Sailboat Advice
 

We are thinking about getting a small daysailer. We are quite new to the lake, somewhat experienced sailors and I want a boat that I can take out by myself, or with a few friends. We've purchased a property (with a dock) to retire to in a few years, and want a sailboat that is roomy, stable and safe -- something our grandkids can learn to sail in. I have always been drawn to the Herreshoff designs, so I am dreaming about getting a Herreshoff-like 12 1/2 (Haven, Bullseye, Doughdish, ...) or perhaps a small Buzzards Bay. I am leaning towards the fixed keel, but could be talked into a centerboard variant.

I've noticed that these types of boats don't seem to be common on the lake, and I am wondering why. Does anyone have any experience with similar boats on Winnipesaukee? Do you have any suggestions or advice?

Nice boats
 

This sounds like a good plan, nice boats.
I'd consider the ability to add a small motor. I've seen many afternoons when the wind died down and it took folks hours to get home. If no motor add a "party size" bottle of sunscreen.
Centerboard or keel may be a decision based on the waters (or the bottoms) where you live and saili.)

Someone in craigslist-nh has a Mistral 16'-cabin for the low price of $800....a fixer upper....that has two large sails and could use a 4hp x 20" outboard on the bracket....will look to see if the ad is still there.....believe it includes an old trailer.

nh.craigslist.org/boa/5232462828.html

For some wacky reason this link with four good phjotos is not working?

Is worth a look to check out the sails and the hull to see what's the condition on this 25-year old boat?

Anyway, this looks like it could be a good el cheapo fixer upper if the sails are in decent shape. Go to Home Depot and get a gallon of Glidden Gripper latex primer tinted grey, plus a gallon of high gloss latex exterior in some super bright color with non-slip traction mixed in for the seats, cabin....everything above the gunnel .... and do a paint job above the waterline with about three coats, and for below the waterline.....clean it up, remove the decals, and wax the white fiberglass with an expensive boat wax........now, you got something to do!

Anyone have a heated garage for this project?

I'm not a big fan of fixed keels on a daysailer because I can remember times when I had to beach it to escape a sudden storm.
Winnipesaukee, on a windy day can be quite a thrilling ride on a small sail boat.
You're in for some great fun

A friend of mine is selling an O'Day Dailsailer II in excellent condition. I thinks it's 17 feet long and has a swing keel.

New?
 

Not sure if you are looking for new or used, but Benetuea makes a great little daysailer called the First 22. Great boat to learn on for your grandkids. We took out a demo on the Chesapeake over the summer. Room for 6 and enough drama to keep it fun, but stable enough for safety. I believe you can get a new one for under $29k.

http://www.beneteauamerica.com/Sailboats/First/First-22

If it seems a little basic, you can go up market to the First 20, which is basically the same size but a bit more cowbell.

http://www.beneteauamerica.com/Sailboats/First/First-20

You don't really see a lot of sailing on the lake in the summer months because the wind is not very consistent. You will definitely want to strap an outboard onto whatever you buy. Autumn is a much better time to sail on the lake.