I hear and read many stories about people always getting a larger boat. I guess I did, but I got a Capri 18 as an addition to my 14.5 ft Dolphin Sr. (similar to Sunfish). I only wanted something with a cabin that was easily trailered and storeable at home. Currently, I see no reason to get a larger boat. If I need a larger boat, I know people w/ a Cal 35, Ericson 29, and Ericson 25. Here in the S.F., CA area, people w/ big boats are always looking for crew. I will admit that I daydream about a new Cat 250, but I would need a loan, a place to keep it and a new truck to pull it, so common sense overrides it. Maybe I'm too practical/cheap, and my current boat is my ultimate one. Just wondering if 'two-foot itis' a chronic condition?
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Down sizing
I too thought you always moved up in size. I went from Hobie 18's, and Prindle 19 to a Hunter 34. A really great boat but actually too big for my wife and I. She couldn't get the sails downs or the gennie furled, so I sold it to my deep regret I thought. Now I have a 26.5 Hunter an absolutly deliteful boat easy to sail, my wife can run the sails now and we do not need help docking. No longer looking to upsize here in Florida. Wes
I too thought you always moved up in size. I went from Hobie 18's, and Prindle 19 to a Hunter 34. A really great boat but actually too big for my wife and I. She couldn't get the sails downs or the gennie furled, so I sold it to my deep regret I thought. Now I have a 26.5 Hunter an absolutly deliteful boat easy to sail, my wife can run the sails now and we do not need help docking. No longer looking to upsize here in Florida. Wes
Common Sense?
Since when do the words "practical, cheap, and common sense" sneak into sailing posts? What are we comming to? Unless you can put a big boat on the ocean or a huge lake, it gets pretty boring. Trailering offers some change of scenery. Life is full of compromises! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Since when do the words "practical, cheap, and common sense" sneak into sailing posts? What are we comming to? Unless you can put a big boat on the ocean or a huge lake, it gets pretty boring. Trailering offers some change of scenery. Life is full of compromises! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
It Depends....
It depends on how long you stay aboard, where you sail, and how willing or capeable your First Mate (pronounced wife) is to help sail. We starated on a 25' Cal on Lake Mead, Nv years ago. We fell in love with sailing and, now that were about to retire, moved up to a 430 Legend we keep in San Diago. The two of us handle her with no problem. We spend weeks at a time on board and the 430 fits our needs.
It depends on how long you stay aboard, where you sail, and how willing or capeable your First Mate (pronounced wife) is to help sail. We starated on a 25' Cal on Lake Mead, Nv years ago. We fell in love with sailing and, now that were about to retire, moved up to a 430 Legend we keep in San Diago. The two of us handle her with no problem. We spend weeks at a time on board and the 430 fits our needs.
Not me (read: not *yet*)
I thought long & hard before plunking down the change for my boat. I tried to be very honest with myself about the kind of use she'd be seeing & decided the C27 was for me. In reality, a C25 probably would've worked well for me too but I sure do love my pretty little boat! I would see no reason to move up while I live here in Portland. My boyfriend has a Crealock 37 & guess whose boat we take out more for day sailing? Yup, mine. It's easier, plain & simple. Now, that said, if my lifestyle changed & I decided I wanted to liveaboard, you can bet I'd be taking out that loan for a bigger boat!
LaDonna
I thought long & hard before plunking down the change for my boat. I tried to be very honest with myself about the kind of use she'd be seeing & decided the C27 was for me. In reality, a C25 probably would've worked well for me too but I sure do love my pretty little boat! I would see no reason to move up while I live here in Portland. My boyfriend has a Crealock 37 & guess whose boat we take out more for day sailing? Yup, mine. It's easier, plain & simple. Now, that said, if my lifestyle changed & I decided I wanted to liveaboard, you can bet I'd be taking out that loan for a bigger boat!
LaDonnaBigger is Better!
