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You don't think you are going to see a letter from a bitter owner - did you?  Publications paint us as characters and we are a bit crazy but let's not get carried away.  And besides, we lost that one letter anyway.

What you will see here are real letters from active owners who use their boats differently and in different parts of the country.  Their remarks, experiences and probing may help you in deciding if this particular boat is the best choice for your particular needs.

M from PA picked up her boat at the plant.  A good way to go; a shakedown on the Albemarle checks out the skipper, checks out the boat and saves delivery costs:  "We learned a lot.  To the whole crew, thanks for your work on our boat.  It's a gem."

Another lady sailor just sent us this note:  "I do so love my Rhodes and the wonderful service you guys provide...You're the BEST !   It's wonderful having a little cruiser I can single-hand as I continue to have the greatest passion for sailing in my family."

S from Long Island had his boat delivered and immediately found the Rhodes-list web site and was getting experienced advice from other owners.  Soon one of his feedbacks to the "list" was:  "I sail single-handed all the time with no problems. Everything is laid out so conveniently, it's a pleasure."

E from SC, added to the applause for the Rhodes single handing abilities with his "list" input:  "I am new to sailing and sail mine single handed 80% of the time...I sail her right into my slip."

On this Sailnet.com web site <Rhodes-list@sailnet.com>  owners cover a whole range of topics.  Typical is the concern of an owner who, having seen the marvelous double cabin-top hatches on the latest model Rhodes, wondered if he could install a pair on his older boat.  One response from the "list":  "I've had no problems with the hatches on my cabin top.  One is located above the head, providing standing head room in that area.  The other is adjacent, on the port side.  It is right over the forward end of the settee, near the v-berth.  I really like that one -my overhead slumber skylight.  They have functioned well.  No leaks, great ventilation and provides some extra light down below.  Don't know about formulas and all in regards to structural integrity, but have noticed no related problems such as a soft deck up above.  With the beefiness of the R22 deck, as compared to some other manufacturers, I'd think there is no concern .  That's one very big impression that I experienced when doing the boat show shopping.  I noticed how General Boats invites the masses aboard at once, where the other builders prefer one or two at a time, with shoes removed.   Pretty savvy marketing.  HUH?  May as well show off a good thing !"

H, from years ago, still had the enthusiasm to write us:  "Well, I'm impressed. She really has come a long way since we bought ours and subsequently sold her in 1993.  We talk of the many wonderful days and hours we spent on ours in the Gulf and Atlantic. Four days at anchor over one Christmas holiday in Charlotte Harbor (FL). Safest boat I've ever been on and we've had a few, including the three we now own. "

We never met T from the deep South (he bought a used Rhodes) but he felt the urge to comment on the other guy's site (Sailnet.com):  "I use the extension on the trailer when pulling the boat out. Loading the Rhodes onto the trailer is the easiest thing possible.  Leave the center board down and drive it on. The cb lines everything up and you'll stop when it reaches the front of the trailer (bunks) softly." (When possible, sailing on is even easier using either the furling jib or furling main controls.)

P from CO, looking to go larger, wrote us a letter naming names. In fairness to their not being on this spot to defend themselves, we crossed out the naming of builders and boats:  "We continue to extensively evaluate boats in trade publications and at local dealers. We thought a good replacement might be the XXXXX 25.  We structured a vacation to Florida over the Holidays to include a visit to their factory.  We toured the XXXXX factory and then test sailed a new XXXXX.

As we were touring the factory, we kept finding ourselves discussing modifications to the XXXXX to incorporate features of the Rhodes. Our decision became very easy after we had the opportunity to sail the XXXXX.  The unanimous decision of our family was, although we could use additional boat size, the Rhodes 22 has the best features and is a much more solid boat.  None of the other boats we have researched can compare to the sturdiness, efficiency and refinement of the Rhodes 22."

