Is a Typhoon Weekender big enough for a family of five?

[Bill McMahon]

I looked at a couple of Ty's this weekend and think I would be happy with either, but of course, now I'm second guessing the size. Is the Typhoon big enough, for two adults and three children ages 6, 7, and 10? I want the smallest boat that is big enough for several reasons:

Living very close to where I plan to moor the boat, I want something that gets underway easily so that I'm likely to sail it when I have only a few hours to spare.

This would be the family's first boat. My wife has expressed an interest in learning to sail and although I sailed in an earlier life, I need to shake off about 15-20 years of rust.

Something that my wife would feel comfortable sailing without me, after she has gained some experience, would be ideal.

And finally, the obvious, the smaller the boat the easier and cheaper it is to maintain and own.

I think the Ty fits the bill for all of the above, but would something like a CD25 be better? Comments and opinions -based on experience- would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--Bill



BillMcMahon213@aol.com

[Rich]

I have a CD26 and three kids. I think a lot depends on your kids level of comfort on the water. If they would be comfortable scrambling out of the way as you work the tiller, you would probably be fine with a Ty. In my case, I found my kids (ages 6, 3 and 3) were a bit spooked by how tender (initially) the boat was. They were really uncomfortable moving away from the safety of the cockpit and that made quick tacks impossible. Just too many heads, arms, and legs in the way.

I looked at a couple of Ty's this weekend and think I would be happy with either, but of course, now I'm second guessing the size. Is the Typhoon big enough, for two adults and three children ages 6, 7, and 10? I want the smallest boat that is big enough for several reasons:

rpassmore42@hotmail.com

[Bruce Bett]

It sounds to me like you want that Ty. I'd go for it. With out really knowing I'd guess that the cockpit on the Ty is about as big as the Cd25. If that's the case the only advantage to a 25 would be cruising and you'ld find a 25 pretty tight for a family of 5.

Bruce Bett
Sostenuto
CD25 #496

I looked at a couple of Ty's this weekend and think I would be happy with either, but of course, now I'm second guessing the size. Is the Typhoon big enough, for two adults and three children ages 6, 7, and 10? I want the smallest boat that is big enough for several reasons:

Living very close to where I plan to moor the boat, I want something that gets underway easily so that I'm likely to sail it when I have only a few hours to spare.

This would be the family's first boat. My wife has expressed an interest in learning to sail and although I sailed in an earlier life, I need to shake off about 15-20 years of rust.

Something that my wife would feel comfortable sailing without me, after she has gained some experience, would be ideal.

And finally, the obvious, the smaller the boat the easier and cheaper it is to maintain and own.

I think the Ty fits the bill for all of the above, but would something like a CD25 be better? Comments and opinions -based on experience- would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--Bill

bettb@macomb.cc.mimus

[Ben Thomas]

I looked at a couple of Ty's this weekend and think I would be happy with either, but of course, now I'm second guessing the size. Is the Typhoon big enough, for two adults and three children ages 6, 7, and 10? I want the smallest boat that is big enough for several reasons:

Living very close to where I plan to moor the boat, I want something that gets underway easily so that I'm likely to sail it when I have only a few hours to spare.

This would be the family's first boat. My wife has expressed an interest in learning to sail and although I sailed in an earlier life, I need to shake off about 15-20 years of rust.

Something that my wife would feel comfortable sailing without me, after she has gained some experience, would be ideal.

And finally, the obvious, the smaller the boat the easier and cheaper it is to maintain and own.

