Hi all
We currently sail a Red Witch in Rockinham WA.

Our future plan is to drive/sail around Australia in a few years time.

Love to hear anyone recommendations on a suitable trailer sailer that would suit this type of travels.

Looking to buy, restore or even build a trailer sailer that would be big enough to cruise for weeks on end or even longer, be it coastal or offshore, that would be comfortable and handle well as a sailer but not too big that we'd need a unimog to tow it with.

Thanks in advance

The forum TrailerSailerPlace will have more trailer sailing people, forum history, and reviews of various models, and is a lively and active forum too: trailersailerplace.com.au/phpBB3/

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SailingGrace said..
Hi all
We currently sail a Red Witch in Rockinham WA.

Our future plan is to drive/sail around Australia in a few years time.

Love to hear anyone recommendations on a suitable trailer sailer that would suit this type of travels.

Looking to buy, restore or even build a trailer sailer that would be big enough to cruise for weeks on end or even longer, be it coastal or offshore, that would be comfortable and handle well as a sailer but not too big that we'd need a unimog to tow it with.

Thanks in advance

Great plan. IMHO don't build one the time you will lose is too valuable when there are so many excellent types on the 2nd hand market. The Noelex 30 is an absolute pearler and won't need a Unimog.

noelex.org.au/review-n30/

www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1984-noelex-30/SSE-AD-5792958/?Cr=0

Of course it all depends on your budget and the vehicle you have, and what size you have in mind. The Clubman 8 is a bit smaller but would probably suit.

yachthub.com/list/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/austral-clubman-8/261015

Size is of course dependent upon your individual tastes, but one easy trailerable boat I've always had a soft spot for are the Ross 780's.
Roomy, great sailing manners and park it on the beach. A lot to like in a 26' boat.

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SailingGrace said..
Hi all
We currently sail a Red Witch in Rockinham WA.

Our future plan is to drive/sail around Australia in a few years time.

Love to hear anyone recommendations on a suitable trailer sailer that would suit this type of travels.

Looking to buy, restore or even build a trailer sailer that would be big enough to cruise for weeks on end or even longer, be it coastal or offshore, that would be comfortable and handle well as a sailer but not too big that we'd need a unimog to tow it with.

Thanks in advance

How much are you looking to spend. $20 ,$40 ? Grand that is

Use to have a FARR 7500 that was a pretty decent trailer sailer. Use to take it to Rotto fairly regularly and did a trip up to Shark Bay for a couple of weeks.

yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/farr-7500/255275

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FabulousPhill said..
The forum TrailerSailerPlace will have more trailer sailing people, forum history, and reviews of various models, and is a lively and active forum too: trailersailerplace.com.au/phpBB3/

Thanks Phill will check it out

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Ilenart said..
Use to have a FARR 7500 that was a pretty decent trailer sailer. Use to take it to Rotto fairly regularly and did a trip up to Shark Bay for a couple of weeks.

yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/farr-7500/255275

Thanks mate

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Bananabender said..

SailingGrace said..
Hi all
We currently sail a Red Witch in Rockinham WA.

Our future plan is to drive/sail around Australia in a few years time.

Love to hear anyone recommendations on a suitable trailer sailer that would suit this type of travels.

Looking to buy, restore or even build a trailer sailer that would be big enough to cruise for weeks on end or even longer, be it coastal or offshore, that would be comfortable and handle well as a sailer but not too big that we'd need a unimog to tow it with.

Thanks in advance

How much are you looking to spend. $20 ,$40 ? Grand that is

Very early stage so far, but yes probably around $30/50k when the time comes

Cheers

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shaggybaxter said..
Size is of course dependent upon your individual tastes, but one easy trailerable boat I've always had a soft spot for are the Ross 780's.
Roomy, great sailing manners and park it on the beach. A lot to like in a 26' boat.

Like it mate, this one is now on the list

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r13 said..

SailingGrace said..
Hi all
We currently sail a Red Witch in Rockinham WA.

Our future plan is to drive/sail around Australia in a few years time.

