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OK, but ...
In Critique of the Coastal Cruiser: It’s true - not everyone needs the same boat! The requirements of coastal & semi-protected waters sailing are quite different from those of the off-shore passage-maker. For instance, the coastal cruiser doesn’t require nearly the same quantity of (fuel & water) tankage as an offshore boat. I would, however, expect the quality to be similar. There are, however, some requirements common to all boats. The typical “production” boat is designed and built (mostly) to the “lowest common denominator”, and may lack some of these essential features. Two of the common deficiencies that I’ve observed (in pretty much all boats, whatever their ‘pedigree’) are: 1. Poorly conceived & installed cleats (& other deck hardware). You don’t have to be a deepwater world cruiser to appreciate large, strong, well-placed and fastened cleats. After all, a short line attached to a fixed dock, will generate more loading than would (say) a sea anchor or drogue, under the same conditions. 2. Inadequate ground tackle. It’s just as important for the coastal week-ender to stay put, as it is for the world cruiser. The coastal cruiser may not need as many anchor set-ups, but those he does deploy must be just as reliable, as those of the off-shore sailor. Maggie & I lived-aboard and cruised a production coastal racer/cruiser (C&C 29) for nine years. While no where near ideal, even after many upgrades & modifications, “Southbound” sufficed. We happily made do, with what we had - the alternative being to stay home & work. So; “... if you can’t have the one you want - love the one you’re with...” - but, please buy her some nice cleats! OMO Gord
In Critique of the Coastal Cruiser: It’s true - not everyone needs the same boat! The requirements of coastal & semi-protected waters sailing are quite different from those of the off-shore passage-maker. For instance, the coastal cruiser doesn’t require nearly the same quantity of (fuel & water) tankage as an offshore boat. I would, however, expect the quality to be similar. There are, however, some requirements common to all boats. The typical “production” boat is designed and built (mostly) to the “lowest common denominator”, and may lack some of these essential features. Two of the common deficiencies that I’ve observed (in pretty much all boats, whatever their ‘pedigree’) are: 1. Poorly conceived & installed cleats (& other deck hardware). You don’t have to be a deepwater world cruiser to appreciate large, strong, well-placed and fastened cleats. After all, a short line attached to a fixed dock, will generate more loading than would (say) a sea anchor or drogue, under the same conditions. 2. Inadequate ground tackle. It’s just as important for the coastal week-ender to stay put, as it is for the world cruiser. The coastal cruiser may not need as many anchor set-ups, but those he does deploy must be just as reliable, as those of the off-shore sailor. Maggie & I lived-aboard and cruised a production coastal racer/cruiser (C&C 29) for nine years. While no where near ideal, even after many upgrades & modifications, “Southbound” sufficed. We happily made do, with what we had - the alternative being to stay home & work. So; “... if you can’t have the one you want - love the one you’re with...” - but, please buy her some nice cleats! OMO Gord
No Boat Lust
Great post, Gary! We're on our third sailboat, an O'Day 34 (following a Hunter and a Pearson), and it's the first time in my life I've felt NO boat lust. Period. We purchased Frigate for cruising from San Francisco to San Diego, a trip designed to see if we really want to (and are ready to) go cruising. The boat stood up incredibly in 12' seas and 40's. Would I want to do that day in/out on a passage? Nope. We like being in a slip or anchorage at night also! Sure, we go to boat shows and drool over the Calibers and such. And consider pointing the bow west for a few months.... But every time I go to our boat and see it again I get that slight chill of excitement, sigh a big "oooh" and realize we've got a great boat for how we sail and where we go! Thanks for putting your thoughts together so well! Next maybe you can wax philosophic on "ground tackle snobbery"!!! Michael O'
