Coastal Cruiser. I see that term with regularity in advertisements, magazine articles, posts on this and other sites, etc. Hunters, Catalinas, production boats in general all seem to be labeled "Coastal Cruisers". Island Packets, Hinkleys, Sagas are labeled "Blue Water" boats. Today I read an article about navigation. It referred to Coastal Cruisers (medium sized production boats) as boats that are safe to sail out to 50 miles from shore and Blue Water boats as being able to sail oceans. It was the first time I actually read an attempt to define the difference between the two. Fifty miles was the mark. Would you agree with that definition? I've been in rough seas 50 miles offshore and 600 miles offshore (not in my Hunter34). I don't remember there being any difference at all. In both instances the integrity of the boat was crucial to our survival (along with other things). Why would my Hunter be OK 50 miles from shore but not 100 miles from shore? So,Coastal Cruiser? Assuming the captain and crew are experianced enough and up to the task, why the 50 mile definition? What is meant by the term "Coastal Cruiser"? Still Learning, Joe Mullee
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optimization
Don't think in terms of a vessel's capabilities. Think, rather, in terms of what the vessel is optimized for. A pilot berth is much more comfortable in a seaway than a pullman berth, and yet a pullman berth is a far superior option for enjoying conjugal relations in an anchorage. Alternately, pipe berths make more sense on a crewed racing yacht because of the weight savings. The terms "coastal cruiser" vrs "passage maker" tend to be something the marketing guys invented. Throw the sales literature away and ask yourself the following question: what's the most important function of this boat? If the answer is winning races, get a boat with pipe berths. If the answer is circumnavigation, get a boat with pilot berths. If you're looking for great sex, get a boat with a pullman berth. It's really that simple.
Don't think in terms of a vessel's capabilities. Think, rather, in terms of what the vessel is optimized for. A pilot berth is much more comfortable in a seaway than a pullman berth, and yet a pullman berth is a far superior option for enjoying conjugal relations in an anchorage. Alternately, pipe berths make more sense on a crewed racing yacht because of the weight savings. The terms "coastal cruiser" vrs "passage maker" tend to be something the marketing guys invented. Throw the sales literature away and ask yourself the following question: what's the most important function of this boat? If the answer is winning races, get a boat with pipe berths. If the answer is circumnavigation, get a boat with pilot berths. If you're looking for great sex, get a boat with a pullman berth. It's really that simple.
Biggest difference is intended use
Joe, I think the main differences you will see between coastal and blue water cruisers is in their configurations for comfort. A costal cruiser such as a Catalina or Hunter will be configured to maximize comfort in port or for day sailing by maximizing interior and cockpit volume. A blue water cruiser such as a Valiant will look to be comfortable in a sea way when the weather gets rough. Also, the blue water cruiser will trade storage capacity and tankage for interior volume. Some other differences will be in handling characteristics and available equipment. A coastal boat will handle more nimbly because of a fin keel/spade rudder setup whereas a bw boat will look more for good tracking with a longer chord keel and skeg hung rudder. BW boats will be more likely to have a cutter rig or some other means of hoisting storm sails whereas the coastal cruiser will have a more performance oriented rig. Both boats can sail in either environment, but they will not be as well configured for the other envirnment. Hope this helps, Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
Joe, I think the main differences you will see between coastal and blue water cruisers is in their configurations for comfort. A costal cruiser such as a Catalina or Hunter will be configured to maximize comfort in port or for day sailing by maximizing interior and cockpit volume. A blue water cruiser such as a Valiant will look to be comfortable in a sea way when the weather gets rough. Also, the blue water cruiser will trade storage capacity and tankage for interior volume. Some other differences will be in handling characteristics and available equipment. A coastal boat will handle more nimbly because of a fin keel/spade rudder setup whereas a bw boat will look more for good tracking with a longer chord keel and skeg hung rudder. BW boats will be more likely to have a cutter rig or some other means of hoisting storm sails whereas the coastal cruiser will have a more performance oriented rig. Both boats can sail in either environment, but they will not be as well configured for the other envirnment. Hope this helps, Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
It's about different construction standards
Actually, the core issue is whether the boat meets a certain construction standard set by professional bodies. In today's world the European Union has a set of standards ("scantlings")for recreational boats intended for use in different conditions. When you see a boat advertising itself as "meeting CE ("Certification Europeene") standard A,B,C," etc., you are being told whether the hull and hardware are constructed to withstand rollovers, breaking waves, impact from monster waves, loss of deck hardware, etc. I get the impression the American Boat and Yacht Council which makes industry standards for our industry is trying to emulate CE as closely as possible. The factors that go into open-ocean safety, such as length of vessel to wave-period size and recovery from rollover, have been articulated in various books published by the Cruising Club of America over the years (see link below). A coastal cruiser is basically a lighter-built boat that does not meet all of the standards for theoretically surviving the harshest conditions. There are plenty of people sailing big coastal cruisers around the oceans today, but when you see a boat built to the highest CE standard you will immediately recognize the difference in safety and durability these "bluewater cruisers" represent.
