Atlantic Crossing

[ginny]

We are looking for a capable ocean passage boat ( particular across the atlantic). Ideas would be appreciated i.e. ( 40 or 50 ft, brand names etc etc) We currently sail in the Med. (on an endurance37- but it is a ketch and we are looking for a sloop) but are now planning our journey across the Atlantic.
Many Thanks Ginny

 

[Bill Roosa]

Size of the boat

There are MANY to choose from. Personal preference will drive most of your choices.

Try
http://www.yachtworld.com/

The search engine is awesome


In the final analysis, it is not the size of the boat but the size of the man/woman in the boat that counts the most. prepare yourselves and the boat will no doubt come through with flying colors.

 

[MoonSailer]

Use the sailcalculator to narrow your search. You can put in dimensions that you desire and it will search it's database and provide a list of boats. Things like motion comfort ,capsize ratio, waterline length, displacement etc can be entered. Money is the biggest factor for many of us. http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html

 

[David in Sandusky]

There was a great series of articles in Sailing or Sail last year. It was more about what to look for than specific brands, but was written by folks with real experience.

Makers analyzed in Marshall's "Choosing a Cruising Sailboat" who are clearly aiming at this use include Valiant, Pacific Seacraft, Island Packet, and Cabo Rico.

 

[sailingdog]

It would also help if you stated a rough budget, since the price will vary quite a bit, depending on what boat is selected.

 

[sailaway78]

I have to ask

Why are you interested in going from a ketch to a sloop. My experience on a ketch is very limited, but from what I have seen a ketch gives slightly more sail options, and the sails are somewhat smaller, making them a little easier to manage. Have never been on a cutter rigged ketch. This is in no way intended to question your reasoning or your knowledge. I am just wondering if my perceptions are incorrect, and curious about your reasoning.

 

[RichH]

For a serious ocean voyaging passagemaker type boat, I suggest your search start with the reknown designers of 'blue water' boats rather than 'brands': Bob Perry, Bob Harris, Bill Creighlock, Garden, Tripp, etc. etc. There are many valuable and worthy 'one-off' custom and semi-custom boats as well as brands/yards that use these reknown designers.

For a serious selection of a monetarily serious boat if you dont have the knowledge or experience to make such a selection yourself, dont fully trust 'brokers', then consider to contract (for fee) one of these designers to find the 'best fit' of such a boat based on your personal prior experience and expertise. Such a service contract will also include final boat selection and supervision of the 'condition survey' and 'insurance survey', etc. etc. etc. .... would be money well spent to gain such a 'match'. BTW these designers know all the warts and pimples to be wary of in others designs (and especially their own designs) including the boatyards that executed the construction. This isnt going to be something that you'd get from a broker, or internet forum etc.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Don12480]

Take a look at the Amel 48 or 52. These are made in France so there are quite a few available over there. These are center cockpit ketch rigged but they have 4 watertight bulkheads, are very motion friendly. As you know having a ketch the smaller sails are easier to manage. They claim these can be easility managed by anyone. The main and jib on a 52 foot sloop are very big.
Oh - they are a little pricey but you didn't say if you had a budget!

 

[Tigawave]

Huge range nearly every yacht produced in this range would be capable.

Best thing is to have a look and find a boat you like, on an ocean passage you need to understand all of the component parts of a yacht so look closely at everthing when you're searching.

My favourite ocean crossing boat for me has been the Bavaria 390, I've also sailed Rival 38's, Twisters, Warriors, Swedens, Fast 42.

What you need is a sound hull, rig, rudder and sails. + an idea of how to fix any of those items that will break.

 

[Tigawave]

To embark on an ocean crossing I would suggest that you should have a pretty good idea of what you will want a boat to do already?