Love to hear anyone recommendations on a suitable trailer sailer that would suit this type of travels.

Looking to buy, restore or even build a trailer sailer that would be big enough to cruise for weeks on end or even longer, be it coastal or offshore, that would be comfortable and handle well as a sailer but not too big that we'd need a unimog to tow it with.

Thanks in advance

Great plan. IMHO don't build one the time you will lose is too valuable when there are so many excellent types on the 2nd hand market. The Noelex 30 is an absolute pearler and won't need a Unimog.

noelex.org.au/review-n30/

www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1984-noelex-30/SSE-AD-5792958/?Cr=0

Of course it all depends on your budget and the vehicle you have, and what size you have in mind. The Clubman 8 is a bit smaller but would probably suit.

yachthub.com/list/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/austral-clubman-8/261015

Thanks mate, the Noelex look great, great review too, it's on the list now.

Your right, have crossed off a build option.

Cheers

Noelex 30 is trailable but overwidth so restrictions apply. Also hard to find one under 3500 kg. Also takes a fair bit to rig. Too big generally for regular trailer sailing.

For actual trailer sailing a far better compromise is a Noelex 25. Probably the sweet spot for larger trailable yachts.

The Farr 6000 is regarded as the sweet spot in the 20 foot range. Ultimate 18 another option.

Trailer sailer exemptions are modelled on the Magnum 8.5.
I can say that with some authority having spoken to the VIC Roads who wrote them originally as he owned one.
I had to fight a $3k fine for trailing an Etchell after dark in NSW back in 2011
Trailer requirements are still different in each state though

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Madmouse said..
Noelex 30 is trailable but overwidth so restrictions apply. Also hard to find one under 3500 kg. Also takes a fair bit to rig. Too big generally for regular trailer sailing.

For actual trailer sailing a far better compromise is a Noelex 25. Probably the sweet spot for larger trailable yachts.

The Farr 6000 is regarded as the sweet spot in the 20 foot range. Ultimate 18 another option.

Yes read that, so the 25 would be better suited. Watched a few Youtube vids on the Neolex 25.

Cheers

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lydia said..
Trailer sailer exemptions are modelled on the Magnum 8.5.
I can say that with some authority having spoken to the VIC Roads who wrote them originally as he owned one.
I had to fight a $3k fine for trailing an Etchell after dark in NSW back in 2011
Trailer requirements are still different in each state though

As we plan on sailing driving around Aust, thats something we'll have to take into account & do our research with regards to each state, thanks for your imput

There also been recent changes as to clearance lights now every 2m and mast tip lights
from memory Victoria requires brakes on every axle

Also be careful with tow vehicle as biggest not always best because of the gross vehicle limit
heavier the tow vehicle can mean the lighter the load limit

I recommend you take the misses along and see what size and comforts suit your needs undertaking such a trip.
For example the Nolex 25 sounds a great boat but I am not sure I would be happy with a traveller that cuts the cockpit in half and an engine well in the cockpit that may or may not take a modern 4st. Outboard. Coming from a redwich you will also need to decide what kind of intrusion into the cabin your willing to put up with drop keel or swing keel.
Is an enclosed head a must. Do you want manual keel winch, electric-winch or hydraulic. With keels if not lead check for rust.
Do you want masthead or fractional rig. More modern boats and fractional rigs tend to have lighter masts which makes life easier putting up and down. Carbon would be lovely.Farr designed trailer sailers eg. 6000, 7500, Nolex30 are great boats but there are also some others just as good. Eg. RL 28 , Sonata 26 or what about a Court 750 or Beale 850 thats for sale over there.
Good Luck.

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Bananabender said..
I recommend you take the misses along and see what size and comforts suit your needs undertaking such a trip.
For example the Nolex 25 sounds a great boat but I am not sure I would be happy with a traveller that cuts the cockpit in half and an engine well in the cockpit that may or may not take a modern 4st. Outboard. Coming from a redwich you will also need to decide what kind of intrusion into the cabin your willing to put up with drop keel or swing keel.
Is an enclosed head a must. Do you want manual keel winch, electric-winch or hydraulic. With keels if not lead check for rust.
Do you want masthead or fractional rig. More modern boats and fractional rigs tend to have lighter masts which makes life easier putting up and down. Carbon would be lovely.Farr designed trailer sailers eg. 6000, 7500, Nolex30 are great boats but there are also some others just as good. Eg. RL 28 , Sonata 26 or what about a Court 750 or Beale 850 thats for sale over there.
Good Luck.

