"DSK" wrote in message
. ..
aroostifer wrote:
I'm interested in a Choate 41 (2 ton IOR) for sale in the Bay Area. My
interest is NOT in racing but rather in long-distance cruising.

Interested in the seaworthiness of these designs. It seems some say
they can be squirrely to steer downwind, but others say that applies
mostly to racing situations where the boats being driving hard. Have
heard all the Fastnet stories, but this boat is post-Fastnet vintage
(very early eighties I believe, but may be very late seventies.)


In that case, it's unlikely to be a full-fledged broach coach. The mid-70s
designs with the high pinched transoms were the worst for that.

The worst characteristic of the IOR broach-coaches was their handling in
following seas, doesn't really seem to matter how hard they're being
driven. OTOH the flip side is that on any course above a broad reach, they
steer like they're on rails. Sweet.


Former owner did the Baja HAHA and Bash. My immediate crusing plans
would be SF Bay, Mexico, Hawaii, and eventually the wild blue yonder.
Would love to circumnavigate the Pacific.

Thoughts, opinions, slander, or wild conjecture about the suitability
of such a boat for bluewater cruising?


Take a good hard look at the rig. These boats were designed to be sailed
by a large, strong, skilled crew. It may be that this one can be fairly
easily set up to be handled by a smaller crew, or that some steps in
re-rigging have already been taken.

Hope this helps.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

From what I saw, it was set up nicely to be handled by two people.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com