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#1
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ocean sailing
Hi guys
I want to sail from usa to greece. and I was wondering if you guys can send me some advice on; 1- what is the minimum size sailboat I should have, 2- what boat material is better, 3- what engine size and sail I should have? thanks James |
#2
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OK, I'll bite. (though I have no ocean sailing experience, I like to think I
have a bit of common sense) I want to sail from usa to greece. and I was wondering if you guys can send me some advice on; 1- what is the minimum size sailboat I should have, For Manry, this was a 13.5 ft sloop http://www.clevelandmemory.org/manry/ . Most people prefer somewhat larger. But not too large. 2- what boat material is better, Yes, provided it is designed, built, and maintained for off-shore passages. Most boats (of any material) ar NOT appropriate. 3- what engine size and sail I should have? Yes. The engine may come in handy near port. In general, in preparing for a passage such as this, use your own good judgement, developed through years of experience. If you have to inquire about basic issues on a newsgroup, you do not have the skills/judgement required for success. Good Luck Sal's Dad |
#3
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Go to your local libray, video store...etc. and rent/borrow a movie
called 'The Dove'. It is about a teenager sailing around the world in a tiny sailboat, supposed to be a true story. I enjoyed the moive, I rented it several times. Bryan "The Nomk" Chaisone |
#4
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Hey James!
You should definitely check into rec.boats.cruising as Rick (RB) asks a similar question. Is the vessel only to sail from Greece to the US? Do you want to hang about in the Caribbean afterwards or take her anywhere else? In direct answer to your questions: 1=2E Anywhere between 30` and 50` is my personal opinion. If your single-handing, smaller will be better - make that between 36=B4 and 42=B4. Remember, it will depend on the boat. A heavier built boat will feel and handle differently than her lighter collegue. 2=2E Big matter of opinion here and you=B4ll find as many opinions as there are boaters. Do you like maintenance? Are you a slob? Fiberglass is low maintenance and repairable, but uses harsh chemicals and time. Steel is strong but requires maintenance and constant paint. Aluminium is fantastic but expensive and sensitive to electrical fields and copper pennies (ok... galvanic corrosion). If it`s painted, you have plenty of work to do. Aluminium doesn`t like paint. Ferrocement can be surprisingly good IF built properly. Wood seems to be rarely considered these days I think partly because it is difficult and expensive to get good quality wood these days for boat building. If you plan to just sail and then sell the boat, fiberglass will probably be your best option. 3=2E Engine size depends completely on the vessel. Generally speaking, designers have a suggested size that should be respected. Remember, a larger engine can get you out of a tough spot, but will likely consume more fuel, necessitating a larger fuel tank (or more jugs). Sails also depend on the vessel. I would recommend, however, that if you have a roller furling main, carry a storm trisail (ready fitted) as well. Not just for the potential of a storm, but should for any reason you have a problem with your main sail or system, you still have a sail to put up. The Atlantic is not so huge, but it`s a real bummer when you have to start putting up bedsheets because your sails have fallen apart from UV damage. Good luck! |
#6
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Definitely the cheaper alternative...
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