Conservative 'hardware' fix
If you are really looking into 'affordable' consider anything like those boats designed by Brewer or Alberg in the '60s. Something like a Cape Dory 30 or 33, or even the 28, would be ideal. These are VERY sound boats with moderately shallow full keels and moderate displacement that are NOT short on sail area or performance and definitely not short of build quality. Some of these all-fibreglass boats of the late '60s are built like rocks. And they can be had cheaply, even from the recent production periods. On a recent drive to Worton Creek MD I realised I had NEVER seen so many late-60s and early-70s production fibreglass boats in one spot since the late 60s and early 70s. What's up with that? --but that these are eminently well-built boats of sensible design that look good, sail well, and survive just about everything. I would NOT prefer a more modern design, with light displacement, minimised rigging, low freeboard, shell transom, and dependence on electromechancial technology, for the unknowns of ocean sailing. Proven design philosophy is key. (--i.e., if you are going to build a house on the barrier islands, build one exactly like the oldest house already there-- it's survived the most hurricanes! Duhhhh.) JC 2