Actually, the core issue is whether the boat meets a certain construction standard set by professional bodies. In today's world the European Union has a set of standards ("scantlings")for recreational boats intended for use in different conditions. When you see a boat advertising itself as "meeting CE ("Certification Europeene") standard A,B,C," etc., you are being told whether the hull and hardware are constructed to withstand rollovers, breaking waves, impact from monster waves, loss of deck hardware, etc. I get the impression the American Boat and Yacht Council which makes industry standards for our industry is trying to emulate CE as closely as possible. The factors that go into open-ocean safety, such as length of vessel to wave-period size and recovery from rollover, have been articulated in various books published by the Cruising Club of America over the years (see link below). A coastal cruiser is basically a lighter-built boat that does not meet all of the standards for theoretically surviving the harshest conditions. There are plenty of people sailing big coastal cruisers around the oceans today, but when you see a boat built to the highest CE standard you will immediately recognize the difference in safety and durability these "bluewater cruisers" represent.
Blue Water vs. Coastal Cruiser
Hi Joe, This is a repeat of my answer to a similar question a few months back. I think sailboats are optimized for a specific type of sailing. Some are optimized for racing around the buoys on a lake or in a protected bay; others are optimized for day sailing; others are optimized for coastal crusing; and still others are optimized for blue water cruising of the ocean crossing variety which is I think your question. I have a 1992 Hunter 37.5 which I think is optimized for coastal cruising. One of my best friends has a Valiant 40 he's twice sailed to the South Pacific which is definitely optimized for blue water cruising. Some comparisons between the boats might shed some light on your question. Below decks my Hunter at 37.5 feet appears much larger than his Valiant at 39.8 feet. My Hunter has more head room, is lighter, much more spacious, and easier to live in. His portlights and hatches are smaller in defense against boarding seas. His aft cabin is a quarterberth which is easier to sleep in at sea because you can wedge in. None of his drawers or cabinets will open without first releasing a catch. This is a pain at anchor but at least his drawers won't dump out at sea. His tankage (fresh water and fuel) is considerably larger for extended voyages. His sail plan is a cutter with an inner forestay that is great to have when things get blowing really hard. Mine is a sloop rig and not designed for the inner forestay. He's got a longer keel and a skeg rudder instead of a fin keel with a balanced rudder. His is sturdier. Mine is more maneuverable. Just about all the rigging and fittings on his boat are beefier than mine. We sail on blue water all the time. We'll be out on the Pacific for two months this summer on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Next year we're going to Alaska. But I still don't think of my Hunter as a blue water boat. My friend's Valiant definitely is. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust H37.5
Hi Joe, This is a repeat of my answer to a similar question a few months back. I think sailboats are optimized for a specific type of sailing. Some are optimized for racing around the buoys on a lake or in a protected bay; others are optimized for day sailing; others are optimized for coastal crusing; and still others are optimized for blue water cruising of the ocean crossing variety which is I think your question. I have a 1992 Hunter 37.5 which I think is optimized for coastal cruising. One of my best friends has a Valiant 40 he's twice sailed to the South Pacific which is definitely optimized for blue water cruising. Some comparisons between the boats might shed some light on your question. Below decks my Hunter at 37.5 feet appears much larger than his Valiant at 39.8 feet. My Hunter has more head room, is lighter, much more spacious, and easier to live in. His portlights and hatches are smaller in defense against boarding seas. His aft cabin is a quarterberth which is easier to sleep in at sea because you can wedge in. None of his drawers or cabinets will open without first releasing a catch. This is a pain at anchor but at least his drawers won't dump out at sea. His tankage (fresh water and fuel) is considerably larger for extended voyages. His sail plan is a cutter with an inner forestay that is great to have when things get blowing really hard. Mine is a sloop rig and not designed for the inner forestay. He's got a longer keel and a skeg rudder instead of a fin keel with a balanced rudder. His is sturdier. Mine is more maneuverable. Just about all the rigging and fittings on his boat are beefier than mine. We sail on blue water all the time. We'll be out on the Pacific for two months this summer on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Next year we're going to Alaska. But I still don't think of my Hunter as a blue water boat. My friend's Valiant definitely is. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust H37.5