The luck of the Irish or the pluck of the Rhodes, this unsolicited letter speaks for itself:  "I and two ladyfriends got caught on Long Island Sound in a vicious thunder squall mid-afternoon in my 1974 Rhodes with main up and engine on full. The black cauldron of a curtain, which was the approaching squall line, was ominously visible as it marked its way from the S.W. I was racing against this black wall for my mooring in the outer Mamaraneck Harbor when, instantaneously, the wind veered and rose to hurricane force! Friends of mine who work the local waters, told me their anemometers pegged out over 100 mph. This storm made the New York Times front page the next day. I was on starboard tack when it hit. Over we went, even with mainsheet free and clear. The mast was in the water, the waves building instantaneously to 6 feet plus, we battled it out for what seemed half an hour. We managed to right the boat but ended up getting knocked down twice more. The Coast Guard reported three dozen capsizings from City Island to Greenwich. Visibility at zero, hail pelting us and a temperature drop of about 30 degrees - we held on in grand old Irish fashion. Besides a broken shroud and stay, we sailed safely back into the harbor under main as the winds died down to under 30 knots. The boat is a lovely, stable daysailer and can deliver you from the worst squalls imaginable."

(Note: They could have lost as many as 4 more stays and the mast could have stayed up. On most competitive boats, lose the jib stay and the mast joins you in the cockpit.)

While we like the sight of land at all times, Rhodes owners seem to have no fears of the high seas:

"I had a great first year with my Rhodes 22 down in Ocean City, NJ.  This is truly a 'blue water' boat.  This boat is really a lot of fun and capable of sailing in almost any kind of water and weather."  MS. of NJ.

"Handles great in 15 to 25 knot wind." echoes S from the other side of the country in WA.

"With the main under reef and the 175% genoa furled to about 100%, boat is plenty stiff in 35 knot breeze." claims S from Arkansas.    (Editor's Note:  Go Home !)

A lady, giving some thought to buying a Rhodes, turned to the Rhodes-list site to get some information from an owner who, like our storm tamer, owns an early Rhodes. After e-mailing her some wonderful technical coverage, owner P turned to his 1998 plans for his 1976 Rhodes: "Our boat is priceless to our family and we sail her every chance we get. For our summer cruise this year, we are going to make a 30 mile crossing of northern Lake Michigan from Charlevoix, MI to Beaver Island. We'll replenish our supplies on Beaver Island overnight and then the next morning, we'll make a 3 mile passage to an uninhabited island just to the north called Garden Island..."

Someone interested in buying a used Rhodes from a local ad asked an Ohio Rhodes owner the probing question: "Why do people choose the Rhodes?" We thought the Rhodes owner's reply a classic. After explaining that he had owned a Chrysler 22 he went on:  "After heart surgery, both hips replaced, slower reflexes, loss of strength and a body gone to hell.."  He did some data studying and comparative shopping and found that with the Rhodes "you get a major improvement in the cockpit. .you get furling jib and main.. .you get a heavier mast ... the cockpit is the selling feature/deal-closer for me.. seating is far superior to other boats.. .there are features galore in the cabin.., the running rigging is well done, especially the mainsheet traveler.., sail plan can be reduced very quickly.. . the Rhodes has more features than any other boat in its size class...".

Many buyers who choose a Rhodes are experienced sailors moving down or sideways and cannot help but make comparisons:  "I previously owned and sailed a Tartan 30 and a San Juan 26 and the the Rhodes is by far the most fun and easiest to sail and maintain...the IMF (Inner Mast Furling Main) is truly fabulous."

One submarine commander, who owns a Rhodes, took another submarine commander, who is considering a Rhodes, for a sail.  They both like the idea that a Rhodes cannot go to the bottom.  This e-mail followed:  "Sailing with Mario in 15 to 20 knot winds was magnificent.  The boat handled easily.  We await the deal of the year."

We like the Catalina 22.  It is the second best 22 on the market.  Quotes here do not necessarily represent our views.  But more than a dozen Catalina owners have moved sideways to a Rhodes 22.  If you know anyone who would like a Catalina, we have several for sale:

"I had narrowed it down to Catalina and the Rhodes.  I was able to sit in both several times and test sail the Rhodes.  The Rhodes won without a doubt.  It just fit.  All the lines lead back to the cockpit.  The coamings are high and comfortable.  Everything is well thought out."

"Catalina 22?  Hell, I inadvertently sailed into a race being held by the local yacht club.  Light wind and running I was passing them all.  Some had their spinnakers up !"