Thanks BB, great things to consider. We got put onto an elderly couple this morning who have done 2 laps driving & sailing with their court 750. Like the layout of the Sonata 26, will check out the other ones too.

Cheers

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lydia said..
Also be careful with tow vehicle as biggest not always best because of the gross vehicle limit
heavier the tow vehicle can mean the lighter the load limit

Thanks Lydia, great points to consider. Looks like alot of research to do in regards to different states rd rules.

Also remember you may not get 300 km out of tank of fuel when planning a long trip.
Just getting every thing street legal to tow an Etchell Brisbane to Perth in November.

Hi Sailing Grace,

I recently picked up a Noelex 25. Such a great little trailer yacht to sail. I was originally looking at a 28'er like the Spider 28 or a Robert Legg 28, Magnum 8.5 but just a bit too big to do solo sailing. The things I was looking for:-

Easy to step mast solo
Must trail well and be under 2000kg
Must be easy to sail and handle solo.
Must be comfortable for cruising and capable for overnighters/weeks away etc.
Had to be reasonably quick and a spacious interior.

The Noelex 25 covered almost all points. Simple rig, easy to sail, well balanced helm, quick, light and easy to rig solo. Flushing toilet with macerator and holding tank. reasonably dry cockpit and easy to launch and retrieve.

Only real downsides are that I bump my head a bit inside, even with the pop top up. (I'm 6'3"). Outboard in the cockpit takes up a bit of room when sailing. When stopped I leave the motor down and it isn't an issue. The cockpit outboard has advantages when motoring in a rough sea when compared to a transom bracket mounted outboard and manoevering at low speeds due to the outboard thrust straight over the rudder. Forward cabin V-Berth is a bit small for a big fella, although the settee bunk is mint.

If you are looking for something for open ocean/offshore as well coastal, a bigger boat would be better but this comes with a significant weight and towing penalty. Like me, if you like to sail but don't want to be dependent on crew to help you rig, downsize a little to make mast stepping easy. I'm heading to Rottnest tomorrow for the day from Hillarys on my day off. Looking forward to a nice day on an uncrowded ocean.



Oh! and Autohelm is a must

DM

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Bananabender said..

For example the Nolex 25 sounds a great boat but I am not sure I would be happy with a traveller that cuts the cockpit in half and an engine well in the cockpit that may or may not take a modern 4st. Outboard.

Hi Bananabender,

I have a 9.9hp Yamaha 4 stroke in my Noelex and it fits fine. Pushes the boat along at 4 knots just above idle, 5 knots at about 1/3rd throttle. Havent really pushed it any harder, but sure it will boogey with a little more pepper.

DM

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ActionSportsWA said..

Bananabender said..

For example the Nolex 25 sounds a great boat but I am not sure I would be happy with a traveller that cuts the cockpit in half and an engine well in the cockpit that may or may not take a modern 4st. Outboard.

Hi Bananabender,

I have a 9.9hp Yamaha 4 stroke in my Noelex and it fits fine. Pushes the boat along at 4 knots just above idle, 5 knots at about 1/3rd throttle. Havent really pushed it any harder, but sure it will boogey with a little more pepper.

DM

Thats good to hear.

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lydia said..
Also be careful with tow vehicle as biggest not always best because of the gross vehicle limit
heavier the tow vehicle can mean the lighter the load limit

The way "tow limits" are specified in Australia is absolutely iniquitous. There are some cars that can only tow their advertised "tow limit" when there is no one sitting in them. Oh, and don't get a sun roof. Or bull bars. Or a spare water bottle.