The functional definition of coastal
is that you are able to get to harbor before it gets really rough!!!! It takes time and distance for a wind to make big waves. A coastal boat stays close enough to shelter to get home while a bluewater boat can ride out the rough stuff. I fiqure 24-48 hours to get to port. Some stretches of coast are Blue water even if you are only a mile offshore as there are no inlets. Look at Pensacola to Mobile. One inlet between that you can't use in rough weather. About 60 miles between safe harbors. About the same between Pensacola and Panama city except about 100 miles. the inlet at Destin is tricky and not recommended in rough weather. I like a good weather window when sailing this piece of coast. If the conditions are good it is a great sail but I wouldn't want to start in poor conditions that might get worse. There are lots of books that define a coastal or bluewater boat in terms of construction and preparation. I figure that I can sail all over the east coast,gulf coast and Bahamas with a coastal cruiser. Tom
is that you are able to get to harbor before it gets really rough!!!! It takes time and distance for a wind to make big waves. A coastal boat stays close enough to shelter to get home while a bluewater boat can ride out the rough stuff. I fiqure 24-48 hours to get to port. Some stretches of coast are Blue water even if you are only a mile offshore as there are no inlets. Look at Pensacola to Mobile. One inlet between that you can't use in rough weather. About 60 miles between safe harbors. About the same between Pensacola and Panama city except about 100 miles. the inlet at Destin is tricky and not recommended in rough weather. I like a good weather window when sailing this piece of coast. If the conditions are good it is a great sail but I wouldn't want to start in poor conditions that might get worse. There are lots of books that define a coastal or bluewater boat in terms of construction and preparation. I figure that I can sail all over the east coast,gulf coast and Bahamas with a coastal cruiser. Tom
Another Tack on the Definition
Joe - I think you're getting close to the definition you want, just look at the last sentence in your question. Consider this: A blue water cruiser is one where the skipper can take his boat safely off shore; a coastal cruiser is one where the skipper would feel it was risky taking the boat off shore. There is so much focus on the boat which is only a part of the equation. The skipper decides where to go, when to go, and how to go. These decisions can be crucial to the success of a voyage when taken in conjunction with the vessel used. One might say that a blue water vessel for one skipper may not be a blue watter vessel for another. One skipper can take a sailing surfboard across an ocean while another skipper couldn't take the Titanic across!
Joe - I think you're getting close to the definition you want, just look at the last sentence in your question. Consider this: A blue water cruiser is one where the skipper can take his boat safely off shore; a coastal cruiser is one where the skipper would feel it was risky taking the boat off shore. There is so much focus on the boat which is only a part of the equation. The skipper decides where to go, when to go, and how to go. These decisions can be crucial to the success of a voyage when taken in conjunction with the vessel used. One might say that a blue water vessel for one skipper may not be a blue watter vessel for another. One skipper can take a sailing surfboard across an ocean while another skipper couldn't take the Titanic across!
Seamanship I thought we were talking about boats
IMHO it is much more demanding to coastal sail than it is to blue water sail. The most trying time for me sailing is getting out of the marina!!! Then the long narrow channel to deep water with everything from shrimpers to jet ski,s to dodge. Then the mouth of the bay with tankers,container ships, military ships and the sport fishing fleet to dodge. We won't even talk about shoals,underwater jetties and strong currents....Finally at the last buoy the sea buoy I can relax!!!! 5 miles off shore in 60+ feet of water that's when I am the most relaxed. Check the GPS once an hour and maintain a compass heading..say hello to the passing dolphins.. the wife made me stop drinking beer while underway.
IMHO it is much more demanding to coastal sail than it is to blue water sail. The most trying time for me sailing is getting out of the marina!!! Then the long narrow channel to deep water with everything from shrimpers to jet ski,s to dodge. Then the mouth of the bay with tankers,container ships, military ships and the sport fishing fleet to dodge. We won't even talk about shoals,underwater jetties and strong currents....Finally at the last buoy the sea buoy I can relax!!!! 5 miles off shore in 60+ feet of water that's when I am the most relaxed. Check the GPS once an hour and maintain a compass heading..say hello to the passing dolphins.. the wife made me stop drinking beer while underway.