"After owning a Catalina 22 for several years we decided to move up to a larger boat.  We spotted the Rhodes and thought it was bigger.  So we made an appointment for a demo sail.  We were told it is only a 22 but the appointment was made so we took the demo on lake Huron anyway.  Oops.  Big mistake.  This big-little boat got us."

"Like me, you have stumbled on to a great boat through the internet.  I investigated the Rhodes 22 last year along with other boats of similar size like the Hunter, Precision and Catalina.  From my perspective, the pluses of the Rhodes is first and foremost the positive flotation built into the boat.  Dollar for dollar, I do not know of another boat that is packed with so much ingenious innovations that make sailing pleasure.  The in-mast furling system means not having a deck or cockpit filled with sail and trying to bag all that material.  The clever motor raising system that makes the chore manageable even with my 100 lb. Honda.  The pop-top which can be up when sailing.  And, there is General Boats itself.  Most of the boat manufacturers just crank out boats one way on a take it or leave it basis.  We bought a refurbished boat and added the things that we wanted.  Is definitely NOT a sell and forget operation.  I think that if you shop around, you will find that you get the most bang for your buck with a Rhodes 22."  NC attorney
 
Many trailerable boat owners assume that their boat is unsinkable.  Bad assumption.  The Rhodes is one of today's rare boats to still be built with foam flotation. Fortunately, we have had no feedback as to whether the molded-in foam really makes the boat unsinkable - until this letter came in:  "I lost my Rhodes to Hurricane Bob.  I can attest to the fact that it still floats right side up with one and a half  feet of  freeboard with 12 good size holes in it....it's amazing." Our belief is that you can stay on a sunken Rhodes and never get wet !
 
Comradery among owners of  the same class boat is legendary.  Among "Rhodies", it seems to be exceptionally rewarding, even extending to those still dreaming of owning a Rhodes.  The "list" overflows with comments, advice and encouragement from:  "Upgrade your motor mount to the new style. They are so much superior to anything you can buy on the open market, there is no comparison. "

To, from North Carolina:  "I purchased a 77 model in 95. The boat had been dry sailed in North Carolina inland waters. It is now moored at High Rock Yacht Club just outside of Lexington, NC. We had an American 16 day sailor so the Rhodes is quite a step up in comfort. The roller genoa makes sailing a real joy in almost any weather. We have a little 4 horse Yacht Twin motor that starts the first pull and gets us around.."

To, from South Carolina (this one particularly of interest to us because shortly after delivering the Rhodes to this executive, he had asked us if we would take the boat back - his wife had not been thrilled with the idea and he had little time for sailing.  We said sure but then he decided to give it a little more time):  "My wife and I celebrated our ten year anniversary anchored off a small island.  I catered a candlelight, linen tablecloth, four course dinner while the sun slowly set.  Could not have had better seats at a restaurant anywhere!  A big half moon rose quietly to take its place among the stars. About 10:00 p.m. we pulled up the anchor, raised the sails and headed back to the marina. I had not checked the battery before we left. It was dead...but we had a big moon and a Coleman lantern and all the stars we could handle.  It was wonderful slipping quietly past houses and docks..."

The internet chatter, not always 100% accurate, is written by very bright owners with very educational points to make. Recently there was a very detailed give and take on motors, power and shaft lengths. We will not put in our two cents here but one owner's statement did stand out:  "The Rhodes 22 can be sailed in much rougher weather than it can be motored in"

Surprisingly, there are often letters from never-to-be Rhodes owners:  "Guys and Gals. This is one of the best and most informative web sites I have come across. Thanks for the information and organizing it so well. I may never be able to afford a Rhodes 22, but I really have enjoyed reading about it."

While we had not intended the Rhodes to be put into scheduled ocean crossings, owners fearlessly cruise wherever the spirit  moves them.  Retirees in Naples take off for the Dry Tortugas as if  it was around the corner.  Many have sailed to Bimini off the Florida coast. One wrote that he took his family and did the return trip in an astounding 10 hours. Others have made this ocean going round trip single handed. Here a 59 and 57 year old crew tell us of their 325 mile vacation:

"We live near Sag Harbor (North Shore of Long Island) and the longest trip we had taken before was a 40 mile trip to Block Island.  Between July 6 and July 30 we sailed... to the north side of Cape Cod... a 325 mile trip.. .We spent every night but one of the twelve (sailing) days on board... .The boat performed quite well and eating/sleeping was fine - the equivalent of camping but in more comfort and without having to carry the supplies on one's back."

