"Lee308" wrote in message
oups.com...
These two choices seem to vary widely in sailboats between 25 and 32
ft. What are your opinions on each. This boat will be a crusier, not a
marina livaboard.
Speed of boat is not an issue.

Not widely. Most boats 27' and up have inboards.


1) Diesel inboard or over the stern gas outboard?
Outboard easy to reach and repair/replace, no worry of shaft seal
leak and less thru hulls, but small diesel's are very fuel effcient
plus large alternator.

What's to worry about re/shaft seal?

2) Over the stern rudder or binnacle/shaft type rudder?
Once more, seems the over the stern rudder would be less
problematical and repairable even at sea. No thru hulls or gears
would seem better.

Skeg hung rudder-if you're really worried about the rudder, you should be
worried about losing the rudder more than anything. You seem overly
concerned about sinking. You know they have cruisers that are advertised as
unsinkable, may be you should consider one of those.

http://www.etapyachts.com/

John Cairns



Yout thoughts would be appreciated.
Lee (looking for my cruiser)