My wife and I are tenatively talking about an extended cruise of 6-12 months, should all the stars line up correctly. We currently own a C-30 SR, pretty much factory standard. Wing Keel. Thoughts are down the Mississippi, Gulf coast of florida, some keys, some Bahamas, and back up the ICW, depending.... We've talked about bigger boats, like the Morgan Out Island 41. But we've been thinking that using the C-30, even though it is not as "creature comfy" as a center cockpit 40 footer. Our reasons are: 1) We know the boat, how she handles, and have tested her in a variety of conditions. Her VERY shallow draft is a real benefit in those waters. 2) She's completely paid for, leaving savings in the cruising kitty 3) She Costs less to equip, maintain, and stay in a marina than a larger boat 4) We can afford to keep the boat when we return to the real world and 5) *Not* spending money on a bigger boat will allow us to *spend* money on this one to get her fitted out proper. So here's my question: If you were wanted to outfit a your C-30 for this type of trip, what would you do? Going over the rigging, sails, and engine completely is required, of course, as well as adding some safety gear. But I'm really interested in what you all think so..... What makes your short list? What kind of Dingy? Davits? Stowage? Safety? Sails? Comfort? In particular, what modifications would you make to the standard Cat 30 in a pre-cruise fitout. Just let me know Tia, Harry
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A few things
I don't know how old your boat is, but I would look at replacing the standing rigging completely unless it's been done within the past 10 years or so. You might also consider tabbing in the bulkheads as opposed to letting them float around. How old are your sails? If you don't have one, the first sail to buy would be a cruising spinnaker & appropriate pole. Maybe you can pick up sails that are in better shape than your current one but not as spendy as new, thus saving your savings. In the area you're talking about, I would think an inflatable dinghy would be good. Once rolled up they stow nicely in that HUMONGOUS lazerette. Make sure you have a few good, heavy anchoring setups. The only time an anchor is too big is if you can't lift it! One standard that you use all the time, one extra big one, one stern setup, and don't forget the one for the dinghy! Obviously a good harness/jackline setup. Maybe a LifeSling or similar system. Hang as many little hammocks you can to store food in, etc. On his C30, Rob installed a canvas "closet" he bought for $10 into the portion of the quarterberth that runs under the cockpit. Perfect clothes storage. Buy a good pressure cooker. My personal fav is Duromatic cuz they're silent AND attractive. Magafesa makes good ones too but they're not as pretty!
This pot will eliminate the need for several other pots & pans. Buy a good cookbook and start playing now to get used to it. You'll also save a lot of propane. All in all, sounds like a great plan. If you plan the trip properly and don't take any silly chances, the C30 will make it to the Bahamas just fine. What a great trip - keep us posted! LaDonna
I don't know how old your boat is, but I would look at replacing the standing rigging completely unless it's been done within the past 10 years or so. You might also consider tabbing in the bulkheads as opposed to letting them float around. How old are your sails? If you don't have one, the first sail to buy would be a cruising spinnaker & appropriate pole. Maybe you can pick up sails that are in better shape than your current one but not as spendy as new, thus saving your savings. In the area you're talking about, I would think an inflatable dinghy would be good. Once rolled up they stow nicely in that HUMONGOUS lazerette. Make sure you have a few good, heavy anchoring setups. The only time an anchor is too big is if you can't lift it! One standard that you use all the time, one extra big one, one stern setup, and don't forget the one for the dinghy! Obviously a good harness/jackline setup. Maybe a LifeSling or similar system. Hang as many little hammocks you can to store food in, etc. On his C30, Rob installed a canvas "closet" he bought for $10 into the portion of the quarterberth that runs under the cockpit. Perfect clothes storage. Buy a good pressure cooker. My personal fav is Duromatic cuz they're silent AND attractive. Magafesa makes good ones too but they're not as pretty!
This pot will eliminate the need for several other pots & pans. Buy a good cookbook and start playing now to get used to it. You'll also save a lot of propane. All in all, sounds like a great plan. If you plan the trip properly and don't take any silly chances, the C30 will make it to the Bahamas just fine. What a great trip - keep us posted! LaDonnaLadonna, thanks....
I'll save your post. BTW we're a Fagor Family when cooking under pressure. I'll send you a recipe for THE BEST Mushroom Risotto in the world. Completely vegetarian....but not exactly "heart healthy" if you know what I mean.
I'll save your post. BTW we're a Fagor Family when cooking under pressure. I'll send you a recipe for THE BEST Mushroom Risotto in the world. Completely vegetarian....but not exactly "heart healthy" if you know what I mean.
Harry, post your recipe here on the site!
The recipe database can be found by clicking on the link on the bottom right side of the homepage. Your risotto sounds great! Pray share... Trevor
The recipe database can be found by clicking on the link on the bottom right side of the homepage. Your risotto sounds great! Pray share... Trevor
WOW 6-12 months cruising on a 30!!!
I definitely would consider moving up in size for the trip. To be confined to just 30 feet is quite a discomfort. Unless $$$$$$$ is the problem, I would NOT consider it in less than a 36.(and even that would be a sacrafice). good luck!!!
I definitely would consider moving up in size for the trip. To be confined to just 30 feet is quite a discomfort. Unless $$$$$$$ is the problem, I would NOT consider it in less than a 36.(and even that would be a sacrafice). good luck!!!
Yes, post it here Harry and...
remember that Lin & Larry Pardey sailed around the world in a 24 footer. Taleisin isn't much bigger. IMHO, the C30 has as much interior space as comparable 36 footers, just has less storage. My mouth is watering waiting for that recipe! LaDonna
remember that Lin & Larry Pardey sailed around the world in a 24 footer. Taleisin isn't much bigger. IMHO, the C30 has as much interior space as comparable 36 footers, just has less storage. My mouth is watering waiting for that recipe! LaDonna
Watch the clock and calander
Sounds like a great time. Aside from the equipment and stowage needs you must time your trip... Last year (pictures are posted in photo forum), we headed out much too late for a good run to the Keys. We're in Al. It was a great learning exp., found all of the places that we'll return to, but the weather was a B*&$, opps, sorry. Anyway, when you get to this area do the ditch all the to Carrabel FL. Normally there will be a small group a ragbaggers waiting out the weather and then they travel in groups to either Cedar Key (70nm) or Tarpon Springs (120nm). Just a short hop to Tampa, then another caravan down to the keys. In our C30 it's much more fun to be safe than worry all night what we'll do if.... Kevin F Reprieve
Sounds like a great time. Aside from the equipment and stowage needs you must time your trip... Last year (pictures are posted in photo forum), we headed out much too late for a good run to the Keys. We're in Al. It was a great learning exp., found all of the places that we'll return to, but the weather was a B*&$, opps, sorry. Anyway, when you get to this area do the ditch all the to Carrabel FL. Normally there will be a small group a ragbaggers waiting out the weather and then they travel in groups to either Cedar Key (70nm) or Tarpon Springs (120nm). Just a short hop to Tampa, then another caravan down to the keys. In our C30 it's much more fun to be safe than worry all night what we'll do if.... Kevin F Reprieve
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