Another adventurous '85 Rhodes owner left Annapolis on a single handed 420 mile 20 day trip around Maryland, Virginia and Delaware which included, besides sailing the entire length of Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and the C&D Canal and some terrible weather:

"Unrelenting high Northeast winds, fog, rain and lots of cold. Other days were great..., some of the people I met along the way questioned the depth of my common sense... .but I had confidence in my boat. My Rhodes 22 couldn't have responded any better. Nothing broke down or failed...thanks to your crew...building a reliable product makes the difference in a buyer's psychological and physical safety."

After the review by Practical Sailor, which is covered in the Menu:  MAGAZINES WRITE,  mail like this came in:

"Glowing review. If I did not already own a Rhodes 22, I would go right out and buy one." said a NY attorney.

"A thousand bravos." from a Florida big boat couple who also bought a Rhodes 22.

A Rhodes owner to a news group on the internet:  "There is a good, unbiased evaluation from Practical Sailor and another from Northern Breezes on-line."
 

The Rhodes you see today was born in the seventies from the plottings of world famous naval architect Philip Rhodes, humanized by the Wichita industrial design team of Ten Eyke Associates of airplane design and nurtured by Rhodes owners from coast to coast with ongoing input that has been priceless.  A charter buyer, who bought one of the first Rhodes ever built and has since moved on to bigger boats, saw the latest model at the Annapolis Show and had to write:  "Saw the Rhodes at the show and it is getting better and better every year. Talked to a few potential customers. It is still the best small cruiser ever produced."

We picked up our phone messages one day to hear this recording:

"I got my boat out of the water by myself - trailer, mast everything exactly the way you said it would. Thirty people on shore were watching and waiting for something to go wrong. Thanks for everything. The boat is wonderful."

But it was the call from Practical Sailor Magazine that warmed. . They said that they just had to call us to let us know that when they asked owners to write to them re their opinions that were needed for an upcoming article on the Rhodes, they got a bigger response than from any other opinions request - even though we are the smallest of the boat builders in our class... .and more to the point, they could not believe how favorable they were - as if Rhodes were only sold to family:

"I have sailed my Rhodes for 5 seasons and am very happy. I still can't believe how much cruiser General Boats has been able to build into 22 feet."

From a couple of high ranking army officers last known to be on duty in Texas: "We are charmed. The Rhodes appeals to us for several reasons. B, an engineer, likes the boat because of the thorough, thoughtful way it has been designed and constructed. D, the better sailor in the family (and higher ranking) likes the friendly way the boat responds to the tiller and the warm teak interior. We both appreciate the simplified sail handling offered by the roller furling and the fact that such a complete boat can be easily launched and recovered. We believe your boat is the finest boat of its type we have seen. "

"The Rhodes is a tremendous boat. This was the first full sailing season and every time I take her out I'm more impressed. I sailed her on Gull Lake (near Kalamazoo, MI). I trailed to Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) Traverse City and sailed her in 6 foot waves and 20 knot breezes. She went to weather great, reefed with 1/2 main (he does not have IMF) and a small head sail. Of f the wind with the board up was like riding a surfboard. I purchased a Gennaker for her this year and off the wind performance in light air is very impressive."

The Rhodes is a fast boat.  We think the earlier boats were faster because they were lighter and had standard mains.   Our evolutionary focus has been on acceptable speed with the accent on creature comforts, convenience and safety.  The user friendly innovations of the Rhodes do not always challenge the full speed potential of the hull.   For those who want to do serious racing, with the Rhodes inherently fast hull, there are sail systems that will shift you into fast forward. Just remember what Mr. Rhodes preached: Sailboat design is an exercise in compromise.

Even with all the bells and whistles, we get letters like this one from a Lake Ontario racing enclave: "Although we really haven't done much racing, we did enter our club's commodore's regatta.  We won with 2 firsts and one second.  That was both elapsed and corrected times."

