I wasn't saying I wanted the biggest boat, I just saw some things on
larger boats (45 to 55 feet) that suggested that there always might be
a crew on board, if long hauls were in order. I also see the
international races sporting 60 foot boats, yet I realize this is a
very unique application. However, I don't want to overlook the need
for a definite size to either gain a certain speed or safety while at
sea. Even the Vendee Globe boats are huge.

The stories I've seen are from 17 feet to about 35 feet. I've been on
boats in my day, and 40 to 50 would probably be best. I also suffer
heavily from boat envy, and larger boats, with blue hulls and teak
decks just win me over. Fetish? Perhaps.

I also would like to entertain people, as my parents had a blast with
people at Ontario Place, where we had our mooring on a yearly basis.
Best days of my life so far.

And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Cheers

BeeRich wrote:
I wasn't saying I wanted the biggest boat, I just saw some things on
larger boats (45 to 55 feet) that suggested that there always might be
a crew on board, if long hauls were in order. I also see the
international races sporting 60 foot boats, yet I realize this is a
very unique application. However, I don't want to overlook the need
for a definite size to either gain a certain speed or safety while at
sea. Even the Vendee Globe boats are huge.

The stories I've seen are from 17 feet to about 35 feet. I've been on
boats in my day, and 40 to 50 would probably be best. I also suffer
heavily from boat envy, and larger boats, with blue hulls and teak
decks just win me over. Fetish? Perhaps.

I also would like to entertain people, as my parents had a blast with
people at Ontario Place, where we had our mooring on a yearly basis.
Best days of my life so far.

And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Cheers



Nothing wrong with the larger boats...as long as you have the resources
to pay for, maintain and use them without undue financial hardship.
Do you have a few *reliable* crew available?
You will need a hand or two for enjoyable, safe sailing.

Well the whole goal of this was to be able to pick up and go anywhere.
Not reliant upon anybody. Of course, having some people on board from
time to time will help, but I doubt they will know what to do, and I
certainly can't rely on my friends.

On 2 Feb 2006 07:22:57 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:



And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Well, if you want fast and efficient, you should be prepared to spend
around half-a-million. The Tartan 4100, the Saga 43 and 48 and the
J-160 come to mind as nicely appointed, but speed-oriented sailing
machines that one could conceivably handle solo.

I like the Shearwater 45, but it's tipped a tad toward comfort over
speed. Lovely boats, though.

Don't rule out aluminum boats, particularly the French ones.

R.

Hopefully modern boats can afford me some kind of reasonable speed with
comfort. I see myself bobbing around the Caribbean a lot, going
nowhere. But if I want to go check out the Pacific via Panama, I don't
want to be too slow.

A fine balance between moving and living.