Matthew,

Don't just look at length, look at displacement. It makes a huge difference
in all sorts of ways. I crew on a J30 and own a Quoddy Pilot Sloop. One
was designed for racing in the 1970s the other for carrying sardines to
market in the 1850s. They are the same length, the same beam and have close
to the same sail area. The J30 weighs 6,000lb and the Quoddy wieghs
18,000lb. Its a world of difference.

Also my sailing situation underscores the point that no one boat is ever the
"right" boat all the time. (Except certain Herreshoff's)

Get out and go sailing.

Good luck,

Tom Hunter
"Matthew Ryan" wrote in message
...
Hello all, I am considering building a biggish boat around 20-30' and
would
this be suitable to go from tumby bay to adelaide for example. I want to
feel safe and secure in it and be able to comftably handly rough water so
im
not bobbing around, any ideas, i think that the hull will be made from
metal
plate about 1/8" thick. i know it will be heavy but. It will also be used
in the river murray. I wont be building it for a while but would like to
start making plans.




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