Some of the traditional sailboats are real headturners. Let's take a ketch with a graceful sheerline and balanced overhanging bow and stern. Maybe it has teak decks and a wood cabintop and hatchcovers and a flag blue hull. Some of these boats are so pretty it takes your breath away. But with the advent of furling sails, electric winches, lazy jacks, and battcars, much of the rationale for the split rig of ketches is gone and not many are built any more. Bluff bows and straight transoms add waterline length, speed, and below decks space for the same length overall (not to mention swim platforms), and large overhangs are mostly a thing of the past. A straight sheerline means more headroom down below. Eliminating the use of teak on deck saves cost and maintenance headaches. But are the sailboats that are the result of these changes still beautiful? Have we compromised the beauty of the old boats in the name of comfort, convenience, and cost effectiveness? Or does form follow function and are the new boats just as attractive in their own way? Share your thoughts here then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
- Status
My boat and I were made for each other.
I love my 1999 Hunter 380. And I wouldn't trade here for any other boat. I can appreciate the older designs and the older boats like I can appreciate a restored Model T or a well built log cabin. But I like technology and the future. I've already busted a mast some years back in the Swithsure race so I can appreciate the B&R rig. And roller furling main is a joy in so many ways, the least among them is not having to put on a sail cover. My cockpit is the most comfortable and it is also ergonomically designed for comfort. I have two bins to stow all my lines (why didn't we do this years ago?) and all my lines come back to the cockpit. The sugar scoop stern is a feature that has so many advantages. It is easy to get into and out of the dinghy. It is also easy (if needed) to pull someone from the water should they fall in. And it is so easy to back up to a bouy, put a line on it and walk it around to the bow, rather than fighting it with a boat hook. Ah, the arch. I have the fibreglass arch--thought I would rather have a stainless arch but I'm sold on this one now. With the wind up, it is comforting to lean against when going to windward. My radar hangs from it in a perfect position for the person at the wheel and it holds the lights (lights in a cockpit--what a concept) and speakers. And a traveler that is overhead and easy to work--by the way the boom cannot hit anyone. To be fair, the older boats once had boom gallows but disappeared around the early fifties. Here is something the old designs never did--all my hatches are recessed. No stumbling over the hatches. And while we're looking at the new ideas, we have two seats in the stern rails that are perfect for guests. They think they are part of the action but really are out of the way. My boat has a three bladed Max prop which allows me to put the boat anywheres under power. She can back down in any direction and she powers forward through choppy seas with little fuss. The Yanmar 3 cyclinder is so smooth and quiet--not at all like the early one lungers. Which reminds me, I have excellent access to my engine for maintainance--I don't have to crawl around like I did on some of my early boats. And for that matter if anything does need repair, I have easy access to that part. I've sailed a Fast Passage 39 considered by many to be a good blue water boat. It hardly backed and the steering was difficult even going forward. Because of its weight, it needed all the sail area that you could raise on it which indluded a 150 genny. Getting that sail in tight took more muscle than I had even though it had large winches. It was a hard boat to sail. The inside of my boat is so much better than the wood boats I learned on in Long Island Sound. Dark interiors, narrow, with a mast coming down right in the middle of everything. Small cooking space and no refrig. My boat has a airy and light interior, a stern bedroom with a queen size bed for my wife and I and the two cats. What a joy. I have a head with a separate shower. I think a hot shower is a major part of being civilized. With a freezer and refrig, we have changed our cruising style by not taking cans of food (Spam) like we did forty years ago. Now it is fresh meat and fresh vegitables. Well, we do have canned martinis. What a bummer. I've had ten boats, one wood. I've been sailing since the early fifties and no, I would not like to go back in time to those boats. I really like, enjoy, appreciate, and love the modern boats. She is beautiful just like the Mistress that she is--she has my heart. My boat for me is the best and I wouldn't change her for anything. Les
