I'm torn. We're planning to cruise to Europe this summer...
My Four Winns would be more comfortable, but my 16' Sylvan would use less fuel. We plan to go on a nice day. I could use some input if anyone has experience.
Actually either one will work just fine, you may be more comfortable in the Four Winns. Just be sure it is securely attached to the deck of a cargo ship.
Put a turbo diesel conversion kit (see: www.dieselconversionkits.com) on the engine in your FW and it will probably have the range to make the trip with just one fuel stop in Iceland.
I'm torn. We're planning to cruise to Europe this summer...
My Four Winns would be more comfortable, but my 16' Sylvan would use less fuel. We plan to go on a nice day. I could use some input if anyone has experience.
Excellent idea, Bond-o- I hadn't thought of that. And by lashing them bow to stern, I'll have a 43'er! Just need to remember an extra gas can just in case. Probably overkill, but I'm all about proper planning.
I know, I know- now come the nervous nellies telling me not to take an express cruiser into the ocean. I know people who take a 13' Whaler offshore! I looked at a globe- it's not very far, and I SAID we're going on a nice day, didn't I?
Next thing somebody'll be telling me to bring a flare. Sheesh!
Al Grover from Freeport Long Island crossed in a 26' skiff powered by outboard in 1985. I fished with his son back then. He was a courageous salty dude. The story of the crossing is a great read.
Read the story of Howard Blackburn. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Blackburn
He rowed across the Atlantic in 1899 with no fingers. You have a great chance of making your trip in your Four Winns.
The last time I tried, I had a problem. My Port-O-Potty overflowed. UGH! I've make some changes. Got a bigger potty and re-named the boat from "Carnival". Do you think I have better chances now?
Fuel is going to be the main issue!... You'll either need to fill the Sylvan with fuel and tow it with the FourWinns or fill the Fourwinns with fuel and tow it with the Sylvan. Cleaning all the residual 2-stroke oil out of the FourWinns' interior would be really messy, and probably slippery as goose poo, so I'd fill the Sylvan. (Bring along several cases of fuel filters.)
Safety hasn't been mentioned so far and that should be a primary concern. MAKE SURE you can light the Sylvan (full of fuel) on fire as a distress signaling device. I'm guessin' that should be visible from satellite imagery. (FWIW, don't leave EPIRB on Sylvan.)