And this one:  "Kay and I are completing our first summer season with our Rhodes and wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having designed such a beautiful, comfortable boat.  When the wind freshens up, the hull stability is so good it is almost unbelievable and the speed of the boat adds a thrilling touch to the comfortable ride. We have only dropped (make that 'lowered', dropped has a terrible connotation) the centerboard twice all Summer.  We find the boat so fast (sailing with the board up will increase speed) that when we linger to talk with another boat in the water, we usually either have to let go of the sheet so we slow down, or terminate our conversation faster than we would like as we are pulling away from the other boat. This being our fourth boat, we are very appreciative of the Rhodes' quality and exceptional design."

Sustained enthusiasm is the measure of a boat' s design character.  Five years later, owners threatening to go larger just can't get themselves to give up their Rhodes:  "We have now had our Rhodes for five seasons and are more pleased with its quickness and comfortable livability each year. Nothing ever breaks and just continues to give pleasure and contentment each time we sail. We haven't yet, regardless of boat size, seen any cockpit that we would trade for when it comes to comfort and just being a neat place to completely relax."

Richard and Claire after 9 years:  " Over the past 9 years we have sailed the Long Island Sound and had both wonderful weather and horrible weather.  We have participated in a couple of races and even took a second place.  As you know Claire cannot swim.  She feels very confident on our Rhodes, even in heavy weather.  The boat has the ability to out sail and outperform many other sailboats both equal to and larger than itself.  We feel quite superior in light air when other boats are stalled in the water and we are sailing almost as if we were motoring.   Our boat has always come through for us...."

JF from IL seconds Rhodes confidence building:  "Suzie let me buy the boat with the understanding that she might never set foot on it.  Over time she developed enough confidence in the boat's seaworthiness to do what she never though possible.  Thanks for being able to sail with the pop top up and infinitely adjusting sails to match current conditions."
 

While we are interested in exporting, so far, we have only shipped to Canada and Columbia, SA. and without much feedback. One will soon be going to Greece. The next letter is from owners who had us ship their boat on a freighter deck to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The only problem was that the owners lived on the other side of the Island and did not want a trailer. So, being novices and knowing no better, they had the boat loaded off the freighter into the water and off they headed to Esperante Bay:  "Winds were 16 to 25 knots against us and the 3 knot current was also the wrong way. Seas were 6 to 10 foot swells. The boat handled beautifully and we did not even get wet. A 40 footer motor sailor had turned back. We were told later that we had hit the worst weather thus far in the last 10 years." (Inexperience can be bliss as the Rhodes unique design and construction strives to compensate for the former.)

The dean of a PA college stopped by our display at the Annapolis Boat Show, a perplexed look on his face. He had done extensive research on which boat he should buy and the Rhodes was not included in that research. Everyone at the school knew of his scholarly work and to return with a boat not even in the running would be embarrassing. But, after seeing the Rhodes, he had no choice but to face the sweet music. All turned out ok, apparently because he wrote:  "Just a brief note to say how totally delighted we are with the Rhodes 22. The boat sails and trails beautifully. We get many fine compliments from a variety of sailors who ask where we bought our boat.."

A similar scenario was played out by a Naval Architect. He had narrowed himself down to a few dozen choices and came to the show to put them through a funnel and see which single boat came out the narrow end. The Rhodes was not even on his long list. When he saw the Rhodes he at least agreed to throw it into his hopper. When it came out the winner, he was visibly upset. He wanted a traditional looker. But, in the end, the characteristics of this non-character boat overwhelmed him - and he fell into a love/hate relationship.

See his letter to the Small Boat Journal at the end of this "Owners Speak" section. Interesting.

Lake Forest, IL has a very nice boat club but the only way boats go in and out of Lake Michigan here are by a single pole crane operated by each boat owner. So, at the owner's request, we added 4 extra chain plates for attaching a sling. Apparently we were lucky with the balance points:

"You gotta believe. Enclosed are pictures of our first crane launch. Take my word. You gotta believe.  Some other member dropped their boat right on the ground.  What a mess."

A doctor from Florida took out time to send us a Christmas card showing his whole family sitting on their Rhodes and inscribed:  "Thanks loads for a terrific little boat. It's just great."

A card from Abaco, Bahamas tells of a single handed trip: "It was a hell of an adventure. Cruising the Little Bahama Bank while under just the genoa, pole and autopilot doing 6.5 knots. Six porpoises were abreast riding the bow wave." (This Wisconsin owner liked this long distance single handing so much he made a second Bimini crossing the following year.)