I love my 1999 Hunter 380. And I wouldn't trade here for any other boat. I can appreciate the older designs and the older boats like I can appreciate a restored Model T or a well built log cabin. But I like technology and the future. I've already busted a mast some years back in the Swithsure race so I can appreciate the B&R rig. And roller furling main is a joy in so many ways, the least among them is not having to put on a sail cover. My cockpit is the most comfortable and it is also ergonomically designed for comfort. I have two bins to stow all my lines (why didn't we do this years ago?) and all my lines come back to the cockpit. The sugar scoop stern is a feature that has so many advantages. It is easy to get into and out of the dinghy. It is also easy (if needed) to pull someone from the water should they fall in. And it is so easy to back up to a bouy, put a line on it and walk it around to the bow, rather than fighting it with a boat hook. Ah, the arch. I have the fibreglass arch--thought I would rather have a stainless arch but I'm sold on this one now. With the wind up, it is comforting to lean against when going to windward. My radar hangs from it in a perfect position for the person at the wheel and it holds the lights (lights in a cockpit--what a concept) and speakers. And a traveler that is overhead and easy to work--by the way the boom cannot hit anyone. To be fair, the older boats once had boom gallows but disappeared around the early fifties. Here is something the old designs never did--all my hatches are recessed. No stumbling over the hatches. And while we're looking at the new ideas, we have two seats in the stern rails that are perfect for guests. They think they are part of the action but really are out of the way. My boat has a three bladed Max prop which allows me to put the boat anywheres under power. She can back down in any direction and she powers forward through choppy seas with little fuss. The Yanmar 3 cyclinder is so smooth and quiet--not at all like the early one lungers. Which reminds me, I have excellent access to my engine for maintainance--I don't have to crawl around like I did on some of my early boats. And for that matter if anything does need repair, I have easy access to that part. I've sailed a Fast Passage 39 considered by many to be a good blue water boat. It hardly backed and the steering was difficult even going forward. Because of its weight, it needed all the sail area that you could raise on it which indluded a 150 genny. Getting that sail in tight took more muscle than I had even though it had large winches. It was a hard boat to sail. The inside of my boat is so much better than the wood boats I learned on in Long Island Sound. Dark interiors, narrow, with a mast coming down right in the middle of everything. Small cooking space and no refrig. My boat has a airy and light interior, a stern bedroom with a queen size bed for my wife and I and the two cats. What a joy. I have a head with a separate shower. I think a hot shower is a major part of being civilized. With a freezer and refrig, we have changed our cruising style by not taking cans of food (Spam) like we did forty years ago. Now it is fresh meat and fresh vegitables. Well, we do have canned martinis. What a bummer. I've had ten boats, one wood. I've been sailing since the early fifties and no, I would not like to go back in time to those boats. I really like, enjoy, appreciate, and love the modern boats. She is beautiful just like the Mistress that she is--she has my heart. My boat for me is the best and I wouldn't change her for anything. Les
Northwest Classics Rock!
I do not know for sure if I will ever own several boats or just the one I currently own in the time I have left on this planet. But if I could own those of my choosing, I can honestly say I would pick older boats designed by Pacific Northwest blue water designers such as Willam Garden with interiors by Robert Perry. There is no boat like a Grand Banks Alaskan by Authur Defever or a CT 54 or 65. My favorites list is rather long for well designed classics that were made to cruise the Pacific Northwest and beyond. And while speed is a consideration, so is seaworthiness, warmth, dryness and safety. And while technology is very appealing and certainly I am adding new technology to my 44 year old sailboat, the best technology has to offer is not in the open interior, wide beams with very little keel and very tall rigs. "High performance" is an oxymoron because it is entirely related to speed and quick turns and the speed is not very fast when you consider a small utility boat can zip past you with a 10 hp motor and your performance looks like you are tilted on your head. And never do you see "fun" in hangin over a boat in tandem in the rain and raging seas. A high performance sail boat while a sport unto itself should never be confused with well designed blue water cruisers that travel at slightly slower speeds at a reasonable angle and who design allows people use the head at the proper angle. Somewhere I read that watching a boat race is akin to watching paint dry. Sailboats are slow and yes I do believe self tailing winches and the newer hardware much improve the sailing exerpience and safety. The concept of racing a sailboat after owning a few powerboats just seems