"Charlie Morgan" wrote in message
...
I'm interested in opinions on Westsail 32's in general. The one I'm
considering
is factory finished with the dinette layout. It has been constantly
maintained
and upgraded since new, so condition is not a big worry. This is not a
bargin
priced derelict. Of course I'll have a survey done if things progress that
far.

This one was made without teak decks, which to me, is a major plus. Low
hours on
the Yanmar. I'm more interested in hearing about how the boat sails and
what it
is like to spend long periods aboard. I already like the looks and the
size,
although I've also considered some larger boats. The boat would be used
initially for frequent daysails (often single handed) long weekends, and
cruises
of a week or two at most. In a few years, we'd be on the boat for six or
more
months at a time. Once we transition to the longer term situation, we
might even
consider leaving it somewhere nice like the Med, and flying to the boat.
I've
long admired these boats, but I've never spent more than an afternoon on
one.

"Wetsnail" 32s are seriously overbuilt, which can be a distinct advantage
when the going gets rough. You may recall the one that survived "The
Perfect Storm" despite being abandoned.

A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about
it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly
frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just
didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds,
leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts.

However when the wind blew (15kts. and above) it came into its element. We
often beat longer, faster boats, such as C&C 34s and 36s to weather, and on
beam or close reaches. Downwind she doesn't make that sort of speed, but
she wasn't particularly slow either. We once sailed her on a beam reach for
about 12 straight hours of 20+ kts.--made a bit better than 80nm, and in
complete comfort.

Just before he sold the boat and bought a trawler we installed a couple of
thru-hulls. That hull near the point where the bottom fairs into the keel
is amazingly thick--about 1.5"+ solid lay-up. And the interior was
gorgeous--eye candy--if somewhat diminutive in dimensions. But the boat was
most comfortable, either under sail or at the dock. She always drew
comments from passers-by.

As a daysailer, I'd certainly want something lighter, faster, and less
substantial. For weeklong trips I'd probably find the W32 acceptable,
provided I was in no hurry. The reason for that statement is that Lake
Michigan, where we sail, generally find a way to give us light air from the
wrong direction whenever we take a week or two cruise. Under diesel--a 24hp
Universal in my friend's case--she makes 5.5kts without straining. On the
Atlantic Coast, where you reside, it might be a suitable short-cruise
vessel. For long-distance cruising, I think the boat is almost without peer
in its size range. It's a boat I'd cross an ocean in without giving a
second thought to the integrity of the hull and deck lay-ups.

Before buying the boat you're looking at, I'd ask to spend a few hours below
deck, especially on a hot day. It can seem very small below, especially for
more than just a couple. For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple,
the boat is perfect.

Good luck,

Max

For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple,
the boat is perfect.


I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an
ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail.

The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely
overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as
capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of
the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats,
even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy
a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm?


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple,
the boat is perfect.


I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an
ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail.

The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely
overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as
capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of
the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats,
even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy
a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm?


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY


The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear
of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the
Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays.

"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
et...

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple,
the boat is perfect.


I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an
ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail.

The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely
overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as
capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of
the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats,
even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy
a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm?


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY


The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.

Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not
that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when
they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography
for guests.

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

Capt. JG wrote:

The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely
overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as
capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of
the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats,
even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy
a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm?


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY

The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.

Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not
that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when
they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography
for guests.


And yet, the average wind in SF is lighter than in NY at LaGuardia or
in Boston at Logan. Of course, SF has its strongest wind in the
summer while we have it in the winter.

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html

"Jeff" wrote in message
. ..
Capt. JG wrote:

The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely
overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as
capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of
the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats,
even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy
a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm?


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY

The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.

Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not
that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days
when they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent
scenary/photography for guests.


And yet, the average wind in SF is lighter than in NY at LaGuardia or in
Boston at Logan. Of course, SF has its strongest wind in the summer while
we have it in the winter.

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html

You're talking about airports. I'm talking about the slot.

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

"KLC Lewis" wrote
The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions,"

Nah, the average boater buys for sitting at the dock with a
beer (not that there's anything wrong with that).


then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.


It's a matter of taste. Skill and outfitting make a bigger
difference. I love to sail on windy days, and lighter/faster
boats are more fun.

The average sailor doesn't get much enough experience on
heavy days to feel comfortable, and rather few practice the
stuff you need to do.


Capt. JG wrote:
Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not
that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when
they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography
for guests.


And the funny thing is, your area was the birthplace of the
ultra-light displacement flyer. I agree with Bob though,
different tasks require different tools.

DSK

On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 21:12:47 -0500, DSK wrote:

And the funny thing is, your area was the birthplace of the
ultra-light displacement flyer. I agree with Bob though,
different tasks require different tools.

Actually the most famous ULDBs came from the Santa Cruz area which is
a bit south from SF Bay and has much lighter conditions.

"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
et...

The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.

The competent sailor has confidence in his abilities and knows his
limitations. The "average boater" you describe above is a typical Catalina
30 owner who never really learned to sail and doesn't know enough about
heavy weather sailing to be anything but a hazard to himself and his
passengers. His Catalina is stout enough to handle 70kts and big waves, but
he most likely isn't. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't need an
overbuilt boat like the Wetsnail.

Max

"Maxprop" wrote in message
ink.net...

"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
et...

The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in
fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take
the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on
Sundays.

The competent sailor has confidence in his abilities and knows his
limitations. The "average boater" you describe above is a typical
Catalina 30 owner who never really learned to sail and doesn't know enough
about heavy weather sailing to be anything but a hazard to himself and his
passengers. His Catalina is stout enough to handle 70kts and big waves,
but he most likely isn't. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't need
an overbuilt boat like the Wetsnail.

Max


So are you saying that the "average" sailor is also a competent one?