Sid's letter focuses in on the IMF main sail system:   "Your description of the Innermast Furling was picturesque and so very true. I could write a testimonial about that particular rigging system. IT IS THE GREATEST! I enjoy the very surprised look on peoples' faces when they see us come sailing into the harbor under full sail and two minutes later look back to see no sails. I am not an overly brave sailor so love it when the wind gets a little stiffer than I care for and, with only a very minor adjustment, one or both sail are sufficiently reefed to sail more upright and comfortably. Fantastic system."

Long after owners move on to other boats we cannot stop their flow of testimonials. Maybe they are just psyching themselves up for buying a Rhodes again because so many do buy a Rhodes again on their way down. This CT lawyer moved way up but took time to write of the past:

"I've owned my Rhodes since 1976 and have sailed her extensively in some pretty rough weather. We've moored at Mystic and Stonington and made 2 trips to Martha's Vineyard, 3 to Newport, at least a dozen to Block Island. No one can believe how spacious her interior is, how seaworthy she is in heavy seas or how easy she is to sail. What you say about the wave/spray deflecting properties of the flared hull is absolutely true - we have taken one wave over the bow in eight years and that was in a 45 knot wind on the open sea. With the keel/centerboard we can anchor where no one else can, yet she is stiff under full sail. By the way full sail for us is a 170% genoa we rarely need to reef down. The main is almost never reefed. With the large galley counter, we have plenty of room for cooking - a major pastime which has never known a canned meal. We have dined elegantly many a night at the cockpit table or below and gotten envious looks from larger boats with galleys that seem to have been designed by non-cooks. I can only say that there is no trailerable cruising boat equivalent to the Rhodes 22 for twice the price."

A Cleveland attorney waxed on:  ". .She closes, firms, fits, fills, flushes, goes, holds, flows, lights, locks, opens, pulls, pumps, pushes. rolls, shines, slides, stacks, stores, swings, tacks, turns, winches and works well."

Even a rear door testimonial from a dealer for other boats:  "You are doing a good job with your 22  (he is being a good competitive salesman by not publicizing the name "Rhodes") because it is the only boat that people looking at the Catalina 22 (which he sells) say they would rather have."

The mail goes on and on with:  "What a pleasure to own and sail. It is everything you said; fast, easy to sail, very comfortable. I have been a proud owner for several years and have never regretted my purchase." Maryland sailor.

"We launched at Yankee Harbor and sailed in 15 to 20 knots, upwind, downwind and across the wind, without lowering the centerboard. Impressed my friend, an ex Star Boat racer, who sailed with us that first day. The boat is everything you said it would be." New CT sailor.

"A joy to single hand."  Doctor from Ohio State University.

And we thought we would end here because the praising just gets repetitive. But you may be interested in some final comments from a naval architect - not sent to us, but to the then prestigious Small Boat Journal. Over the past 15 years this naval architect did purchase a Rhodes 22 on the way up and, on the way down. While much of his comments also are repetitive of prior testimonials, the source makes them worth including in our section "Owners Speak". Thanks for visiting this horn-blowing page.

excerpts from a N.A.'s 4 page letter to the SBJ:

"My focus has shifted from the types of boats featured in Cruising World to the small functional, get-out-there-and-use-them boats (he means instead of the beauties that never leave the dock) that you (SBJ) espouse. While we still wanted a boat we could overnight on, it still had to be of a size we could enjoy without a great deal of complexity.... Thus, although the boat was to be relatively small, I spent a good deal of time researching. After nine months (of researching) we ordered a Rhodes 22. After one season of sailing we feel we found the right boat. Like most sailboat owners, I feel the urge to share my thoughts on the subject. SBJ is to me just the right forum.

The requirements list started with the desire for a boat capable of accommodating comfortably two for two nights or more, four for occasional overnighting and day sailing with up to six. Trailerability was necessary to reduce the complexities and expense and to allow infrequent excursions to new waters.

Stability and sailing performance were as important as comfort, but were balanced against the need for shoal draft. Shallow Barnegat Bay would be the prime sailing area. I have no desire to race, so the sailing performance standard equates to a boat able to make it upwind, to get along in light breezes and responsiveness.