funny. Sailboats are to enjoy life in, and see life at a pace it can be enjoyed. That is the theme of the Northwest classics that is carried throughout, safety and comfort combined in the engineering creating beauty with grace. One serious shortfall of modern design is in the hull structures. While many new techniques are being designed, tested and sold, there are many reservations as to their longevity. My homework before buying my first yacht included asking 40+ years experience marine surveyors about hulls, and reading of course reviews. The surveyors claimed that solid glass boats( as well as wooden) survived hurricanes and the solid glass actually broke concrete walls while the core construction boats broke and took on water or sank. Also visiting boat yards to view boats on the hard I saw the blister damage of cored boats with blisters and water damage and I would estimate they are still being paid for and need extensive repairs. The surveyors write to educate consumers and they state that open interiors twist too much from lack of strength and cause hull damage which in turn causes blisters. And granted, you can spend enough money to get the very best yacht but only 7% of boat owners buy boats over $200,000 and it will take more than that to get 50-75 years longevity as can easily be found with classics whose hulls may last up to 200 years, And because cosmetics and comforts appeal so strongly over true boat design features, a peson can buy a classics in today's market and spend little incomparison. The true benefit is those which have earned their place to become a true classic has proven itself already to withstand the years. In the years to come the test of time will show which of these new models can survive as long as the classics and perform through the years. I have a 1960 Rawson 30, mostly known for its ruggedness as it was overly laid with glass by today's standards and was built and conceived by a pioneer of commercial fiberglass fishing boats,Ron Rawson, and designed by a blue water sailboat designer, William Garden. When she was trucked up from Marina Del Ray to Portland and was on the hard for 10 days, the hull condition showed what quality really is. Those working the yard repaiing hulls could not believe her condition or age. Not only is her hull design a true William Garden, these boats have no history of blisters and her hull is flawless after 44 years. And yes, this heavy boat really does not reverse, in fact it walks sideways from the propwash, and it takes a bit to turn, but if the sails are balanced you can let go of the tiller without worry and sitting on one side or the other makes no difference. As far as speed, well there indeed she has speed. Just point her with her sails balanced and she moves, sometimes with a quite a start. She is very fair and will move in very light air, all 12,000 pounds of her. Here in the Columbia River in the gorge we have winds, currents and waves quite comparible to ocean conditions. While many do not know of these crusing grounds, the mouth of this river coming into the Pacific is the graveyard for the Pacific Ocean and is strewn with wrecks. Rogue 50 foot waves are common enough. I am upstream behind 3 major dams which creates a wide water that is deep between high cliffs which deepen as you head toward the Cascades, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. The winds tunnel here and we get some serious effects of wind going against current and we get swells anywhere from 4 to 10 feets close together. Our 24/7/365 average wind is over 12 knots. We have many days of no wind and that average is due to those other days we have constant 20-50 knots winds. The gusts alone somedays turn you around so fast you would swear you were in a high performance boat. So in 2025 and beyond I am certain I will be dead but to consider what newer boats will indeed look like is a curiosity to me now. While most are very nice looking boats, most are also lacking in the appeal of classic to the eyes as well as to the hearts. Classics have souls from their woods grown from exotic places and their designs to travel long voyages with a good measure of sea kindliness. And besides, those earlier pioneers designed what had never been designed and laid foundations for these modern boats. Much of today's boats do in fact cut costs for the builder at the sacrifice of quality engineering and they try to make it appear better by adding comforts. I say learn why a boat is better narrower and why it is suppose to track and not be turned easily. If the technology were to fail and the autopilot was lost, then a person would be really fighting for control of their boat in a seaway. There is much yet to learn from the classics and much left to remember as well. There was indeed a Golden Age of yacht building in Puget Sound and the west coast. Too bad I was not born or of age to be a part of that time. However, I can still contribute today by loving these boats during my time so that the next owner can do the same and we can pass them on to the future.
