On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 10:39:53 -0700, jaykchan wrote:

In calm lakes, 12ft is plenty for 2+1. I've had that many on my 8-footer
many times, although 12ft adds some moving-around room.

Seem like a small boat can do well if the water is calm. If what you
said is true, I should be able to fit 4 adults in a 16-ft boat
(combined people weight is around 700-lb). But I expect to use the same
boat in both calm freshwater lake and protected sal****er area where I
may get some waves from passing boats. I probably need a boat that is
slightly bigger than the minimum -- something like 17-ft or 18-ft.

Thanks for the info.

Jay Chan

At this point, length is only one of many factors. I've been out in
English Bay in some fairly snotty weather in a 13ft Laser sailboat. I've
seen Cal 20s out in stuff that would make you puke in a 30-ft powerboat.

If you're looking for "seaworthyness", look for at least lots of freeboard
and something covering the bow so if it gets "buried" it doesn't scoop
water into the boat. Or, get one that's self-draining, like a Boston
Whaler.

Lloyd