I think the Ty fits the bill for all of the above, but would something like a CD25 be better? Comments and opinions -based on experience- would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--Bill

Bill, I owned a 74 typhoon and after not sailing for 17years I found that it is a great (forgiving) boat to get back into the joys (zen) of sailing.. my wife was aprehensive at first with the slightest bit of heel. which came as a surprise as she is an avid paddler on outrigger canoes entering races out to catalina island in california and back to shore. the kids are adult size so in essence, five adults in cockpit and companion way as seat, it is crowded, tends to ride fairly low. if your kids are younger smaller it won't be as crowded. what will happen which can be really a great thing is that the family (crew) will have to work in unison, almost choreographed. essentially a team effort. with clear instructions to crew this is one of the greatest joys of being togeather as a unit and having fun!
I've been aboard only one cd25. it felt that the cockpit was just a little larger. the big advantage of the 25 is more space down below. in the typhoon the cabin has just enough room for stowing gear and such. the younger ones will be able to nap with some comfort but adult size way small. Really hard to go wrong with the typhoon. extremely easy to single hand, even with gennaker and main downwind or on reach the boat is a joy to sail. We get some pretty heavy winds here in portland, or. when east winds or the northwesterlys blow up and down the columbia river gorge. further upriver is the haven for sailboarders to come from around the world. working jib, one reef in main 15-25knot winds and they still handle well. good luck ben



btlandscapers@imagina.comn

[Jerome]

I'm just entering my second season as a Typhoon owner and am very happy with the boat. The boat is a real pleasure under sail in both a good strong breeze and light air conditions.

I usually get underway from my mooring under sail in a few minutes time (it usually goes faster and smoother when I'm single-handing, believe it or not). And I usually moor up under sail as well. Every once in a while I furl up early so I can run the outboard a little bit.

The roominess question on the Typhoon is something you really have to think about. As a daysailer you and your family will really enjoy it. I've taken 4 other adults on daysails, no problem (just remember to close those seacocks before they get on, or else their weight will cause water to back up). The most fun I had last year was when I took an overnight sail to Oyster Bay (about 20 nautical miles from my home port)with 3 other people. We were all adults, and one of them was 4 months pregnant. The 2 women slept in the v-berth quite comfortably, and my buddy and I each took a cockpit seat, which was somewhat less comfortable.

The only real problem you might face, I think, is if you intend to weekend or cruise the boat for more than a day. If that's the case than you might want to consider the CD 25 for the added berths. In fact you might even look for something a little bit bigger.

Overall, the Typhoon is a lot of boat at a mere 18.5 feet. The boat is a joy.

Good luck,

Jerome
Typhoon "Io"
hull#977



Jbasma@aol.com

[J.W. Connors]

Hey Bill, I have now owned both, the Typhoon and the 25 (not the D model). I've got two kids, five and four and they are much more comfortable on the 25. Please understand that the 25 interior is not spacious. You have to go outside to change your mind. A 25 is just a stretch version of the typhoon. I'd go with the 25. In today's market you can pick up a plain jane 25 for the same price as a Typhoon. It's not that much more boat to handle. I could hardly tell the difference. They are both trailer boats and equally hard to roll on.
JWC
CD25 #446



taywest@gulftel.com

[george duffiet]

Hey Bill, I have now owned both, the Typhoon and the 25 (not the D model). I've got two kids, five and four and they are much more comfortable on the 25. Please understand that the 25 interior is not spacious. You have to go outside to change your mind. A 25 is just a stretch version of the typhoon. I'd go with the 25. In today's market you can pick up a plain jane 25 for the same price as a Typhoon. It's not that much more boat to handle. I could hardly tell the difference. They are both trailer boats and equally hard to roll on.
JWC
CD25 #446

I do not know where you are located, but I have a great Cape Dory 25 for sale in the Carolinas. It comes with custom Ezy-Loader tandem axle trailer. Email me for particulars. George Duffie



georgemary2@cconnect.net

[george duffie]

I looked at a couple of Ty's this weekend and think I would be happy with either, but of course, now I'm second guessing the size. Is the Typhoon big enough, for two adults and three children ages 6, 7, and 10? I want the smallest boat that is big enough for several reasons:

Living very close to where I plan to moor the boat, I want something that gets underway easily so that I'm likely to sail it when I have only a few hours to spare.

I think I just posted to one of the replies to your message. I have a Cape Dory 25 for sale in Carolinas. Email me for particulars if interested.

George

This would be the family's first boat. My wife has expressed an interest in learning to sail and although I sailed in an earlier life, I need to shake off about 15-20 years of rust.