I do not know for sure if I will ever own several boats or just the one I currently own in the time I have left on this planet. But if I could own those of my choosing, I can honestly say I would pick older boats designed by Pacific Northwest blue water designers such as Willam Garden with interiors by Robert Perry. There is no boat like a Grand Banks Alaskan by Authur Defever or a CT 54 or 65. My favorites list is rather long for well designed classics that were made to cruise the Pacific Northwest and beyond. And while speed is a consideration, so is seaworthiness, warmth, dryness and safety. And while technology is very appealing and certainly I am adding new technology to my 44 year old sailboat, the best technology has to offer is not in the open interior, wide beams with very little keel and very tall rigs. "High performance" is an oxymoron because it is entirely related to speed and quick turns and the speed is not very fast when you consider a small utility boat can zip past you with a 10 hp motor and your performance looks like you are tilted on your head. And never do you see "fun" in hangin over a boat in tandem in the rain and raging seas. A high performance sail boat while a sport unto itself should never be confused with well designed blue water cruisers that travel at slightly slower speeds at a reasonable angle and who design allows people use the head at the proper angle. Somewhere I read that watching a boat race is akin to watching paint dry. Sailboats are slow and yes I do believe self tailing winches and the newer hardware much improve the sailing exerpience and safety. The concept of racing a sailboat after owning a few powerboats just seems funny. Sailboats are to enjoy life in, and see life at a pace it can be enjoyed. That is the theme of the Northwest classics that is carried throughout, safety and comfort combined in the engineering creating beauty with grace. One serious shortfall of modern design is in the hull structures. While many new techniques are being designed, tested and sold, there are many reservations as to their longevity. My homework before buying my first yacht included asking 40+ years experience marine surveyors about hulls, and reading of course reviews. The surveyors claimed that solid glass boats( as well as wooden) survived hurricanes and the solid glass actually broke concrete walls while the core construction boats broke and took on water or sank. Also visiting boat yards to view boats on the hard I saw the blister damage of cored boats with blisters and water damage and I would estimate they are still being paid for and need extensive repairs. The surveyors write to educate consumers and they state that open interiors twist too much from lack of strength and cause hull damage which in turn causes blisters. And granted, you can spend enough money to get the very best yacht but only 7% of boat owners buy boats over $200,000 and it will take more than that to get 50-75 years longevity as can easily be found with classics whose hulls may last up to 200 years, And because cosmetics and comforts appeal so strongly over true boat design features, a peson can buy a classics in today's market and spend little incomparison. The true benefit is those which have earned their place to become a true classic has proven itself already to withstand the years. In the years to come the test of time will show which of these new models can survive as long as the classics and perform through the years. I have a 1960 Rawson 30, mostly known for its ruggedness as it was overly laid with glass by today's standards and was built and conceived by a pioneer of commercial fiberglass fishing boats,Ron Rawson, and designed by a blue water sailboat designer, William Garden. When she was trucked up from Marina Del Ray to Portland and was on the hard for 10 days, the hull condition showed what quality really is. Those working the yard repaiing hulls could not believe her condition or age. Not only is her hull design a true William Garden, these boats have no history of blisters and her hull is flawless after 44 years. And yes, this heavy boat really does not reverse, in fact it walks sideways from the propwash, and it takes a bit to turn, but if the sails are balanced you can let go of the tiller without worry and sitting on one side or the other makes no difference. As far as speed, well there indeed she has speed. Just point her with her sails balanced and she moves, sometimes with a quite a start. She is very fair and will move in very light air, all 12,000 pounds of her. Here in the Columbia River in the gorge we have winds, currents and waves quite comparible to ocean conditions. While many do not know of these crusing grounds, the mouth of this river coming into the Pacific is the graveyard for the Pacific Ocean and is strewn with wrecks. Rogue 50 foot waves are common enough. I am upstream behind 3 major dams which creates a wide water that is deep between high cliffs which deepen as you head toward the Cascades, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. The winds tunnel here and we get some serious effects of wind going against current and we get swells anywhere from 4 to 10 feets close together. Our 24/7/365 average wind is over 12 knots. We have many days of no wind and that average is due to those other days we have constant 20-50 knots winds. The gusts alone somedays turn you around so fast you would swear you were in a high performance boat. So in 2025 and beyond I am certain I will be dead but to consider what newer boats will indeed look like is a curiosity to me now. While most are very nice looking boats, most are also lacking in the appeal of classic to the eyes as well as to the hearts. Classics have souls from their woods grown from exotic places and their designs to travel long voyages with a good measure of sea kindliness. And besides, those earlier pioneers designed what had never been designed and laid foundations for these modern boats. Much of today's boats do in fact cut costs for the builder at the sacrifice of quality engineering and they try to make it appear better by adding comforts. I say learn why a boat is better narrower and why it is suppose to track and not be turned easily. If the technology were to fail and the autopilot was lost, then a person would be really fighting for control of their boat in a seaway. There is much yet to learn from the classics and much left to remember as well. There was indeed a Golden Age of yacht building in Puget Sound and the west coast. Too bad I was not born or of age to be a part of that time. However, I can still contribute today by loving these boats during my time so that the next owner can do the same and we can pass them on to the future.
