Wayne B wrote:
On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:30:04 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:


--

Richard Lambhttp://www.home.earthlink.net/~cavelambhttp://www.home.earthlink.net/~sv_temptress


I really like the layout of the sail boat.

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~sv_temptress

Thanks for posting the link.

Yes, nice boat. The first overnight distance race I ever did on a
sailboat was on a friend's Catalina 27 sometime back in the mid 70's.
A 26 or 27 footer is like a mega yacht compared to an 18 or 19.
Usable size literally increases as the cube of length, i.e., a boat
50% longer has almost 3.4x more usable space.

Enjoy.


Thank you, Wayne!

Funny you mention that.
The boat I had prior to the 26 was a Capri 18.

The 18 was perhaps the handiest keel boat I've
ever sailed. Not fast, mind you. One can only
do so much with a 16 foot water line, although
she was rated as the fastest of the 18 footers.
Slow acceleration due to weight, but she would
come up to speed and keep going. Sweet sailing
and responsive.

I got a standing ovation the first time I sailed
her to the slip. NOBODY else would even try it.

I drew up a couple of sketches and posted them
on my web page comparing the two. The Capri 26
is nearly the exact same boat - just 50% longer
(and 60% wider?).

I've sailed Catalina 27s quite a bit. It's a
nice sailing boat, honest and predictable, and
seaworthy.

But you have to be careful comparing length.

For instance, my 26 is 4 inches longer than the 27!

(waterline length) and a foot more beam (although
the new 270s have the same beam we have).

These new shaped Cats carry the max beam further aft
than the older boats. That's where people load the
weight on, and having more displacement aft tends to
hold longitudinal trim better.
Gives them stronger shoulders.
Makes more room below too.


I'm getting used to the new sails.
We've been out half a dozen times now - 25 to 30 hours
with them. It's does move along better in light wind,
and stays well in moderate wind (15 with gusts). But
I've not had any big wind yet. Nothing that would
require reefing main or jib.

Still looking forward to that.

And, in the mean time, I love piddling with it.
Keeps my hands busy and out of trouble.

--

Richard Lamb
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~cavelamb
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~sv_temptress