On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 07:41:59 -0700, slide
wrote:

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:
On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:36:00 -0700, slide
wrote:


Your comments about "calls a mid sized cruiser (45 feet)" is
interesting. Only a few years ago a mid-sized cruiser seen here was
about 30 - 35 feet long. Now, as you say, 40 ft., and I see many boats
not that are 40+ feet.

Richer folks? I don't know.

On the other hand I know a number of people who are still sailing
their 30-some foot boats complete with freezers and fridges - albeit
engine driven compressors. But no hot water over her in the tropics
:-)

But my post was aimed at all the people that somehow think that their
boat is "too small" to go a'cruising. It ain't!

I stopped subbing years ago and recently re-subbed to CW finding the
change in the definitions of minimalist cruiser / adequate and so forth
amazing. It's as if the mag assumes the core reader can purchase a boat
costing $300k - $600k and then keep it up, moor it, maintain it, and so
forth. Obviously that's wrong as any trip to any marina outside of Ft.
Laud will reveal. Most folks have much smaller and older boats.

Perhaps it's like Car and Driver which tests cars few readers will ever
see much less own. OTOH, C&D doesn't define a McLaren as a 'mid priced
sports car' either.

But maybe you have the right of it because you are seeing the larger
boats at what for many is an overseas destination and I'm at the
launching point.

Here's an irony of some sort. Both of us have lived aboard bigger boats
but my wife and I are, if we ever get another boat, seriously eying a
Mac 26. No, we aren't headed for NZ from AK on a Mac 26 but we both
think we can have a lot more enjoyment sailing shorter distances with no
maintenance hassles. Well, we haven't downsized yet, but we are thinking
on it.

A few years ago I converted my main sail to roller reefing. Everyone
in the marina commented, The majority saying "No Good", "Sail Shape"
Yadda, Yadda. Fair got me a bit gun shy, I can tell you.

Anyway. I got it finished and the maiden trip was down to Langkawi,
Malaysia - about 150 miles; and return. I discovered that the overall
sailing time was reduced, the reason being that as it is so easy to
roll and unroll the sail I spend more time with maximum sail area, for
the conditions, then previously.

I firmly believe that a boat that is best fitted to requirements will
give the most satisfaction.
Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)