That's life! Bigger is better. A bigger house, a bigger car, a bigger motor home and a bigger boat. I've never heard of anyone saying, "Gee, I think I'll save up for a smaller house." Now, if I sailed on a small lake I would probably want a trailerable boat, but since I don't, I don't. When my wife needs to use the head as most women seem to do regularly, she doesn't want to have to crawl in to a space on her hands and knees, then hand some tank thing to me to dump overboard. And who wants to cook a full meal on a camp stove? And sleeping; I like a full bed. If we ever get rid of our H37C it will be for something bigger, not something smaller..... Ron
That's life! Bigger is better. A bigger house, a bigger car, a bigger motor home and a bigger boat. I've never heard of anyone saying, "Gee, I think I'll save up for a smaller house." Now, if I sailed on a small lake I would probably want a trailerable boat, but since I don't, I don't. When my wife needs to use the head as most women seem to do regularly, she doesn't want to have to crawl in to a space on her hands and knees, then hand some tank thing to me to dump overboard. And who wants to cook a full meal on a camp stove? And sleeping; I like a full bed. If we ever get rid of our H37C it will be for something bigger, not something smaller..... Ron
NO! Can't handle it!
I've got a Cat30 now, and I have to virtually single hand it as the wife really doen't like sailing. I know that single handing under sail is not a problem, but docking can get hairy. Anything bigger and I'd not feel cofident enought to dock her by myself. OK, I admit it, it's a sortcomming on my part...not that I really don't want one...I just can't have one.
I've got a Cat30 now, and I have to virtually single hand it as the wife really doen't like sailing. I know that single handing under sail is not a problem, but docking can get hairy. Anything bigger and I'd not feel cofident enought to dock her by myself. OK, I admit it, it's a sortcomming on my part...not that I really don't want one...I just can't have one.
Size VS. $$$
Erik, The "right size" depends on your needs and checkbook! Many owners start with a smaller boat because they don't want to invest heavily for a learner boat and to be sure that sailing is for them. Needs also change as families grow and experience emboldens us to sail farther and longer, requiring more beds and storage. Most young sailors simply can't afford a 40 footer but as careers progress the boating budget grows as well. There is no "one size fits all sailboat". My 25.5 is an excellent size for my inland lake and anything over 30 would simply be too big. It would be too small for me if I were in a coastal area but I've chartered on boats up to 44' and would want at least a 34' if I were in, say, South Florida, so I could comfortably cruise to the Keys or Bahamas. Size is relative to your needs so if your 18 suits you, its the right size! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Erik, The "right size" depends on your needs and checkbook! Many owners start with a smaller boat because they don't want to invest heavily for a learner boat and to be sure that sailing is for them. Needs also change as families grow and experience emboldens us to sail farther and longer, requiring more beds and storage. Most young sailors simply can't afford a 40 footer but as careers progress the boating budget grows as well. There is no "one size fits all sailboat". My 25.5 is an excellent size for my inland lake and anything over 30 would simply be too big. It would be too small for me if I were in a coastal area but I've chartered on boats up to 44' and would want at least a 34' if I were in, say, South Florida, so I could comfortably cruise to the Keys or Bahamas. Size is relative to your needs so if your 18 suits you, its the right size! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Yes..
.. since sailing on open unprotected waters,with offshore legs of 100+ miles, when finance will permit, I would like to own a 37-38 footer instead of current 29.5.. For a experienced sailor it doesn't take significally more effort to mentain and sail a 37 footer than 30 footer..1-2 person can handle both , if boat properlly equipped. However, if sailing on bays , lakes etc., I would think twice to ungrade to bigger than 27-30 foot.
.. since sailing on open unprotected waters,with offshore legs of 100+ miles, when finance will permit, I would like to own a 37-38 footer instead of current 29.5.. For a experienced sailor it doesn't take significally more effort to mentain and sail a 37 footer than 30 footer..1-2 person can handle both , if boat properlly equipped. However, if sailing on bays , lakes etc., I would think twice to ungrade to bigger than 27-30 foot.
Reasons for smaller
1. Larger sails means harder or longer pulling, and more power if something goes wrong. 2. Read somewhere that larger means stiffer movement means more seasick (not sure about that one.) 3. Larger means more toys, more pumps, and other stuff - higher complexity, and more things to go wrong and more time and money to get them right. 4. Longer means more money - and the money goes up much faster than the length. 5. Larger may not fit some harbors, slips, or bays. We are feeling good with our Hunter 27. Queen size bed, OK bathroom, easy to sail. Quite seaworthy, will go anywhere on the great lakes. Would be comfortable with a 30 footer.
