DSK wrote:
Could you explain how a boat is too nimble?

Joe wrote:
Quirkey, jittery, both designed more for light winds than heavy winds.

That's a silly assumption. I've sailed a lot of lightweight
boats in strong winds, as long as they don't break (a good
way to define 'construction quality') they do great.

Thats the rub of it...looks fragile to me

I'd rather sail a 470 in 30 knot winds and 10 foot waves
than most mass-produced keel boats, and any crab crusher.

unless it breaks:0)

Keep in mind I'm not use to a boat leaning over more than a 1/4 inch at
most when I step aboard. I like a good solid feel, a boat that minds
more than it need tending to.

I that's partly a matter of goals... do you want a fast
responsive boat, or a home at sea complete with fireplace &
barca-lounger?

With RedCloud I have both

... If you want to round bouys in a lake, or
enjoy light chop on the bay putzing around then they are good boats. I
would not even class them as coastal cruisers, and IMO a solid boat
that digs in deep makes a major difference in fighting and winning in
storms.


Sorry to disagree, but a boat with effective foils & rig is
going to be better at "fighting & winning" in storm
conditions... given that the boat is equipped & handled
competently, and (of course) nothing breaks.

Yeah that breaking problem keep appearing in bay boats that venture
offshore.


.... dont like sail drive units

I'm not crazy about them either, but they do have some
advantages.


What besides no stuffing box?


Less drag,

I don't think so if both boats use folding props, a strut is more
streamline than a lower unit.

more compact, quieter, better weight
distribution, no prop walk (some people consider that an
advantage), better isolation of the engine & prop from the
rest of the cabin.

OK, even if you repeated a few points. Still it's a big trade off, and
long term a mistake IMO

Personally, given a choice between a boat with a sail-drive
and an identical boat with conventional engine, tranny, &
shaft; I'd pick the conventional one. But I wouldn't diss
the sail drive just because it's new.

New has nothing to do with it, water intrusin in that big ass hole in
the bottom of the boat, high dollar parts, and I bet high maintance are
what turn me off...and if you smack it good you have way bigger
problems then a bent prop and shaft.

Joe




DSK