Great post, Gary! We're on our third sailboat, an O'Day 34 (following a Hunter and a Pearson), and it's the first time in my life I've felt NO boat lust. Period. We purchased Frigate for cruising from San Francisco to San Diego, a trip designed to see if we really want to (and are ready to) go cruising. The boat stood up incredibly in 12' seas and 40's. Would I want to do that day in/out on a passage? Nope. We like being in a slip or anchorage at night also! Sure, we go to boat shows and drool over the Calibers and such. And consider pointing the bow west for a few months.... But every time I go to our boat and see it again I get that slight chill of excitement, sigh a big "oooh" and realize we've got a great boat for how we sail and where we go! Thanks for putting your thoughts together so well! Next maybe you can wax philosophic on "ground tackle snobbery"!!! Michael O'
Well Said
Well said, Gary. Put your money where it counts... into what you will be most comfortable with. And that is dictated on what you want to DO with the boat. And anyway, the true test of the sailor, like the fisherman who lands the 65lb Marlin on 25lb line, is how far you can push things. Of course, this is without pushing safety, etc. out of the picture, but if you CAN take a small boat a longer distance, that may be construed as more "sporting" than taking a luxury ship on a "normal" cruise. I really admired the guys who took a heavy 26 footer from New Zealand to Seattle. But, I wouldn't want to do that with mine... that is NOT what I bought it for. Like you, I enjoy a hot shower and wine with my salmon on deck, at the end of the day. Steve
Well said, Gary. Put your money where it counts... into what you will be most comfortable with. And that is dictated on what you want to DO with the boat. And anyway, the true test of the sailor, like the fisherman who lands the 65lb Marlin on 25lb line, is how far you can push things. Of course, this is without pushing safety, etc. out of the picture, but if you CAN take a small boat a longer distance, that may be construed as more "sporting" than taking a luxury ship on a "normal" cruise. I really admired the guys who took a heavy 26 footer from New Zealand to Seattle. But, I wouldn't want to do that with mine... that is NOT what I bought it for. Like you, I enjoy a hot shower and wine with my salmon on deck, at the end of the day. Steve
Great Post
Gary, I couldn't agree with you more. My wife and I spent the better part of 2002 researching and looking at boats. We were looking to "upgrade" from an O'Day Daysailer II(that I had sailed for 20 years and is now for sale) to something in the low to mid 20's(or so we thought). After deciding that a 22' or 23' Hunter or Catalina would fit our needs, we found several to look at. We even considered a Hunter 240. It was after almost taking the plunge on a Hunter 23 that we saw a Hunter 19 in the same yard. We shoveled the snow off of it, climbed aboard and had a look around, and decided this would be the next stepping stone for us. My wife is still learning the finer points of sailing. We sail on a lake in NH and this boat has just the right amount of space for the two of us and our two dogs. If we want to trailer it to another lake we have that freedom. I even went sailing at night for the first time and it was quite a thrill. The benefits of this exercise have been threefold: 1)We know how to go about finding a boat for when we want something bigger; 2)You definitely can get what you want in a boat and don't have to feel like you're settling for something less; and 3) I found this site and have learned a lot from everyone who writes on the forum.
Gary, I couldn't agree with you more. My wife and I spent the better part of 2002 researching and looking at boats. We were looking to "upgrade" from an O'Day Daysailer II(that I had sailed for 20 years and is now for sale) to something in the low to mid 20's(or so we thought). After deciding that a 22' or 23' Hunter or Catalina would fit our needs, we found several to look at. We even considered a Hunter 240. It was after almost taking the plunge on a Hunter 23 that we saw a Hunter 19 in the same yard. We shoveled the snow off of it, climbed aboard and had a look around, and decided this would be the next stepping stone for us. My wife is still learning the finer points of sailing. We sail on a lake in NH and this boat has just the right amount of space for the two of us and our two dogs. If we want to trailer it to another lake we have that freedom. I even went sailing at night for the first time and it was quite a thrill. The benefits of this exercise have been threefold: 1)We know how to go about finding a boat for when we want something bigger; 2)You definitely can get what you want in a boat and don't have to feel like you're settling for something less; and 3) I found this site and have learned a lot from everyone who writes on the forum.
GO FIGURE....