Go to Trailer Sailer Place and look up how many times someone has attempted to calculate comparable tow limits for different vehicles with a spreadsheet, which is only accurate if you can get the right information for your car and model. It is not in the manufacturers' interests to publish all the required data, so you end up having to make a best guess. It all stacks up against the consumer, which is poor, when he or she is preparing to fork out for a new or used vehicle that will legally tow his or her boat/caravan/trailer.

/end rant

Tbh most issues are to do with towing near limit. My boat is only 1500kg so a humble territory has ample to spare! But certainly something to consider and limied options once you go heavier.

Noelex 25 arent too heavy but many are over the magic 2000kg therefore require breakway brakes.
Magnums are closer to 3t and people have been caught out with Prados with only 2500 kg towing.
Another heavy one is Seaway 25.

Sonata 26 is relatively light for its size at around 1800kg on trailer.

Also..consider a trimaran. No lead to cart around.

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ActionSportsWA said..
Hi Sailing Grace,

I recently picked up a Noelex 25. Such a great little trailer yacht to sail. I was originally looking at a 28'er like the Spider 28 or a Robert Legg 28, Magnum 8.5 but just a bit too big to do solo sailing. The things I was looking for:-

Easy to step mast solo
Must trail well and be under 2000kg
Must be easy to sail and handle solo.
Must be comfortable for cruising and capable for overnighters/weeks away etc.
Had to be reasonably quick and a spacious interior.

The Noelex 25 covered almost all points. Simple rig, easy to sail, well balanced helm, quick, light and easy to rig solo. Flushing toilet with macerator and holding tank. reasonably dry cockpit and easy to launch and retrieve.

Only real downsides are that I bump my head a bit inside, even with the pop top up. (I'm 6'3"). Outboard in the cockpit takes up a bit of room when sailing. When stopped I leave the motor down and it isn't an issue. The cockpit outboard has advantages when motoring in a rough sea when compared to a transom bracket mounted outboard and manoevering at low speeds due to the outboard thrust straight over the rudder. Forward cabin V-Berth is a bit small for a big fella, although the settee bunk is mint.

If you are looking for something for open ocean/offshore as well coastal, a bigger boat would be better but this comes with a significant weight and towing penalty. Like me, if you like to sail but don't want to be dependent on crew to help you rig, downsize a little to make mast stepping easy. I'm heading to Rottnest tomorrow for the day from Hillarys on my day off. Looking forward to a nice day on an uncrowded ocean.



Oh! and Autohelm is a must

DM

Thanks mate, great points to consider, hope ya had an awesome days sailing, was great day for it.

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Madmouse said..
Tbh most issues are to do with towing near limit. My boat is only 1500kg so a humble territory has ample to spare! But certainly something to consider and limied options once you go heavier.

Noelex 25 arent too heavy but many are over the magic 2000kg therefore require breakway brakes.
Magnums are closer to 3t and people have been caught out with Prados with only 2500 kg towing.
Another heavy one is Seaway 25.

Sonata 26 is relatively light for its size at around 1800kg on trailer.

Also..consider a trimaran. No lead to cart around.

Thanks MM

Have seen a few tri's around, at different hard stand areas, is an option too.

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Achernar said..

lydia said..
Also be careful with tow vehicle as biggest not always best because of the gross vehicle limit
heavier the tow vehicle can mean the lighter the load limit

The way "tow limits" are specified in Australia is absolutely iniquitous. There are some cars that can only tow their advertised "tow limit" when there is no one sitting in them. Oh, and don't get a sun roof. Or bull bars. Or a spare water bottle.

Go to Trailer Sailer Place and look up how many times someone has attempted to calculate comparable tow limits for different vehicles with a spreadsheet, which is only accurate if you can get the right information for your car and model. It is not in the manufacturers' interests to publish all the required data, so you end up having to make a best guess. It all stacks up against the consumer, which is poor, when he or she is preparing to fork out for a new or used vehicle that will legally tow his or her boat/caravan/trailer.

/end rant

Not a rant, it is a joke, found I need separate reversing lights on the trailer for WA as trailer is over 6m
does not seem to be required elsewhere