Rare on a daysailer, the Expo 14.2's main sail furls, and her arched boom provides exceptional headroom. She is instantly —and easily controlled in almost any wind condition, a very easy daysailer to single-hand, and minutes to rig. Sporty with one or two, relaxing with a cockpit full. see more
Traditional sloop-rigged daysailer with main and genoa. Pivoting, lightweight mast, and non-rigid, furling headsail mean less bulk, less connections, and simple set up. A reefing main makes her single-hand, and novice capable, though she's designed for two or more. see more
Daysailers carry passengers, a picnic lunch, and a fair share of gear; they accommodate a small motor which allows you to launch on narrow canals, rivers, or in crowded harbors, as well as providing power if the wind dies. A swim ladder adds function and accessibility.
A daysailer's high sides and interior seats help keep passengers dry. Deep cockpits and high booms provide plenty of body room; you may not even have to duck when you tack.
A daysailer's wider hull adds stability, and its heavier hull is not as sensitive to body weight shifts, when underway, whereas a dinghy or board boat is highly passenger-weight sensitive. Though most daysailers can capsize, it's not as likely.
Because a daysailer is drier and less likely to capsize, its season may be longer. Dinghy, board boat, and catamaran sailers often need to purchase wetsuits or drysuits to sail spring and fall.
Daysailers like the Expo 14.2 and Catalina 16.5 can be easily towed behind a small car, then rigged, launched, and sailed away by an average couple. Small sailboats with any cabin (even a tiny one) are heavier, and often require a truck to retrieve them from a slippery ramp, and they usually have taller, heavier, deck-stepped masts which are harder to raise.
Some daysailers, like the Catalina 14.2 and 16.5, self-bail by gravity; when left uncovered, they won't fill up with water. If moored, a daysailer with a furling mainsail can leave the dock in a minute, so more time sailing, and less time preparing-to. If you moor any fiberglass boat, protect her hull with bottom paint.
Few daysailers can be totally handled (rigged, launched, sailed, righted) by one person alone. You may need someone at the bow to pin the forestay, more weight to right it, help in climbing back in, or loading it on its trailer.
Board boats right easily when capsized; daysailers are harder to right, and harder to climb back into —especially without a swim ladder. Though modern daysailers have flotation in their hull, many have a tendency to turn completely upside down (turtle) when capsized, especially if not righted promptly. The Catalina 16.5 has an optional flotation panel that surrounds the top of its mainsail to prevent turning turtle.
Bigger is not always better, nor necessarily safer, in large lakes.
Daysailers are great for couples, singles who like company, or 3-generational families. If you have toddlers/young children, you may enjoy the versatility of a Hobie Tandem Island. If you have teenagers, consider taking turns on a sporty board boat —or if you choose a daysailer, encourage your spouse, teen, or friends to skipper. Driving is fun!