Gary, well thought out indeed... Just makes me remember that as I moved up through the boat sizes... sunfish, cyclone 14, venture 22, venture 24, Chrysler 26 and finally the move that has lasted 21 yrs so far...., my beloved "Freebird" a 1982 Hunter 33. I have enjoyed each boat for its own purpose. The daysailors... wild and crazy sailing where bailing was just as much a part of sailing as heeling, and the venture 24 which I got my only saltwater experience sailing down the Fl. Keys, and now my Hunter 33, prob. the most seaworthy boat I will ever own... used for fresh water week long trips on Lake Lanier and dreaming of one day taking her to the coast... each boat gave me full value for my investment of time and money. Would not trade the experience for anything, but reading about other sailors travels and experiences gives me hopes and dreams of the future. I have sailed for over 31 years, but I still enjoy reading about it when I'm not doing it. Thanks Gary for the good read!
Gary, well thought out indeed... Just makes me remember that as I moved up through the boat sizes... sunfish, cyclone 14, venture 22, venture 24, Chrysler 26 and finally the move that has lasted 21 yrs so far...., my beloved "Freebird" a 1982 Hunter 33. I have enjoyed each boat for its own purpose. The daysailors... wild and crazy sailing where bailing was just as much a part of sailing as heeling, and the venture 24 which I got my only saltwater experience sailing down the Fl. Keys, and now my Hunter 33, prob. the most seaworthy boat I will ever own... used for fresh water week long trips on Lake Lanier and dreaming of one day taking her to the coast... each boat gave me full value for my investment of time and money. Would not trade the experience for anything, but reading about other sailors travels and experiences gives me hopes and dreams of the future. I have sailed for over 31 years, but I still enjoy reading about it when I'm not doing it. Thanks Gary for the good read!
Now THIS is a bulletin board!
First, to Gary, thanks for your excellent posting. I must admit that I truly get a kick out of learning that some of the round-the-world sailing types actually look down on the coastal cruising set. Heck, I can't wait 'till I have enough experience to have a big Hunter or Catalina to sail around in. (33 feet, cool!) If the guys with the Rolls-Royces are sneering at the guys in the Mercedes-Benzes, just think of how those of us who own Fords are feeling. Maybe that explains why, at an on-the-water sailboat show earlier this year (I won't say which one) as I was talking with some (obviously wealthy) people about the half dozen trips I've crewed on aboard a 1920's 70' topsail schooner up and down the California coast; everyone seemed okay with that. I then mentioned that I had just purchased a MacGregor 26 that I was keeping at a lake near my house. They all looked at me like I had just pooped in my pants! They quickly found somewhere else to be and I quickly decided to keep the little boat-purchase thing to myself for the rest of the day! Ended-up going home about an hour later, as it's kind of hard to enjoy yourself when you're feeling about six inches tall. In hindsight, the whole thing is hilarious. Okay, maybe I'm not heading for 'Tonga' next month. (though I'm likely headed to 'TOGOS' for lunch next week) Hey, I'm not even sure where 'Tonga' is. (Go to Hawaii and hang a left? No, wait, that's Australia) But, we did catch a few nice fish last weekend out on the boat, and grilled 'em up on the new stern-rail bar-b-que I just put in, had a couple of ice-cold brewskis and listened to some great tunes while we were doing it. While their boat probably cost fifty times what mine did, I'll bet they don't have fifty times as much fun as I do, so who's fooling who? And hey, in a few years I know I'll be as happy as a wet labrador when I get a 32' "coastal cruiser production boat"!
First, to Gary, thanks for your excellent posting. I must admit that I truly get a kick out of learning that some of the round-the-world sailing types actually look down on the coastal cruising set. Heck, I can't wait 'till I have enough experience to have a big Hunter or Catalina to sail around in. (33 feet, cool!) If the guys with the Rolls-Royces are sneering at the guys in the Mercedes-Benzes, just think of how those of us who own Fords are feeling. Maybe that explains why, at an on-the-water sailboat show earlier this year (I won't say which one) as I was talking with some (obviously wealthy) people about the half dozen trips I've crewed on aboard a 1920's 70' topsail schooner up and down the California coast; everyone seemed okay with that. I then mentioned that I had just purchased a MacGregor 26 that I was keeping at a lake near my house. They all looked at me like I had just pooped in my pants! They quickly found somewhere else to be and I quickly decided to keep the little boat-purchase thing to myself for the rest of the day! Ended-up going home about an hour later, as it's kind of hard to enjoy yourself when you're feeling about six inches tall. In hindsight, the whole thing is hilarious. Okay, maybe I'm not heading for 'Tonga' next month. (though I'm likely headed to 'TOGOS' for lunch next week) Hey, I'm not even sure where 'Tonga' is. (Go to Hawaii and hang a left? No, wait, that's Australia) But, we did catch a few nice fish last weekend out on the boat, and grilled 'em up on the new stern-rail bar-b-que I just put in, had a couple of ice-cold brewskis and listened to some great tunes while we were doing it. While their boat probably cost fifty times what mine did, I'll bet they don't have fifty times as much fun as I do, so who's fooling who? And hey, in a few years I know I'll be as happy as a wet labrador when I get a 32' "coastal cruiser production boat"!
