The right boat

[Nathaniel]

So here's the dilemma: my wife and I are relatively new at sailing, and have been learning the ropes in our 26' Thunderbird. Great boat, lots of fun and we have spent weeks at a time cruising the Pacific Northwest in it. The issue for my wife is comfort, especially when it gets gusty out on the Straight of Georgia. When the wind picks up, she ends up on her ear **** fast, and we have had her suddenly heel until water was getting past the coamings. Sure we reduce sail, but until then my little love dove's heart is going all a patter. Many a time she has looked wistfully at some motor vessel blasting past at 40 knots, oblivious to the wind and sea. I've never been on a larger boat, but I'm looking at something much bigger, maybe forty feet, and I'm imagining that a larger sailing vessel would not be sprightly, so quick to heel nor so bouncy in a heavy chop. Alternatively, we would go the motor route, but I would very much prefer a sailing rig if I could make my wife more comfortable. Is bigger the way to go, or more power?.

 

[sloopy]

Re: The right boat

WHAT???? your going to get in some bad a$$ **** i you go to a biggerboat!!! maybe your trimming wrong? or not reefing? I hve gotton my mast in the water on my big boat it is no fun

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: The right boat

Nathaniel,<br /> Before getting that 40 footer,take a look at sailing catamarans.They have all the aspects your looking for in a sailboat.A cruising catamaran heels little(if at all),they're comfortable/roomy,fast.Great in a chop.<br />Another idea is to find a sailboat with a fixed keel(preferably weighted w/lead).They are more seaworthy and tip much less than a drop keel.<br />To me,water coming over the coamings is what sailing is all about.Fun and adventure.<br />Sailboats in the 40' range can be expensive to own.Think about painting,hauling out,maintenance,yard fee's,slip fee's,fuel cost for that diesel inboard,etc....If your looking for a comfortable boat,think weight and hull design(flatter the bottom,the harder the ride)or maybe a catamaran.

 

[BillP]

Re: The right boat

Yes, do a bigger boat. A typical 40' sail will be total comfort compared to your Thunderbird. <br /><br />Picture this...you are getting thrashed (wet and beat up)around in the Tbird and a 40'r sails by like you are standing still. Not only that, the person at the helm is lounging back with their feet on the wheel steering and has a cup of coffee in hand. You watch the 40'r sail off beyond the horizon.<br /><br />That is the difference in comfort if you go bigger.

 

[CBRich]

Re: The right boat

Boy this can be discussed for days. I've mulled it over myself for about 20 years. There are lots of ways to make a small boat comfortable. (Gentlemen don't go to weather) and I've been cold and wet on some big boats. A wise man once said (in this forum) the smaller the boat the more you'll use it. As I've gotten older I like the boats over 35 feet just because I can stand up on them. However the smaller boats can be a lot of fun to sail. The sailing in your Straights can be blustry but in the islands rather calm. I'm on San Francisco Bay and we get our share of big winds and strong currents and there are a lot of happy 25 foot daysailers her ie- Olson 25s or any for the Cal boats under 30. There are a lot of J boats for sail her ie the J-35 my personnal favorite but a bit racy and a handful for 2 ( running backstays and lazy guys etc.) Most peoples recomendation is start small and work your way up. There are some larger boats that a pretty wet and some small boats that are pretty dry. Full keels aren't fast but they are much much "stiffer" Smaller ones like the Pearson Ariel are great boats and they'll keep you dryer. Keep sailing and keep your honey warm and dry. Ferry her to the islands and pick her up in Victoria for some protected water sailing and if you're too healed over drop the traveler, still too healed dump the main sheet . Still too healed fall off the wind and try a broader reach till you get your courage up again. But most of all have fum.