"DSK" wrote in message

... I'd pick the one with higher LPOS.

Maxprop wrote:
As would I. Some designs simply have so many inherent flaws as to be
disqualified for anything beyond coastal daysailing. Small boats,
especially, often have no bridgedeck to speak of, or have companionways
so offset as to promote filling the hull on a knockdown on that side.


Agreed. Some boats are clearly designed for sitting on while drinking beer
at the dock, and aren't really practical for that either.

Off center companionways bug me. Sure it can make sense to give more room
to the galley, etc etc, but I just don't like it. Some therwise wonderful
boats have that feature, though.

Like some of the Hinckleys and the Mason 43/44, for example. My Sea Sprite
34 is slightly offset, but only slightly. I don't think it poses a risk
during a knockdown, especially with the massive keel we have and the 5'
draft.

.... Personally I think it is better for a boat to look good than to sail
good. :-) (apologies to Billy Crystal)


L. Francis Herreshoff once said, "If it looks right to your eye, chances
are it'll look right to the sea." Of course his mastery was in producing
boats that looked hypnotically right, and yet didn't have much in the way
of racing successes. Personally, while I think any boat that wins is
automatically beautiful, I also put a high value on looks and have only
owned one boat that was not at least pretty... some called the Hunter 19
cute, but it always looked pudgy to me.

The Hunter 19 wasn't bad compared with the current crop of Hunters. Those
recent boats in the small to medium size range are positively homely, with
their arytenoid transoms and myriad dark glazing ports all over the house.
I find it amusing that the newest Hunters have returned to a more
traditional look, like the new 38. It's not a half-bad looking boat.

As for L. Francis Herreshoff's designs, they are among the most gorgeous
boats ever penned or lofted. Cannell, Payne, and Page have one for sale
currently, a 44' boat bearing #1, built in 1905, and while it isn't cheap,
it will draw admiring stares everywhere it sails, not to mention that it can
carry a ****load of sail as well.

Max