Now You Know Why They Left
Jeff, you wrote: "a 1920's 70' topsail schooner up and down the California coast; everyone seemed okay with that. I then mentioned that I had just purchased a MacGregor 26 that I was keeping at a lake near my house." After all that great sailing on a real boat you bought a WHAT????????? JUST KIDDING, GLAD YOU ENJOY, AND a GREAT STORY. The people who "left you" were the losers. Gary, wonderful post, thoughtful, and more importantly, MEANINGFUL. "It's a BOAT." It's yours, and does what you want and need it to do. How many times have we heard of people who've bought (you name it "world girdlers") and can't even get 'em off the lake they started on. If it works for you, it's the RIGHT boat for YOU.
Jeff, you wrote: "a 1920's 70' topsail schooner up and down the California coast; everyone seemed okay with that. I then mentioned that I had just purchased a MacGregor 26 that I was keeping at a lake near my house." After all that great sailing on a real boat you bought a WHAT????????? JUST KIDDING, GLAD YOU ENJOY, AND a GREAT STORY. The people who "left you" were the losers. Gary, wonderful post, thoughtful, and more importantly, MEANINGFUL. "It's a BOAT." It's yours, and does what you want and need it to do. How many times have we heard of people who've bought (you name it "world girdlers") and can't even get 'em off the lake they started on. If it works for you, it's the RIGHT boat for YOU.
Amen to that
There will always be those who are so insecure they have to put down someone else's boat. Often they are poseurs who have more money than brains. Sure, some boats are dogs compared to others, performance-wise. But it might be the only thing that owner/skipper can afford, or fit his family in, or whatever. If he's smiling, then why put him down? Maybe he has a stable marriage and Mr. Gray-Poupon doesn't. One of the greatest sails of my life was on a Mac in a race on Lake Tahoe. We kicked some upscale butt, too.
There will always be those who are so insecure they have to put down someone else's boat. Often they are poseurs who have more money than brains. Sure, some boats are dogs compared to others, performance-wise. But it might be the only thing that owner/skipper can afford, or fit his family in, or whatever. If he's smiling, then why put him down? Maybe he has a stable marriage and Mr. Gray-Poupon doesn't. One of the greatest sails of my life was on a Mac in a race on Lake Tahoe. We kicked some upscale butt, too.
Snooty
Obviously anyone so uncouth as to mention that he owns a Mac 26 in the presence of "real" yachtsmen probably has pink flamingos in front of his trailer home as well. Far better to sip cocktails in port, on your blue water cruiser that gets out only twice a year, than to lower yourself to an afternoon's sail in a small boat! Jeff compounded his heresy by owning a boat that is a hybrid motor cruiser and sailboat. They need to start screening who is allowed to attend those fine boat shows.
Obviously anyone so uncouth as to mention that he owns a Mac 26 in the presence of "real" yachtsmen probably has pink flamingos in front of his trailer home as well. Far better to sip cocktails in port, on your blue water cruiser that gets out only twice a year, than to lower yourself to an afternoon's sail in a small boat! Jeff compounded his heresy by owning a boat that is a hybrid motor cruiser and sailboat. They need to start screening who is allowed to attend those fine boat shows.
Screen this post
Here, Here (I'm now lifting a martini) We'll have none of that talk of "inferior boats' here.... BTW where's my plug, I hope it's in not...
Here, Here (I'm now lifting a martini) We'll have none of that talk of "inferior boats' here.... BTW where's my plug, I hope it's in not...
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