11 Metre as Cruiser?

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OaklandSailor

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May 3, 2010
1
Islander 28' (formerly) Bay Area
G'day friends,

I'm asking for input as to whether on not this boat is well found and would make a lastingly good choice as a long distance voyager. IE: California to Hawaii to S. Pac and return, probably a year and a half out of the US. Have you or do you know someone who has done extensive blue water cruising on their 11 metre? All experience and opinions on this boat are welcome!

Thanks in advance,

OS
 
K

kk703hh

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Oct 27, 2008
7
S2 11M Aft MD
I have outfitted my 11M S2 Aft for cruising. The only cruising so far has been to the Exumas in the Bahamas, so I would call this "lite cruising". I have also been in rough blue water from the Chesapeake to Bermuda and back and the boat was fine. The short coming of "around the world cruising in an 11M would be the room. Clearly OK for 2 but gets crowded fast. Of course the smaller the boat, the more uncomfortable in heavy weather. Another concern would be how well the boat has been maintained, when you get out there, you are on your own, and you better know how to solve the crucial problems. You certainly want to leave with a very sturdy and well maintained and outfitted ship.

K
 
rfjsailor

rfjsailor

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Mar 8, 2007
11
S2 8.0C Cherry Point, N.C.
Although I have not done any blue water cruising in my 8.0C, I am told that as a minimum an ocean sailboat should be at least 37 feet or so. The 11M barely qualifies. The reason is the open ocean swells. A 36-37 footer can bridge the gap ( trough) between swells and avoid the roller coaster ride ( sea sickness & deck handlilng) in moderate seas. This improves steering and steadiness of sails. So, for the most part you should be okay.
 
BobM

BobM

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Jun 10, 2004
3,269
S2 9.2A Winthrop, MA
This guy did some cruising http://www.koplinsailing.com/index.htm and my be worth contacting. I would say that coastal cruising and island hopping, perhaps even to Hawaii is doable, but I wouldn't recommend rounding the world in one, even though one would make my short list if I had 6-foot itis.
 
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Sailor JD

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Aug 25, 2010
10
S-2 11.0A St. Petersburg
Compared to many other vessels that I have seen make blue water passages, an 11.0A is a very capable cruiser. They have a very strong hull/deck joint, a moderate sail plan and the bulk heads and rigging are of very good construction quality. As with any voyage you would want to wait for your weather windows before heading offshore. Recently one was advertised for sale on the west coast which had completed a Pacific crossing and a crusie thru the China Sea. Also, check out www.wereda.com for details on a 11.0A cruising the Carribean. Just because a vessell is larger doesnt necessarily mean that it is offshore capable.
 
F

fenixrises

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Dec 3, 2010
2
S2 11c Tampa
Hi all,

I have an S2 11c "SunShine" out of Tampa, FLA. and am currently cruising the south Pacific. I have found the boat to be very capable as an ocean cruiser. Mine has the shallow draft option of 4'6". While the ocean will readily accept the 5'6" keel many passes and rivers do not, so I like the ability to go into shallower water.

I spent about 7 months full time refurbishing the boat for ocean sailing. This included all new standing and running rigging. A new mainsail. I added 5 winches and relocated the halyard winches to the mast. I also added a staysail stay and running backstays. Complete rewiring of boat. Replaced most of the plumbing. Removed holding tank and replaced with additional water tank. I added a hard dodger and new fabric for the cockpit cover. I installed a manual windlass, Simpson Lawrence 555 SeaTiger, with 250' 5/16 high test chain for the primary anchor. And a bunch of other ground tackle.

My best days run was 170 miles between the Galapagos and the Marquises and I did that 3,000 mile passage in 21 days total.

For a lot more info about all this you can go here:

http://www.sbastro.com/SunShine

Take care,
Fred
 
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