Something that my wife would feel comfortable sailing without me, after she has gained some experience, would be ideal.

And finally, the obvious, the smaller the boat the easier and cheaper it is to maintain and own.

I think the Ty fits the bill for all of the above, but would something like a CD25 be better? Comments and opinions -based on experience- would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--Bill

georgemary2@cconnect.net

[sloopjohnl]

bill,
most important thing to ask yourself - what percentage of the time will be daysailing and what percentage overnighting. if your looking at 80% or more daysailing dittoes to all the above for the typhoon. i have two kids and have had three or four and my wife on board for daysails. the kids always seem to like the foredeck. naps below are easy. if your looking at more than 25% overnighting go for the bigger boat.
bear in mind a 25-footer gets a whole lot bigger out of the water than a 19-footer.

[J.W. Connors]

With all due respect to the writer and all other CD25 owners, but I'd be hard pressed to go anywhere overnight with my family in such a tight interior. Cape Dory is a fine sailing classic but the trade off is having the low free-board and narrow beam as compared to say a Catalina.
JWC
CD25 #446



taywest@gulftel.com

[Bob B]

I grew up on an O'Day daysailer, owned a Cape Dory 27 for several years (lived on it for a while) and now have a Typhoon. The Typhoon has seen more sailing than either of the others due to:
a. It can be left in the water and I just go out to the dock/mooring, bend on the sails and head out.
b. It is capable of handling fairly severe weather (up to 25 knots
reefed and furled) without too much trouble so it allows me to
sail it year round.
c. The comfort and ease of sailing when I bring guests with me or teach lessons (up to four adults or five kids) is such that people feel secure on the boat.
d. It can easily be single handed so when no one is available,
I head on out anyway.
e. A boat this size handles easier and is more responsive thus making it easier for novices to get the hang of sailing.

All of these can be found in some other boats but don't have the classic look of the Typhoon that you can truly be proud of. As to a family of five, it is the perfect size for the kids to learn on and not too cramped with the whole gang.

Enjoy making your decision.

Bob B.



Jib8357@aol.com

[Bob B]

I grew up on an O'Day daysailer, owned a Cape Dory 27 for several years (lived on it for a while) and now have a Typhoon. The Typhoon has seen more sailing than either of the others due to:
a. It can be left in the water and I just go out to the dock/mooring, bend on the sails and head out.
b. It is capable of handling fairly severe weather (up to 25 knots
reefed and furled) without too much trouble so it allows me to
sail it year round.
c. The comfort and ease of sailing when I bring guests with me or teach lessons (up to four adults or five kids) is such that people feel secure on the boat.
d. It can easily be single handed so when no one is available,
I head on out anyway.
e. A boat this size handles easier and is more responsive thus making it easier for novices to get the hang of sailing.

All of these can be found in some other boats but don't have the classic look of the Typhoon that you can truly be proud of. As to a family of five, it is the perfect size for the kids to learn on and not too cramped with the whole gang.

Enjoy making your decision.

Bob B.



Jib8357@aol.com

[Don Carr]

Bill;
As a CD25 owner I will vouch for John's previously mentioned statement. Yes, a CD25 will be more comfortable, however cost of ownership over a weekender may not warrant the additional footage. Based on what you have said, the Typhoon seems like a better boat for you. Not that the 25 isn't a great sailboat, it is; but when you consider hauling charges and dockage/moorage fees; the extra length might not be worth it. As John says, the boat really seems to grow over the winter when fitting out. Just remember boat cost is not linear but geometric in proportion to length.



carrd48@netzero.net

[Bill McMahon]

WOW! What a great response!

Since I'll primarily be day sailing I think I'll stick with the Ty.

Thanks everyone.



BillMcMahon213@aol.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>...it is the perfect size for the kids to learn on ...<<

I was thinking while reading this thread that the kids wouldn't be small for too much longer and the Ty would be too small for family sailing. But... it's a great boat for the kids to learn on and then sail themselves.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com