I am thinking of buying the 8.0. It seems a great use of space. How is it in a ruff ocean? I am thinking of a trip to Israel. Family of 4 two 80# boys and a 40# dog. Is it crazy idea? I have a year to learn the ropes.
s2 8.0 Blue water? How was hull built?
- Thread starter candy7
- Start date
- Status
Very few people make a large crossing in the first boat they own. There is a reason for that; at this stage you are so new to the game you don't even know the right question to ask. Sail you boat for a year and just learn and have fun. After that you'll know the right questions to ask, and even better, start answering them yourself! In the mean time, sail as much as you can!
Jackdaw's right. Get a little experience to see what its all about.
Choosing a boat is somewhat like choosing a car. You wouldn't buy a Honda or a Buick to pull a 10-20,000 lb trailer. You would get something more substantial that is designed for hauling loads and willhold up to the punishment. (Maybe a suburban, but more like a F350 or similar beast.) While a smallpickup truck might be able to pull the load a short diatance, its propably not the vehicle for it. For a longer trip, some might try it, most would not. Depends upon need, budget, desire/desperation, etc
Likewise, not all boats are created for ocean passagemaking. While many well built boats not considered passagmakers have crossed oceans, most seasoned sailors would not attempt it unless the boat was designed or modified for a crossing. Size too is important. Bigger is generally better. An 8 meter boat (what is that, about 27 feet) is on the very small end of ocean going boats. Most boats in that size range crossing oceans are probably purpose built.
S2s are great boats for the great lakes, coastal cruising and smaller water saiiling. But, except for some of the larger models, they are not what most would consider crossing an ocean in.
So buy the 8.0, sail the crap out of her for a few years, and learn all you can about sailing, boats and bluewater sailing. then when the boys will be big and able enough to help you sail, find a boat more built for your adventure. But take that first step .
As an owner of a 8.0B and a veteran of several Transpacs and numerous long ocean voyages including a circumnavigation of the North Pacific, I strongly urge you to not consider this boat for a transatlantic crossing.
Check into your local sailing community, build your sailing experience then try to get a ride on a long distance race or delivery before you consider putting your family through such an endeavor. Uneducated romantic notions of sea crossings usually end in catastrophic failure.
Check into your local sailing community, build your sailing experience then try to get a ride on a long distance race or delivery before you consider putting your family through such an endeavor. Uneducated romantic notions of sea crossings usually end in catastrophic failure.
- Status