Today, the average cruising boat is probably in the 40- to 45-foot range. To my mind, that is too big for a couple to handle in all conditions. True, electric winches and furling mainsails can reduce physical effort—until something goes wrong. The forces at play on a big boat are huge, and beyond what a normal human can handle without mechanical aids. Smaller boats have smaller masts, sails, and anchors. Since they have fewer hull openings, they are easier to keep watertight. Finally, because they are simpler, they are easier to maintain in faraway ports.
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The simplicity of your voice and years of experience designing and sailing boats makes this article valuable for any serious off shore sailing enthusiast. Looking forward to reading more from the treasure of experience that you have.
Thanks – I’m new to sailing and learning a lot reading these articles. Certainly, my fantasies are becoming less grandiose and there is a practical reality setting in, especially since I’ve taken a couple of sailing lessons.
I look forward to many more informative and fun articles.
Interesting and helpful piece. Thank you. I am currently doing a major refurbishment of a Chuck Paine designed, Tom Morris built Frances 26. The hull, keel and rudder are all in perfect shape (Chuck worked on them recently) but everything, and I do mean everything else is gutted and being replaced. My intent is to single hand an Atlantic crossing with her so that is always front of mind as I work through the process.
I’m glad to see a seasoned expert support the value to ‘going small’, and have seen a couple of cases where near-retirement age folks overbought and either physically, financially, or emotionally (or some combo) became overwhelmed. I’ve gratefully learned that a smaller boat sailed more often is better than a larger boat at the dock. I can see a lot of utility in focusing on displacement, not only regarding storage space but also as to on-going (kentucky windage) maintenance costs. Respectfully, I would disagree on the freestanding rudder and am a believer in the value of protecting it at all costs. I’d not considered the value of the wheeled-auto-pilot versus the tiller-mounted, but that seems prudent. One thing not mentioned but one which I think about is tracking ability. I’m uncertain as how to determine that other than by reputation. Your experience on that topic would be greatly appreciated. Great article. Thanks!
Great article! I sailed my first sailboat in 1979, a C&C-36 in St. Thomas, with NO sailing experience, except reading a couple books. Sailed dozens of boats in the BVI & the Bay Islands. Owned three power boats, 53, 56, and 44′ Powercat. At 81, and in good shape, I’m still dreaming of sailing the world. Your article is very helpful, since my wife says “no” more living on a sailboat. ha-ha So, solo I will go.
Thanks Grahame for your very direct and prescriptive recommendations. Very much the reason I bought a 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 four years ago in my plans to go cruising. Love the hard dodger for all the reasons you describe. I also like the center cockpit but do agree that while I have not yet experienced heavy seas and filling up the cockpit — the drainage for these bath tub areas is simply not good enough; would much prefer an open cockpit that quickly drains astern along with a more accessible transom for getting on board that comes along with most open cockpits.
This is a good article covering the features and advantages of a good cruising sailboat. Having raced and sailed on a range for boats from a Palmer Johnson 42′, a C&C 39, a Cal 3-30 and a Olsen 34 I have found that a ~34 foot sail boat is a good size to consider for cruising and racing. I lean to the larger size for stability and speed to get you safely to where you need to go. The 34 foot sail boat has room for a good head, a nav station and a workable galley. What’s important is that you have a boat you can afford and love to sail.