1. Larger sails means harder or longer pulling, and more power if something goes wrong. 2. Read somewhere that larger means stiffer movement means more seasick (not sure about that one.) 3. Larger means more toys, more pumps, and other stuff - higher complexity, and more things to go wrong and more time and money to get them right. 4. Longer means more money - and the money goes up much faster than the length. 5. Larger may not fit some harbors, slips, or bays. We are feeling good with our Hunter 27. Queen size bed, OK bathroom, easy to sail. Quite seaworthy, will go anywhere on the great lakes. Would be comfortable with a 30 footer.
Always Looking
KInda like youger girls with bigger talents. We enjoy looking at them but are not sure if we can afford them or if we can handle them.
KInda like youger girls with bigger talents. We enjoy looking at them but are not sure if we can afford them or if we can handle them.
NO WAY. . .not even close
Look no further than the Trailer Sailor forum (http://trailersailor.com/forums/trailersailor) and the Cruising World forum (http://www.cruisingworld.com/cgi-bin/genlmesg.pl) to see just how different sailors' opinions can be. Sure, standing headroom and an enclosed marine toilet are nice. But then again, and contrary to the condos-on-water cruising folk, a whole lot of people equate sailing with an elevated form of camping. Quite honestly, the so-called "bigger is better" mentality comprises I'd wager 15% of the people who actually sail. I for one like the smaller boats. There's a certain mystique to them I think, a much more rugged image at the very least. I've chartered big boats but always come back to my 19-ft Seaward Fox. (Not to mention cooking out on a Coleman stove is exceedingly romantic, and you don't have to fill your cabin with the smell of a garlic-coated galley.)
Look no further than the Trailer Sailor forum (http://trailersailor.com/forums/trailersailor) and the Cruising World forum (http://www.cruisingworld.com/cgi-bin/genlmesg.pl) to see just how different sailors' opinions can be. Sure, standing headroom and an enclosed marine toilet are nice. But then again, and contrary to the condos-on-water cruising folk, a whole lot of people equate sailing with an elevated form of camping. Quite honestly, the so-called "bigger is better" mentality comprises I'd wager 15% of the people who actually sail. I for one like the smaller boats. There's a certain mystique to them I think, a much more rugged image at the very least. I've chartered big boats but always come back to my 19-ft Seaward Fox. (Not to mention cooking out on a Coleman stove is exceedingly romantic, and you don't have to fill your cabin with the smell of a garlic-coated galley.)
Keep it Manageable
We "two footed" our way from a Santana 21 to a 1981 Catalina 30 which is perfect for us right now (if it only had a walk-through transom). I could see going up to a '34 or '36 for long trips after retirement, but I like being able to handle the boat by myself and not feeling "boat poor" with a big payment. Look around your marina at the relationship between size and use.
We "two footed" our way from a Santana 21 to a 1981 Catalina 30 which is perfect for us right now (if it only had a walk-through transom). I could see going up to a '34 or '36 for long trips after retirement, but I like being able to handle the boat by myself and not feeling "boat poor" with a big payment. Look around your marina at the relationship between size and use.
Try to find that right boat the first time
Buying and selling boats can be a real pain. If you take the time and find the boat that fits your sailing needs, you will probably not feel the need to always move up. But then, the grass is always greener ...
Buying and selling boats can be a real pain. If you take the time and find the boat that fits your sailing needs, you will probably not feel the need to always move up. But then, the grass is always greener ...