Is this question asked every 50 days
If you do a search through the archives this has been discussed and beat to death so many times I fell like I'm watching the movie "Ground Hog Day". Though construction has something to do with the differences I'd say it has more to do with the design features built into the boat (as described below). For instances berths that are usuable at sea. No centerline berth is really worth anything at sea other than storage space. Or take tankage, 20 to 30 gallons of Diesel is not going to get you far if you need to use you motor for long stretches of time. Same can be said for water tankage, you most likley are going to need a lot. But on the flip side only a small holding tank is required when blue water sailing. Other design features for blue water boats are narrow passageways with rounded corners and very high fiddles. Not to mention sturdy cabinetry as you will most likely be leaning (falling) into often. Those wide open salons that look great at a boat show and at anchor are a liability in the open seas. Instead of falling 1-2 feet down below from an unexpected wave you'll be falling 5-6 feet. Big difference and more injuries. Most of the bigger (I'll say above mid 30's boats) production boats are built better these days and can handle the open seas fairly well (obviously then you have the fin keel/Spade rudder vs full keel skeg rudder argument). Of course the really overly built "blue water" boats can take a bit more abuse (and take care of itself a bit better from the skippers mishandling) But you rarely see a production boat just crack in half in the middle of the ocean and end up in Davey Jones locker. I think the biggest liability on todays average production coastal cruiser is the rudder, but by adding a redundant additional Windvane steering that will help if you run into troubles. As with any Blue Water voayage just think redundancy and backup systems and you should be ok.
If you do a search through the archives this has been discussed and beat to death so many times I fell like I'm watching the movie "Ground Hog Day". Though construction has something to do with the differences I'd say it has more to do with the design features built into the boat (as described below). For instances berths that are usuable at sea. No centerline berth is really worth anything at sea other than storage space. Or take tankage, 20 to 30 gallons of Diesel is not going to get you far if you need to use you motor for long stretches of time. Same can be said for water tankage, you most likley are going to need a lot. But on the flip side only a small holding tank is required when blue water sailing. Other design features for blue water boats are narrow passageways with rounded corners and very high fiddles. Not to mention sturdy cabinetry as you will most likely be leaning (falling) into often. Those wide open salons that look great at a boat show and at anchor are a liability in the open seas. Instead of falling 1-2 feet down below from an unexpected wave you'll be falling 5-6 feet. Big difference and more injuries. Most of the bigger (I'll say above mid 30's boats) production boats are built better these days and can handle the open seas fairly well (obviously then you have the fin keel/Spade rudder vs full keel skeg rudder argument). Of course the really overly built "blue water" boats can take a bit more abuse (and take care of itself a bit better from the skippers mishandling) But you rarely see a production boat just crack in half in the middle of the ocean and end up in Davey Jones locker. I think the biggest liability on todays average production coastal cruiser is the rudder, but by adding a redundant additional Windvane steering that will help if you run into troubles. As with any Blue Water voayage just think redundancy and backup systems and you should be ok.
CE standards
I couldn't disagree more with Rick's article, "It's about different construction standards." My boat, a Hunter 410, is CE certified Category A-"Ocean." This means that it is "designed for extended voyages where conditions experienced may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort Scale) and include significant wave heights of 4 m." (I copied that directly off the boat's certificate.) Does that make it a bluewater boat? Hardly. The cockpit is too large, there are no pilot berths, the salon table doesn't have fiddles, et cetera. That doesn't mean that I can't take it offshore safely. In the same manner, I don't consider my 410 to be a racing boat, but I race it on beer can races every Wednesday night during the summer, and placed 3rd out of 27 boats last week, finishing in front of a handful of J-105s that owed me time. But it wasn't designed to race just as it wasn't designed as a passage maker. It was designed to be roomy, comfy, mannerly and to be the best party boat in the anchorage. No amount of CE certification changes that. (BTW: MY 410 also carries NMMA certification to be in compliance with ABYC standards. That still doesn't make it a blue-water boat.)
I couldn't disagree more with Rick's article, "It's about different construction standards." My boat, a Hunter 410, is CE certified Category A-"Ocean." This means that it is "designed for extended voyages where conditions experienced may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort Scale) and include significant wave heights of 4 m." (I copied that directly off the boat's certificate.) Does that make it a bluewater boat? Hardly. The cockpit is too large, there are no pilot berths, the salon table doesn't have fiddles, et cetera. That doesn't mean that I can't take it offshore safely. In the same manner, I don't consider my 410 to be a racing boat, but I race it on beer can races every Wednesday night during the summer, and placed 3rd out of 27 boats last week, finishing in front of a handful of J-105s that owed me time. But it wasn't designed to race just as it wasn't designed as a passage maker. It was designed to be roomy, comfy, mannerly and to be the best party boat in the anchorage. No amount of CE certification changes that. (BTW: MY 410 also carries NMMA certification to be in compliance with ABYC standards. That still doesn't make it a blue-water boat.)
