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posted to rec.boats
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
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Realistic cruising under sail
Frogwatch wrote in news:3c845541-f764-40e5-
:
That Idlewild boat seems interesting except for the rolling. However,
Aluminum? Can you say dangerous corrosion?
I really do think that for an offshore boat that will be going for a
week or two, sails are necessary as a back-up. Most trawlers get
terrible mpg too. I'd like to see the 40' Diesel Duck designed in a
shoal draft bilge keel version. However, 40' is waaaaay too big for
one person to handle so I'd prefer smaller.
Since you are coastal cruising, "offshore" doen't really have to enter
into your boat selection.
An eye to weather and knowing the ports to duck into is all you need.
Many boats are capable and safe to cruise coastally.
Even open boats if care is taken.
And beyond that, the Bahamas and other near islands are easily reached.
Again an eye to weather, sea conditions and navigation skill is what is
required.
GPS takes much of the work out of navigation, but charts are necessary to
keep you off shoals.
You may not challenge the seas as a bigger boat would, and wait more for
condition improvements, but many do that.
The boat you already have may be the boat you need.
Traditional sailboats can be quite efficient motoring, and as you say,
have sails as a backup.
Regards, Brian
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