Form follows function
The 'traditional' designs themselves displaced older designs. As technology evolves so do the boats. We're in a period of rapid evolution now becauses of advances in materials science in sails, rigging, and hulls. Enhanced capabilities allow different possibilities - more space below decks without performance-killing tradeoffs for example. I love watching the boats evolve and I hope the process continues indefinitely.
The 'traditional' designs themselves displaced older designs. As technology evolves so do the boats. We're in a period of rapid evolution now becauses of advances in materials science in sails, rigging, and hulls. Enhanced capabilities allow different possibilities - more space below decks without performance-killing tradeoffs for example. I love watching the boats evolve and I hope the process continues indefinitely.
Traditional boats are better looking, period
To take issue with Les' well-written post, the question is not: which boats are better, traditional or modern?, but which are boats are better looking, traditional or modern? Traditional boats are better looking hands down. Springy sheers, spoon bows, long overhangs, wine-glass sterns, lots of bright work...ahhhh. They are works of art. Its not that I think Hunters or Beneteaus (just to pick two quintissentially "modern" examples) are ugly. They're not ugly; almost all sailboats have beauty in my eye. And I agree completely that modern design features like sugar scoop sterns, flat sheers and wide beams can make sailing easier, safer and more comfortable. But which is better looking? C'mon, it ain't even close.
To take issue with Les' well-written post, the question is not: which boats are better, traditional or modern?, but which are boats are better looking, traditional or modern? Traditional boats are better looking hands down. Springy sheers, spoon bows, long overhangs, wine-glass sterns, lots of bright work...ahhhh. They are works of art. Its not that I think Hunters or Beneteaus (just to pick two quintissentially "modern" examples) are ugly. They're not ugly; almost all sailboats have beauty in my eye. And I agree completely that modern design features like sugar scoop sterns, flat sheers and wide beams can make sailing easier, safer and more comfortable. But which is better looking? C'mon, it ain't even close.
Form more often trumps function
Let's not forget that taste more often than not trumps function. Most sailboats built today incorporate a rat's nest of fussy and unsightly rigging systems when Freedom Yachts showed us a generation ago that unstayed masts with self-tending booms were perfectly safe and feasible. People wanted to buy boats that made them feel like they were doing something challenging and significant, so the simplified rigs are not selling. Trimaran hulls, sail drive propellers, and enclosed cockpits have all languished in the market place because of aesthetical choices rather than technical issues. Ironically, the sleek hulls of the mid-20th century would probably suit the tastes of today's racer-cruisers very well, but they fell out of favor because they seemed "old-fashioned" to a previous generation. The automobile market is always a good test lab for these questions of taste versus function. The ideal motor vehicle for most needs in terms of safety, economy, and utility would be the "station wagon". Try finding many of those on today's market! (SUV's have a higher center of gravity and are therefore not the same as the low-slung wagon configuration).
