There is one here in Northern Tasmania that is very neat.
It has been in The Examiner most weeks but not sure if it's online.
There is one moored next to me that looks sound but onloved. Never used nor visited I think the owner would take anything he could get.
Thanks guys, did look in the examiner this morning but no listing. Morningbird Id be interested to know more. Thank you for replying.
Love these boats and fingers crossed I can find one that hopefuly hasen't been raced within an inch of its life. Im not the most educated nor skilled sailer but have certainly taken to these, cheers.
Sorry, got The Examiner today and it's actually a 740. Let me know if you want more details
Hi
I had an 8 for a few years and loved it despite it had been raced to death, they just keep ongoing.
Having said that their is one at Lake Macquarie NSW call Touch of Class that has all the bells and whistles and looksd fantastic, not my boat but just have observed it over the last few years.
Check out boats for sale on Lake Macquarie NSW or it may be on Boat Point as well.
I can see it from home window as it is on a local mooring.
The boat next to me is in Salt Pan Cove, the bay immediately north of the RMYC. It isn't for sale as far as I know but a couple of years ago the owner spent some time cleaning the hull because he thought NSW Maritime would have a go at him. I met him a few times then and he hasn't moved the boat for years. It has seagull nests in the cockpit lockers but that is easy enough to fix.
I'm not sure how to contact him. I have just checked the local coop and he isn't a member.
Next I am up there, hopefully next Friday, I will get the boat name and mooring number and you might be able to get the Boating Service Officer to contact the owner to contact you. I could leave a note on the boat but I doubt it will be seen by anything but the gulls.
One thing I do remember him saying was that the boat didn't handle offshore conditions very well. He took it to Port Stephens and went very close to the hard stuff when an inexperienced watchkeeper let the boat get close inshore. They had a lot of difficulty getting the boat to go to windward in strong conditions. I recall he said it was very tender and made a lot of leeway.
Probably a good boat for inside racing and cruising.
Raced against one a few times on Lake Illawarra. They are only a trailer sailer really and hindered by an 8' 2" beam and a light displacement.
Thanks all appreciate your time and efforts. Your a great bunch. Due to a limited budget these boats are within reach and I just want to go sailing. Even considering a Castle 650 now. It will be my first sailboat of this size and naive I am.
Dont know many folk who sail monos so Im a little blind here, however I do have alot of ocean experience due to past occupations etc. I will only be sailing inshore and doubt ill be racing so want something I can single hand aswell.
thanks for the laugh morningbird and thanks for trying. I do have a lot to learn cheers.
I'd suggest you get something like the Duncanson 35 on ebay or a boat like mine. They are incredibly forgiving of dumb sail settings and poor handling.
I had a Duncanson 26, a trailer sailor based boat like the Sonata although mine was fixed keel. So bloody tender and hyperactive it was not much fun. The missus hated it, going under the harbour bridge with her on the helm, 50 degrees of heel in a mild gust, followed by an uncontrollable round up.
Aquablue, I'm a bit biased, bit if you're on a budget have a look at the Top Hat of your looking around the 8 metre mark.
The Top Hat is a brilliant all round pocket cruiser, and whilst not quite as fast as a Sonata, will handle much more weather. If set up right, they're easy single handlers too. Many of them have travelled the world both with crew and solo.
There are are a few on Boatpoint for less than 10k, or up to $15 for a spotless one.
Michael.
aquablue
Sonata 8 is nice boat, I love the poptop but wouldn't take her offshore,
don't known 26 but, would be close to 3 tuns with the trailer.
Not many cars can safely tow./all wheels brakes a must/
Im really appreciating the feed back, Michael I was reading your thread and admiring your boat last night, you did well and shes a beauty.
Ramona im liking the Ross 780 and really cant see myself in anything bigger than 26ft. 24ft - 26ft
Im guessing patience is the key here and getting involved with a club will probably be a good idea.
Cheers all. I live in Qld on the sunshine coast. In saying that im always travlin around the country.
Cheers Michael, much appreciated.. can certainly see the advantages of long keeled boats.
One just sold and was a bargain. Survey reports etc.
It is good fun looking although most of whats listed has sold.
Thanks again most kind.
I own a Sonata 8, bought it from NSW and towed it to Perth with a new suzuki grand vitara no worries. I sail it mostly in an estuary and close offshore stuff, we are sailing it to rotnest island this summer, i have sailed it offshore a few times, and in rough seas, and it was fine, although more lead in the keel would have been ideal (and fixed!). If you have any questions let me know, i have owned mine for about 3 years and have loved it. Good luck.
but smiling.