This.To be blunt, the single most important consideration in selecting a "blue water boat" (whatever that is) is the ability of the captain and crew to sail it. At the risk of offending, frankly, anyone asking that question isn't...
This.To be blunt, the single most important consideration in selecting a "blue water boat" (whatever that is) is the ability of the captain and crew to sail it. At the risk of offending, frankly, anyone asking that question isn't...
My memory may be hazy, but if I recall they did it on a Cal 25.Good point, although that may be a bit of exaggeration... for most boats. My boat was under-maintained in some areas but I would guess 20% of the purchase price in mostly DIY work is enough to bring it up to ready to cast off condition. @fred1diver judging from your past posts you seem to be a hands on/DIY kind of guy so you should be able to keep the upgrade costs down but there are still some big expenses like sails and electronics that you just need to throw some money at.
That is blunt, and that last part may not be very accurate. Anyway, I enjoy these discussions about the merits of various boats. The first point is valid about the captain and crew being the most important part of the equation. Years ago I read an article about Dave and Jaja Martin sailing around the world on a Cal 27. Not a boat generally recognized as blue water capable. The quote that stuck with me was the only major equipment failure they had was birth control.
That could be, it was a long time ago and my memory is not always great. Impressive seamanship either way.My memory may be hazy, but if I recall they did it on a Cal 25.
For the ICW and the Bahamas, any boat with a draft of less than 6 feet will suffice. The only prerequisite to sailing either is your ability to independently unground the boat.ok, thank you for all the great answers, I would like to sail, maybe not around the world, but part of it, I would be leaving eastern Canada and be going down south towards Florida in the first year, then I would like to go to the Bahamas and all the nearby islands, that would be the start of my journey.
I've been sailing for the last 15 years, but I do realize that I still have a lot to learn, my main question was mainly to narrow down my search.