Best 18 foot T S from the 1980s,

A long time ago we sometime raced a Sunmaid 20 offshore.
Stable, responded well to good sailing and well built.

Careel 18.

Our family has an Ultimate 18 swing keel. These are available with a pop top.
These are probably the premium 18 footer as while they are not fast they are on par with others that size and are completely self righting. Good quality and reasonable to tow, launch and rig.
Other suggestions above are also good but entail some compromises e.g the sunmaid has a slight shoal keel which may not suit if shallow draft is a priority.
If budget and space allow 6m boat consider the Farr6000 which is no heavier than an 18 and sails faster with more room.

Agree that Trailer Sailer Place is the place for more info as the name implies.

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r13 said..
Assume you have searched here - a Gem 550 on it at Wollongong for $10k - very neat yachts.

www.facebook.com/groups/1092121144922181/

Such lovely little boats. I really wish we had something like the European Micro Class here - sure, they aren't as fast as a sportsboat but Micros like the Gem are such nice little all-rounders, and they could form a fascinating development class at a budget.

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Chris 249 said..

r13 said..
Assume you have searched here - a Gem 550 on it at Wollongong for $10k - very neat yachts.

www.facebook.com/groups/1092121144922181/

Such lovely little boats. I really wish we had something like the European Micro Class here - sure, they aren't as fast as a sportsboat but Micros like the Gem are such nice little all-rounders, and they could form a fascinating development class at a budget.

Of course 100% agree. The Castle 550 is also very similar to the Gem550 and on the 18ft LOA as per the original post.
www.facebook.com/groups/1218191371634324/