On Thu, 29 Dec 2005 06:05:10 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:


In the meantime, our "wish list" for that long distance cruiser has
changed many times and the cruising kitty's building quickly while we're
having a HECK of a lot of fun. There's a lot to be said about not paying
the bank interest and having a tough, simple boat that's cheap to
maintain.

That's why I suggested a Contessa or a Westsail. But I also said "go
and see", even though, having taken out a sister ship in 40 knots of
Lake Ontario (which is harsh weather with square, three/four metre
pounding waves, not long swells or rollers), I would question the
amount of exhaustion a boat of this type might dish out.

Having few ways to comfortably "park" in a blow would be a bigger
problem than most of the more or less remediable ? issues, like
stronger hatches and small tankage.

I will say one thing: I would take a 25 year old C&C over most of
today's production boats. Those big cockpits and companionways and
wide saloons would give me the heebies in a high sea.

R.