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On 10 Nov 2003 21:49:20 GMT, (William R.
Watt) wrote:

The main indicator of seaworthiness is the displacement to length ratio.
Boats with a ratio over (I think) 300 are the most seaworthy. These are
ocean going cruisers. Because boats are sold by the pound they are
expensive. I know lighter materials can cost more per pound by they don't
have as many pounds. The heavy cruisers also have more room for
accomdation and storage and a better comfort factor. They can make good
time under all conditions but light winds.

All I have learned at Safety at Sea seminars says the bigger a boat is
(at the same displacement) the less likely it is to capsize. Bigger at
the same displacement means more expensive materials and construction,
of course.

At a given size, the better the ballast ratio, the more capsize
resistance. That also asks for expensive materials.

Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Curse thee, thou quadrant. No longer will I guide my earthly way by thee." Capt. Ahab