Gee John, I was feeling sooooo gooooood....
and so excited after reading Ricks article, I thought that my Hunter 36 was now a Blue Water Category A vessel. I had the best of both worlds, a Blue Water Cruiser with all the nice things of a coastal cruiser. You ruinned it John. Just having fun, Abe
and so excited after reading Ricks article, I thought that my Hunter 36 was now a Blue Water Category A vessel. I had the best of both worlds, a Blue Water Cruiser with all the nice things of a coastal cruiser. You ruinned it John. Just having fun, Abe
Blue water - you have to take what comes...
Coastal - you can get to port if things are getting really bad This has been a good discussion so far. I would only add that because blue water boats have to take what comes, a capsize screen below 2.00, a strengthened water tight integrity, and redundancy of the rig and systems are also mentioned. There are some excellent discussions in the archives on this subject. I p[articularly recommend the contributions from Henk Meuzelaar, who argues (from substantial blue water experience on a modern 40+ Hunter) that staying away from storm seasons, and having the ability to go to weather of his design makes it an excellent blue water boat. David Lady Lillie
Coastal - you can get to port if things are getting really bad This has been a good discussion so far. I would only add that because blue water boats have to take what comes, a capsize screen below 2.00, a strengthened water tight integrity, and redundancy of the rig and systems are also mentioned. There are some excellent discussions in the archives on this subject. I p[articularly recommend the contributions from Henk Meuzelaar, who argues (from substantial blue water experience on a modern 40+ Hunter) that staying away from storm seasons, and having the ability to go to weather of his design makes it an excellent blue water boat. David Lady Lillie
Offshore safety
For offshore, extended periods of time on the ocean, there are certain characteristics of a boat that will make it safer, and easier to manage, in bad weather. For one thing, a full keel and a skeged rudder. This allows the boat to be "hove to" during a bad blow, while the crew waits it out below. Modern Fin keel boats (coastal) are difficult to hove to, and more likely to require constant attention at the helm. Small cockpit is desirable offshore, so that the weight of water that can be trapped is minimal. Weight and hull shape will give a blue water boat a better motion in the waves. Of course, other points in this thread are also good.
For offshore, extended periods of time on the ocean, there are certain characteristics of a boat that will make it safer, and easier to manage, in bad weather. For one thing, a full keel and a skeged rudder. This allows the boat to be "hove to" during a bad blow, while the crew waits it out below. Modern Fin keel boats (coastal) are difficult to hove to, and more likely to require constant attention at the helm. Small cockpit is desirable offshore, so that the weight of water that can be trapped is minimal. Weight and hull shape will give a blue water boat a better motion in the waves. Of course, other points in this thread are also good.
Good question
Joe, The biggest difference between coatal cruiser and blue water is the hull design. Look at your hunter, really. A blue water boat engineers the need to weather heavy water with the need to survive in those situtions, the hunter in my opinion is border line blue water, I'd feel fine in one. Go to your local boat yard and look at the differsnt hul;l designs. What is going to hand;e weather better, flat and wide or long and deep. What cuts and grips the opposite force of water better. You want longer, deeper, and wider. The hunter is a border line boat, simmilar to the C&C, a great off shore boat( been on one in 18' seas) but slightly lacks the girth to handle the ability to track itself as well as grip a shoal swell. Definately check out hull designs, it's facinating stuff
Joe, The biggest difference between coatal cruiser and blue water is the hull design. Look at your hunter, really. A blue water boat engineers the need to weather heavy water with the need to survive in those situtions, the hunter in my opinion is border line blue water, I'd feel fine in one. Go to your local boat yard and look at the differsnt hul;l designs. What is going to hand;e weather better, flat and wide or long and deep. What cuts and grips the opposite force of water better. You want longer, deeper, and wider. The hunter is a border line boat, simmilar to the C&C, a great off shore boat( been on one in 18' seas) but slightly lacks the girth to handle the ability to track itself as well as grip a shoal swell. Definately check out hull designs, it's facinating stuff
Kick ass
John, way to go, Your right, the hunter is not off shore untill you take it there. Sail it fast and push the limits
John, way to go, Your right, the hunter is not off shore untill you take it there. Sail it fast and push the limits
Move
I have also ended the drinking while under sail, give thanks to the wife. Not sure where you guys are from, but if you sail, it sounds like you need to get the north east.