Condo-On-the-Water
Okay Brian... A condo on the water is it. How do you equate bobbing around a lake as being so rugged that it surpasses ocean voyaging? And camping in a boat and cooking on a camp stove is romantic?? I guess it's all in the eyes of the..... To each his own; right? I personally think rugged is a trip to Fiji and romantic is sharing a bottle of good wine out of the hot sun and ocean spray. My point with "Bigger is Better," wasn't a put down to small boats, just an observation. In our marina our 37 feet is considered small and contrary to your beliefs, it's a lot more than 15% of the boats that are being used. If you want to see the boats that are not being used, go to one of those places that stores boats on their trailer and look at the grass growing up around the wheels... Fair winds and good sailing ...Ron
Okay Brian... A condo on the water is it. How do you equate bobbing around a lake as being so rugged that it surpasses ocean voyaging? And camping in a boat and cooking on a camp stove is romantic?? I guess it's all in the eyes of the..... To each his own; right? I personally think rugged is a trip to Fiji and romantic is sharing a bottle of good wine out of the hot sun and ocean spray. My point with "Bigger is Better," wasn't a put down to small boats, just an observation. In our marina our 37 feet is considered small and contrary to your beliefs, it's a lot more than 15% of the boats that are being used. If you want to see the boats that are not being used, go to one of those places that stores boats on their trailer and look at the grass growing up around the wheels... Fair winds and good sailing ...Ron
Rabblerousing in defense of trailersailing
Ok Ron, I'm a small boat Lake sailor also and I think the 15% number sounds about right for the big boats. You've found a better "sailor's area" than we have for sure. Now remember the "How often do you use your Aux?) Survey? I got the impression from the survey results that there's a lot of "big boat chugging" to the rond-A-vous going on out there. That's not sailing in my opinion even if the sails ARE up. That's moving the "winabago" to the next RV park. I'll assume all responses begin with "you colorful expletive", so you can skip that part. Greg H23 -Faster
Ok Ron, I'm a small boat Lake sailor also and I think the 15% number sounds about right for the big boats. You've found a better "sailor's area" than we have for sure. Now remember the "How often do you use your Aux?) Survey? I got the impression from the survey results that there's a lot of "big boat chugging" to the rond-A-vous going on out there. That's not sailing in my opinion even if the sails ARE up. That's moving the "winabago" to the next RV park.
I'll assume all responses begin with "you colorful expletive", so you can skip that part. Greg H23 -FasterGreg
Okay.. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree (nothing colorful here). As for chugging along, you're probably right. I pains me to see beautiful sailboats on the engine. I live in Houston and "SAIL," on Galveston Bay so prehaps the climate has a lot to do with it. One question for you: I have owned a sunfish (small)a hobiecat 16 (small) a Hunter 23 (small) and now own a Hunter 37C. I think that gives me a pretty well rounded opinion on boat size. What it the largest boat you've owned that makes you think they are so bad?? After owning all these boats I can tell you, the joys of a condo-on-the-water far out weigh (pun intended)bobbing around on a cork. But hey, that's why Hunter makes so many different size boats, right?? Happy Labor day... Ron
Okay.. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree (nothing colorful here). As for chugging along, you're probably right. I pains me to see beautiful sailboats on the engine. I live in Houston and "SAIL," on Galveston Bay so prehaps the climate has a lot to do with it. One question for you: I have owned a sunfish (small)a hobiecat 16 (small) a Hunter 23 (small) and now own a Hunter 37C. I think that gives me a pretty well rounded opinion on boat size. What it the largest boat you've owned that makes you think they are so bad?? After owning all these boats I can tell you, the joys of a condo-on-the-water far out weigh (pun intended)bobbing around on a cork. But hey, that's why Hunter makes so many different size boats, right?? Happy Labor day... Ron
Ron
Ron, Um...well..I've got a S2 9.2C on Texoma and a Hunter 23 on Hubbard (our home). Sail both wildly (Hunter evenings, S2 weekends) and often. They won't let me sail into the Marnia on Texoma but they don't watch all the time -eh! On Hubbard the outboard gets left on the dock alot. P.s. My best boat ever was my 1st Windmill and that was 35 ys ago. I miss her still. Greg H23 Faster-
Ron, Um...well..I've got a S2 9.2C on Texoma and a Hunter 23 on Hubbard (our home). Sail both wildly (Hunter evenings, S2 weekends) and often. They won't let me sail into the Marnia on Texoma but they don't watch all the time -eh! On Hubbard the outboard gets left on the dock alot. P.s. My best boat ever was my 1st Windmill and that was 35 ys ago. I miss her still. Greg H23 Faster-
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