wrote in message
...
How about a sailing discussion?

Is there such a thing as a perfect boat?

Sure... either:

The one you own, the one you're about to own, the one you had, the one you
get to sail for free, the one you get to sail for free that includes free
beer and beautiful women.

What characteristics would be paramount, what compromises would you
make?

It needs to be sea-kindly for whatever conditions I typically sail. It needs
to be either diesel or electric (wish list). It needs to be built well with
a logical and functional layout, and needs to look the part. Equipment is
always a compromise and can be upgraded. The boat itself needs to be worth
upgrading. That's not something you can compromise.

Speed? Many different characteristics make a boat "fast," light-air
performance, good pointing to windward, ability to plane off the wind,
etc etc.

I'm not super concerned with speed. It needs to be capable of making good
headway on all points of sail. For me, it needs to be capable of heavy air
sailing, while being relatively dry.

Comfort? A roomy cabin, or one with a sumptuous galley & head... how
about reliable & effective heater and/or air conditioner?

Comfort is important, both for day/weekend sailing and for longer trips. So,
a lot of beam, while nice in the slip isn't going to cut it elsewhere. My
boat is 10 ft on the beam, but it's designed well and seems more beamy. It
never gets that hot or that cold that I need anything more than a small room
heater.

Looks? I'm torn between tradition, say a gaff-rigged schooner.... and
a racy modern sport boat... both can be very good looking.

I love the look of the ketch or yawl or even a cutter rig. I have a sloop,
and I'm happy with the look and certainly how she sails.

What do you think?

Fresh Breezes- Doug King



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"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com