"Peter S/Y Anicula" wrote:
Don't you think that the discomfort has more to do with the size of
the boat than the design?
Or was it leaking as well, even if it wasn't it must have been wet?
Was it an old-fashioned wood open cockpit folkboat?

Yep. It was the late 60s and, per your description, the boat was "an
old-fashioned wood open cockpit" version. As for discomfort being
related solely to the size, let's break "discomfort" down into several
components.

Belowdecks: A modern 'glass boat of similar length is immensely
roomier than any wood boat of that age and style. Doug has made this
comparison and comment frequently. There just ain't a lot of room
there. That's one of the discomforts of this (type of) boat.

Abovedecks: IMHO, this is a wet boat to sail, at its best. And this
particular boat was a pretty significant leaker as well. Well, I guess
that kinda feeds back into "belowdecks" complaints; but it wasn't just
the hull which was leaky, it was the deck, fittings, companionway,
everything. It was just a *wet* boat.

Sailing qualities: Doug mentioned that this type of design, and the
Folkboat in particular, tends to heel more than more-modern designs.
I'd say that she *likes* to bury the rail. I guess that's not
necessarily A Bad Thing (TM) in and of itself; but it sure adds to the
wetness and discomfort factors. I've resisted saying that I don't like
the performance characteristics of the Folkboat; but to be bluntly
honest, I don't like the performance characteristics of the Folkboat.
Subjective assessment, but there it is.

As I said, I've become distinctly anti-traditional, more so over time;
so my opinions are biased strongly in that direction. I certainly do
admire anyone who has the time, dedication, and money to maintain a
beautiful old wooden boat. But that ain't me anymore. And I sure don't
wanna go sailing on one for more than a day's fantasy outing. BTDT. I
paid my dues and moved on into the late twentieth century. And now
we're in the twenty-first century. We're no longer limited to wood,
hemp, canvas, and the like. We have fiberglass, aluminium, kevlar,
carbonfiber, and who knows what else.

Like I said, I'd love to meet you on a tropical island and argue boats
over a couple of umbrella drinks. But to get there, I'll be the guy
from the fiberglass fin-keel sloop. If we go out shopping for boats
together, I promise I won't bid against you for ownership of any Colin
Archer designs, or Valiants, or Hans Christians, or Island Packets,
etc. They're all yours. Enjoy.

Frank