I have also ended the drinking while under sail, give thanks to the wife. Not sure where you guys are from, but if you sail, it sounds like you need to get the north east.
Coastal definition!!
To challenge or not? Every time you set to sea you are faced with risk and the knock of disaster. You are your own skipper, I plan to sail my Cal 25 solo to Md from Cape Cod, for the same reason we can't define. It is the personell challenge which we feel compelled to rise to, it's why we sail, we are addicted, no forum or analysis could ever define it, which is the beauty of our love, it's ours!!
To challenge or not? Every time you set to sea you are faced with risk and the knock of disaster. You are your own skipper, I plan to sail my Cal 25 solo to Md from Cape Cod, for the same reason we can't define. It is the personell challenge which we feel compelled to rise to, it's why we sail, we are addicted, no forum or analysis could ever define it, which is the beauty of our love, it's ours!!
Blue Water Boat
I keep my Hunter 35.5 at the Marina that builds Valiant sailboats. They like to tell the tale about an elderly gentleman that had a 40 foot Valiant built and got caught in a bad storm in the Atlantic. He couldn't handle it, so he pulled all the sails down and went below. Wedged himself in a corner and rode the storm out. He then sailed it home, sold it and ordered a 50 foot Valiant. He wanted to have room for a hired crewman to join him.
I keep my Hunter 35.5 at the Marina that builds Valiant sailboats. They like to tell the tale about an elderly gentleman that had a 40 foot Valiant built and got caught in a bad storm in the Atlantic. He couldn't handle it, so he pulled all the sails down and went below. Wedged himself in a corner and rode the storm out. He then sailed it home, sold it and ordered a 50 foot Valiant. He wanted to have room for a hired crewman to join him.
Its All in t he Design
This is great subject matter and the responses have been enlightening. I think that those of us who own Catalina's, Hunter's, etc., often consider ourselves in vessels that can do everything, but I believe that is far from the truth. When venturing into a yard and looking at the long strong hulls and keels of what I consider "blue water" boats, I instantly take note of the differences between my C-30 and those vessels. We won't toss price in the equation for now! Given the choice for sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda, the Catalina 30 is my last choice if a Valiant, Cape Dory, Hinckley, Swan, Lord Nelson, West Sail, Hans Christian, or even a Sabre or Pearson was provided for me. I chose the Catalina 30 because I believe it is perfect comfortable coastal cruiser for the size and dollar. I define the coastal cruiser with one having more, "liveaboard amenity and comfort" over a vessel designed specifically to cross the oceans with emphasis on survival engineering regardless of interior space. Several of the responses refer to quality of material, codes and classifications, and even personal experience, but lets be realistic; its an unforgiving sea out there and although great seamanship is no doubt a part of it, when the time comes, you'll be glad that your winch's are backed with stainless plate's rather then a few washers! Or that your life line stanchions are bolted thru rather bolted in your deck!That's coastal versus blue water to me. Regards Bob
This is great subject matter and the responses have been enlightening. I think that those of us who own Catalina's, Hunter's, etc., often consider ourselves in vessels that can do everything, but I believe that is far from the truth. When venturing into a yard and looking at the long strong hulls and keels of what I consider "blue water" boats, I instantly take note of the differences between my C-30 and those vessels. We won't toss price in the equation for now! Given the choice for sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda, the Catalina 30 is my last choice if a Valiant, Cape Dory, Hinckley, Swan, Lord Nelson, West Sail, Hans Christian, or even a Sabre or Pearson was provided for me. I chose the Catalina 30 because I believe it is perfect comfortable coastal cruiser for the size and dollar. I define the coastal cruiser with one having more, "liveaboard amenity and comfort" over a vessel designed specifically to cross the oceans with emphasis on survival engineering regardless of interior space. Several of the responses refer to quality of material, codes and classifications, and even personal experience, but lets be realistic; its an unforgiving sea out there and although great seamanship is no doubt a part of it, when the time comes, you'll be glad that your winch's are backed with stainless plate's rather then a few washers! Or that your life line stanchions are bolted thru rather bolted in your deck!That's coastal versus blue water to me. Regards Bob
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