"Norm" wrote in message
...

Yesterday I was looking at a 36' Cape Dory on Yachtworld, but the
thing has a PHRF of 180. The Passport has a PHRF of 140 and most
people said that it was a slug. Now I'm confused.

Any recommendations on what boats to focus on?

Well, the Passport isn't really a slug for a cruising boat. It'll
feel different than the CD, and be faster and more comfortable
to boot, but will probably take more effort to sail since it's a
heavier boat. It won't be like sailing a J/120, that's for sure, but
it all depends on what you want with the sailing experience.
A big heavy cruising boat will feel more stately compared to
a lightweight fin keel rocket. There really aren't any bad
boats, but there may be wrong boats for your purpose.
Take the slug comment with a grain of salt. Also, you
plan on taking her back to Alaska, where are your
cruising grounds going to be? Will you be in the Gulf
and exposed, or will you have access to shelter along the
coasts and fjords?

I went to the Yachtworld web site, opened up the length range
to 36-41 feet, included WA and BC and came up with this list
of boats that I think are "good boats". I kind of narrowed the
list to more "wholesome" cruisers, with that CD type look, and
also some more modern "performance" cruisers like the
Passport.

Cal 40 (rates 129).
Did you like the Morgan 382 (rates 132)
The Gulfstar 37 (152) is a nice cruiser, and it looks like it's
ready to go.
Sceptre 36 (135).
There's a couple of Ericson 41s that are decent boats. They look
somewhat like the CD but don't command the price (rates 145).
Bristol 40s are nice boats too (prolly rate about 180-200ish)
Ohlson 38's have a good rep for sailing (rate 165)
The Reliance 37 is a mini Passport 40 w/o aft cabin (rates 152)
Santana 37 (rates 145)
There's a Cape George cutter that almost makes the price cut
(rates about 165)

I think the Gulfstar 37 and Reliance 37 might fit your bill, but
they are more modern looking. I kind of sense that you love
the looks of the CD, but are enamored of the interior space you
get with shorter overhangs and more beam. It's not an easy
compromise, and the ones that look good, have decent interiors,
and sail well can get pretty expensive. You might also fall in love
with the Ericson.

Did this help?

Matt