The extensive descriptions on the Rhodes 22 web page certainly give the
impression of a well-thought-out and desirable design. I kept looking for
something wrong or negative about the design. The following statement may
or may not suggest the boat is not intended for rough waters:
"Look at the water line: A large boat, built for rough seas, has a big
overhang at both ends to
provide additional buoyancy as the hull buries in waves. But we are not
considering this kind of boat. On small cruising boats, the longer the
water line the better the performance, and comfort. So compare the L.W.L.
on each of the manufacturers' specifications."
The reverse transom, which contributes to the long waterline, woud be
considered undesirable by some in a following sea, since waves are more
likely to come aboard.
My other reservation concerns the wisdom of in-the-mast furling/reefing.
How well does that work? What effect does it have on sail shape? Of course,
you could omit that feature and use jiffy reefing instead, if you wanted to.
The 2900 lb plus whatever the trailer weighs sounds like a lot to trailer.
I don't know how that compares with other 22 footers.
I like the idea of the flare at the gunwhale. It should make the boat
dryer, it resists capsizing, and provides a hiking seat. I like the
self-tacking working jib, but that can be installed on any sloop with a
nonoverlaping jib.
Overall, the Rhodes 22 sounds wonderful.
Harry
P14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA
>> I pulled up the literature for the Rhodes 22 at Rhodes22.com and it does
>>look
>> like a very nice boat. I'd like to see some pictures of it's keel. they
>> claim that you trailor this boat with the keel down!? On the otherhand the
>> way they describe the flair at the gunnel doesn't sound very asthetic.
>> Have you seen one?
>>
>> Bruce
>> P19 #913 "typsy gypsea"
>> Eden, Ut