Let's not forget that taste more often than not trumps function. Most sailboats built today incorporate a rat's nest of fussy and unsightly rigging systems when Freedom Yachts showed us a generation ago that unstayed masts with self-tending booms were perfectly safe and feasible. People wanted to buy boats that made them feel like they were doing something challenging and significant, so the simplified rigs are not selling. Trimaran hulls, sail drive propellers, and enclosed cockpits have all languished in the market place because of aesthetical choices rather than technical issues. Ironically, the sleek hulls of the mid-20th century would probably suit the tastes of today's racer-cruisers very well, but they fell out of favor because they seemed "old-fashioned" to a previous generation. The automobile market is always a good test lab for these questions of taste versus function. The ideal motor vehicle for most needs in terms of safety, economy, and utility would be the "station wagon". Try finding many of those on today's market! (SUV's have a higher center of gravity and are therefore not the same as the low-slung wagon configuration).
I love my boat and the fact that it has no
wood in the weather is appealing to me. I just love a nice boat regardless of age or design. Mine is definitely a "modern" design but I think it's as pretty as the 30 year old "classic" next to me (in background, a very well kept boat). I do wish it looked more like Rick's, maybe next boat.
wood in the weather is appealing to me. I just love a nice boat regardless of age or design. Mine is definitely a "modern" design but I think it's as pretty as the 30 year old "classic" next to me (in background, a very well kept boat). I do wish it looked more like Rick's, maybe next boat.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Much as I love the lovingly restored wooden boats, until I retire, I don't have the time to look after one properly. My MacGregor 26M is about as low maintenance as you can get, and looks pretty good. I like the fact that the design is different in style to most other modern boats. I much prefer to have something different, even quirky, that is original and a masterpiece of engineering design (some might say compromise). It probably comes as no surprise to say that I drive a diesel Mercedes A-class (the stretched version). There seems to be a lot in common with the design philosophy between my car and boat - car came first (boat replaced and older boat with the specific plan to sail, rather than sand, varnish and paint)
Much as I love the lovingly restored wooden boats, until I retire, I don't have the time to look after one properly. My MacGregor 26M is about as low maintenance as you can get, and looks pretty good. I like the fact that the design is different in style to most other modern boats. I much prefer to have something different, even quirky, that is original and a masterpiece of engineering design (some might say compromise). It probably comes as no surprise to say that I drive a diesel Mercedes A-class (the stretched version). There seems to be a lot in common with the design philosophy between my car and boat - car came first (boat replaced and older boat with the specific plan to sail, rather than sand, varnish and paint)
Northwest Classics Rock! Cecelia
I agree... and does everything now`a days have to be 'easy'? What ever happened to 'working' to obtain the beauty one sees when they stand back and gaze upon something as wonderful as a wood boat, and know it is a fuctional work of art. Are you married? Would you like to be? ;o) sanitys_edge@msn.com
I agree... and does everything now`a days have to be 'easy'? What ever happened to 'working' to obtain the beauty one sees when they stand back and gaze upon something as wonderful as a wood boat, and know it is a fuctional work of art. Are you married? Would you like to be? ;o) sanitys_edge@msn.com
Cheoy Lee
Was moored next to a Cheoy Lee 40 footer this weekend and thought it was one of the finest looking classic yachts I have ever seen. After doing some research I found they are an extremely well appointed and built cruiser. The company has been making boats for over 100 years and is currently located in Hong Kong. But I still love the way my Pearson 28-1 looks and sails. Maybe the next boat though. Tim R.
Was moored next to a Cheoy Lee 40 footer this weekend and thought it was one of the finest looking classic yachts I have ever seen. After doing some research I found they are an extremely well appointed and built cruiser. The company has been making boats for over 100 years and is currently located in Hong Kong. But I still love the way my Pearson 28-1 looks and sails. Maybe the next boat though. Tim R.
I love my Hunter, however....
Form vs function Sad but true, today's boats are a modern example of form following function. What do people look for in a boats today; large cockpits to entertain friends, large cabins (especially a large aft cabin), headroom over 6'4", and no maintenance. What you get is the nautical equivalent of a minivan. It carries everything you own, however it doesn't look good doing it. Traditional boats or let's say classical boats instead, have rounded bows, long overhangs on the stern, narrow beams not carried far aft, low freeboard to minimize windage and lots of exposed wood. In a nut shell you get a boat like a Bermuda 40, the nautical equivalent of a 69 Jag XKE. Beautiful to look at and high maintenance, but oh so beautiful. I love my Hunter 376, she carries family and friends everywhere I want to go, but beautiful she isn't. A square bow to maximize interior space in the V-Bearth, A hugh beam carried all the way back to a stern that words fail to describe, resulting in a large saloon and massive aft cabin. And least I forget the 6' 5" headroom. If you are in Wickford please don't tell her I called her fat, you know how women are. Russell "If a man goes into the woods and there are no women around, is he still wrong?"