The first major decision point concerned the underbody configuration. A straight centerboard boat was rejected as it can offer only form stability and the relatively inefficient use of ballast inside the hull. The swing keel and drop or lift keel configurations were also rejected, as the thought of a moveable 500 pound item being responsible for the ultimate stability and performance of the boat made me uncomfortable. Further, with the keel raised, the boat would have virtually negligible sailing ability. Thus, it became clear that only a keel/centerboard boat would match my requirements.

I developed a list of approximately 30 keel/centerboard boats. The hull dimensions, sail areas, various calculated form coefficients and ratios and the number and location of adult sized berths were included. Pricing information was obtained in order to insure a fair price comparison between boats. Other non-quantifiable characteristics were summarized such as the amount and quality of storage and the location and layout of the galley.

These facts served as a starting point for answering the difficult questions. How well the boat sailed, the quality of construction and the competence and honesty of the dealer can only be determined by talking to others and making the rounds of boat shows. The "Other Opinion" service of Cruising World was a useful source of information. The list was narrowed down to six boats. Some fell short of our comfort requirements but were included because they looked so beautiful. We arranged test sails and made our choice.

There are three characteristics that I look at in any boat: aesthetics, sailing ability and comfort. Although a number of people have complimented the looks of the Rhodes 22, I do not think it is attractive. My taste tends to Carl Alberg, Cape Dory Typhoon or Rob Roy 23. The very factors which increase the living space and comfort level of a boat tend to detract from its looks. Particularly the Rhodes reverse sheer, hull flair, full stern and generous cabin are features that make a pleasing look difficult. (Gee. We thought the Rhodes is beautiful.)

The sailing ability of the Rhodes 22 is excellent. I have found her fast relative to everything I've run across in a season on Barnegat Bay. The stability and responsiveness of the boat has made the learning process easy, while the sloop rig with furling genoa is a snap to handle even with a crowd aboard.

The Rhodes 22 is the most comfortable sailboat for day sailing and cruising on the market in her size range. The single most striking feature of the boat's layout is the size of the cockpit: Its length and width is equal to or greater than many larger boats I have sailed. It is perfect for comfortable sailing and lounging even with a crowd aboard and makes up into a berth that is 7 feet long and 5 feet wide. Sail handling is very well organized and there is more storage space than a sensible sailor can fill.

The cabin has a long galley area to starboard with built-in sink, cooler and stove. A settee to port is laid out so that a person can sit back and relax without staring at his belly button and it converts to a double berth. A portable table can be moved to the cockpit. Forward is the obligatory V-berth (as you all know by now Rhodes has a fully enclosed marine head system) Numerous storage areas can be found in the galley, under the settee and alongside and under the V-berth. The cabin top also includes a pop-top that provides standing headroom. The construction of this item is superior to the many others I have seen on the market and has been trouble free.

The mast is supported by 6 shrouds: 2 uppers and 4 lowers; a double backstay and the forestay. This seemed like a lot of wire to me but the shrouds actually make raising and lowering easier. The 2 upper shrouds and the forward lower shrouds are positioned such that the mast can be handled without the fear of its falling to the side. Once up, the mast is securely held when the aft 2 lowers are connected. The backstays and forestay can then be connected. Although the mast is larger than that on our previous boat, we find the Rhodes 22 easier to rig due to both the support and stability provided by the pivot point locations of the shrouds and the use of the foredeck rather than the cockpit. Personally, I find that raising a mast from the foredeck is significantly easier than standing down in the cockpit. (Of course the mast hoist option is even better.)

The boat has a few very unique features that have come about over the years as a result of tinkering by the builder and owners. One of these is the outboard motor mount on the stern. A system of pulleys are used to lift and lower the engine well out of the water, and makes the engine height adjustable. The furling genoa is mounted on a tube over the forestay. This feature is very simple and keeps the leech tight.

As with most reputable builders, there was an open invitation to visit the plant and we paid them three visits. I'm hoping you'll get to highlight the Rhodes 22 sometime in SBJ."

We do not know if SBJ ever answered his letter but to our knowledge they never did mention the Rhodes 22 in any issues. We don't advertise. We do hope that the time this thoughtful buyer took in trying to be of service to other buyers in his category will be useful to our web site readers.