Here we go a wanderin'
But since this is an opinion query I thought I might cast mine into the pot, though it be a digression. I too have noted the sort of comments from 'blue water' sailors and the NR types that Tim remarks on. For those of you too young to catch the allusion, soft drinks were formerly sold in NR - non returnable - bottles. These were made of "less sturdy construnction", i.e. thinner glass than the older thick-walled glass bottles that could be returned for deposit. Interestingly enough, the NR held up every bit as well as the old ones for their intended purpose of delivering the product to the customer. They were all ultimately supplanted by cheaper plastic. The existing glass bottles are here today for the discriminating consumer demanding the retro packaging. I believe that most of the discussion of the relative merits of the traditional boats versus the modern ones, that I see on these lists, has more to do with the features that attracted that particular author than it has to do with intrinsic merit. There are real differences. I am not altogether satisfied that those differences really make either one superior. Clearly, the pros and cons weigh differently when the dominant use of the owner is factored in. Long keels, deep dispacement hulls, bouyant entries and small divided sail plans make for boats with good seakeeping tendancies and rough weather capability. They make sailing shorthanded in big water physically easier. There is a logical and valid inference that this is safer. The fin keel, high volume, moderate displacement, fine entry boats, sail higher and faster than their traditional cousins. But they also require more attention at the helm more strength in sail handling and worse, storage and protection of the body in the interior are deplorable. Capsize equations and righting moment etc., etc. are all considerations that can be argued ad nauseum. When it really gets bad you are gonna wish you were home. Nonetheless there is also a logical and valid argument that fast passages also make safer trips. Candidly, in the worst case scenario, I'd rather be in a well found traditional boat once the wind gets above 50 knots. On the other hand, I've only allowed myself(or been unlucky enough) to be on the water in that kind of weather a couple of times in over three decades of sailing. I don't venture offshore (I don't consider the Gulfstream or Carribean as either offshore sailing either) and have come to the point in my life that hopes for trans-oceanic crossings are relegated to daydreams (unless some unrealistic opportunity falls in my lap with the stars just right). Hence, I have opted for a C320. It superbly meets my present needs and is likely to meet my actual needs for years to come. It won't sit at the dock most of the time because it doesn't take 20 knots of wind to allow it to get out of its own way. It is very well built and the systems are designed well (with some exceptions) and installed properly. The Admiral, my friend, spouse and partner of thirty years loves it. Which means; honeydo chores are not a higher priority than sailing. I've actually 'slapped glass' for a living in years past and can attest to the high quality in these Cats (and the other competative brands). Interestingly enough, I too was at the Miami IBS and inspected the Hinckley on display there. I was fortunate to board late in the afternoon on Monday so it wasn't busy. The Rep. permitted me to poke beneath the floor boards and into some of the drawers and compartments despite the signage to the contrary. She was georgeous. The joinery was impeccable, the glass work well finished. But I was less than impressed with way systems were run and installed and disapointed that they were still using wood framing. I have, in recent years, seen evidence of lower quality in the fit and finish of high end boats and am drawn to the conclusion that there is far less separation in the basic construction quality and quality of systems in boats built today. The real differences, IMHO, are ones of price, design, and of amenities and options. Those don't always make a boat better, just better for a particular individual. So which is better, a Ford F-150 or a Corvette? Oh, and on the actual subject of this thread, all things being equal as stated, I'd most likely go for the dock queen if between 5-10 years old.