Form vs function Sad but true, today's boats are a modern example of form following function. What do people look for in a boats today; large cockpits to entertain friends, large cabins (especially a large aft cabin), headroom over 6'4", and no maintenance. What you get is the nautical equivalent of a minivan. It carries everything you own, however it doesn't look good doing it. Traditional boats or let's say classical boats instead, have rounded bows, long overhangs on the stern, narrow beams not carried far aft, low freeboard to minimize windage and lots of exposed wood. In a nut shell you get a boat like a Bermuda 40, the nautical equivalent of a 69 Jag XKE. Beautiful to look at and high maintenance, but oh so beautiful. I love my Hunter 376, she carries family and friends everywhere I want to go, but beautiful she isn't. A square bow to maximize interior space in the V-Bearth, A hugh beam carried all the way back to a stern that words fail to describe, resulting in a large saloon and massive aft cabin. And least I forget the 6' 5" headroom. If you are in Wickford please don't tell her I called her fat, you know how women are. Russell "If a man goes into the woods and there are no women around, is he still wrong?"
Beauty is ALWAYS in the eyes of the Beerholder
It seems that a clipper bow with tradional lines, carved trailboards and a cutter or ketch rig draws the eye of sailors, powerboaters as well as the non-boating public. It has been said that the sailing, steak, sex and sunset are as wonderful without regard for the size or value of the boat....
It seems that a clipper bow with tradional lines, carved trailboards and a cutter or ketch rig draws the eye of sailors, powerboaters as well as the non-boating public. It has been said that the sailing, steak, sex and sunset are as wonderful without regard for the size or value of the boat....
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
let us not forget the LITTLE beauties
Classic lines are fine for my small boat, but I know that as I move up, to a more functional boat, I will loose those lines.
Classic lines are fine for my small boat, but I know that as I move up, to a more functional boat, I will loose those lines.
Mike, in response #5
has it exactly right. While almost all sailboats have a degree of beauty, if you are talking most beautiful, go to the traditional boats.
has it exactly right. While almost all sailboats have a degree of beauty, if you are talking most beautiful, go to the traditional boats.
Not the Mac 26X
I think we can all agree that the Mac 26X is not a beauty to behold. A motorboat with a mast, a sailboat without a soul, an aquatic abomination.
I think we can all agree that the Mac 26X is not a beauty to behold. A motorboat with a mast, a sailboat without a soul, an aquatic abomination.
barges
Most of the current lot of boats are designed with capacity in mind. They have plumb bows, scoop transoms and beams beyond belief. The shears are straight and the total appearance is pathetic. These designs presumably mirror the desires of the purchasers! Of course, if you believe in the theory that the distribution of human intelligence is typified by a normal curve then half of the people have less than average intelligence. Guess which half appreciates plumb bows, etc.
Most of the current lot of boats are designed with capacity in mind. They have plumb bows, scoop transoms and beams beyond belief. The shears are straight and the total appearance is pathetic. These designs presumably mirror the desires of the purchasers! Of course, if you believe in the theory that the distribution of human intelligence is typified by a normal curve then half of the people have less than average intelligence. Guess which half appreciates plumb bows, etc.
I find folks that appreciate...
