small tabernacle - tremendous help.


beware
floppy arse




and rasing mast ashore with help from curius assing strangers

You are lucky . You have a unique cruising geography with a million small towns and fishing villages

perfect for small craft

 

[coopstudio]

here is my film of the broads - filmed on old cameras with old google compressions



D

nice to listen to your fine narrative again Dylan, hope all is well with you and yours in the U.K.

 

[toddster]

Somewhat reminiscent of the butterfly fleet, that used to be the mainstay of salmon gillnet fleet on the Columbia River.

As soon as reliable engines became available, they were abandoned. Too many got swept out onto the bar and never came back.

As far as I can imagine, there is no perfect cruising boat for all of the Columbia.

For example, This Guy often writes about great times exploring the estuary with small boats sailed and rowed. Lots of great areas where no keelboat shall go.

But his boats would be pretty miserable in a week like this, and might not do so well in the big winds and waves in the gorge. And you need to be able to make six knots to approach the locks & dams.

If you laid out all the requirements (presuming sail), I suppose the solution would be a fairly ordinary 25-30 foot centerboard boat with a decent power plant.

...Good grief! I hope it's not the Mac 26...

As long as this thread has come up again: Last month, I was walking through the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and they had one of those "butterfly boats" on display. Well, not just that. They claim that it is the only one in existence.

 

[Kenny Dumas]

I like the rigging details on the butterfly gaff at the Maritime Museum.

 

[Jeff F]

Just getting caught up here. I've been pursuing the perfect river cruiser for 8 years. It's been fun and rewarding.

This is my current boat, the second in the quest. I'm very close.