...sailing vessels the most, regardless of age, shape or rig, are folks who are not in a position to possess a boat. I'll bet a MacGregor looks pretty nice to a sailor without a ride not to mention those who skipper them. While in Korea I had an opportunity to ride on a Chinese Junk built in Taiwan in the 20's. It was a flat bottomed, high-sterned vessel with a square bow erecting three masts using lugsails made of matting stiffend with horizontal battens. The hull was partitioned using solid bulkheads running lengthwise and crosswise to divide it into watertight compartments. This design, not adopted by the West until the 19th century, not only made the ship structurally rigid, but also protected it against sinking. A missing keel was compensated for by a heavy steering oar, mounted on the centerline through a watertight housing. The oar could be raised or lowered at sea below the depth of the Junk bottom. By the 18th century the largest Junks were as large as the 'Square-rigger' ship at around 3000 to 4000 tons deadweight. The Junk was also used for many years as the general warship of the Chinese. Although Westerners may consider a Junk about as sexy as an AMC Pacer, 1.3 billion folks' opinions (about 5 for every 1 US critic) would strongly disagree.
...sailing vessels the most, regardless of age, shape or rig, are folks who are not in a position to possess a boat. I'll bet a MacGregor looks pretty nice to a sailor without a ride not to mention those who skipper them. While in Korea I had an opportunity to ride on a Chinese Junk built in Taiwan in the 20's. It was a flat bottomed, high-sterned vessel with a square bow erecting three masts using lugsails made of matting stiffend with horizontal battens. The hull was partitioned using solid bulkheads running lengthwise and crosswise to divide it into watertight compartments. This design, not adopted by the West until the 19th century, not only made the ship structurally rigid, but also protected it against sinking. A missing keel was compensated for by a heavy steering oar, mounted on the centerline through a watertight housing. The oar could be raised or lowered at sea below the depth of the Junk bottom. By the 18th century the largest Junks were as large as the 'Square-rigger' ship at around 3000 to 4000 tons deadweight. The Junk was also used for many years as the general warship of the Chinese. Although Westerners may consider a Junk about as sexy as an AMC Pacer, 1.3 billion folks' opinions (about 5 for every 1 US critic) would strongly disagree.
Lets appreciate the "past", not dwell on it!
I am an enthusiast of antique cars, antique farm tractors as well as boats. Having owned and restored several of each, I appreciate the fine lines and careful design found in "classics". But I doubt that there are any of us out there that would seriously considered giving up the reliability and comfort of our modern auto to go back to using a model T or even better, the horse and buggy that it replaced. I don't hear of may people taking up dug-out canoes instead of there relatively modern "classic" sailboat. I owned a and cared for moth, a lightening, a beetle cat and an AC cat boat. I have come to realize that I'd like to spend more time sailing on my boat and less time caring for it. I now own a "modern" 1989 Hunter 26.5. I purchased it because it has fine lines, is relatively easy to care for and allows me to spend more that half a season actually sailing it. I have also owned and restored a 1943 Chris Craft, as well as more modern fiberglass powerboats. I appreciate the "classics" as much as the anyone, but just ask someone at a classic wooden boat show how often they actually use the boat. From experience, I will bet the answer is alot less time then they spend working on it. I think it is time that the "classic" snobbery that is pervasive in sailing today gives way to comradary for fellow sailing or boating enthusiasts. We could all benefit from that!
I am an enthusiast of antique cars, antique farm tractors as well as boats. Having owned and restored several of each, I appreciate the fine lines and careful design found in "classics". But I doubt that there are any of us out there that would seriously considered giving up the reliability and comfort of our modern auto to go back to using a model T or even better, the horse and buggy that it replaced. I don't hear of may people taking up dug-out canoes instead of there relatively modern "classic" sailboat. I owned a and cared for moth, a lightening, a beetle cat and an AC cat boat. I have come to realize that I'd like to spend more time sailing on my boat and less time caring for it. I now own a "modern" 1989 Hunter 26.5. I purchased it because it has fine lines, is relatively easy to care for and allows me to spend more that half a season actually sailing it. I have also owned and restored a 1943 Chris Craft, as well as more modern fiberglass powerboats. I appreciate the "classics" as much as the anyone, but just ask someone at a classic wooden boat show how often they actually use the boat. From experience, I will bet the answer is alot less time then they spend working on it. I think it is time that the "classic" snobbery that is pervasive in sailing today gives way to comradary for fellow sailing or boating enthusiasts. We could all benefit from that!
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