There are two certainties when people start asking if a boat is capable enough for any particular passage. One there will be at least post that will say no and regurgitate "old salt" stuff about full keels, skeg rudders, comfort motion ratio or any other derived ratio, keel stepped masts, etc. And two, there are people out there doing the exact opposite of what the "old salt" says.
Here are my thoughts:
- There is no such thing as a blue water boat, just blue water crews. Any idiot can sink a boat by sailing in the wrong location in the wrong conditions. Experienced crews have taken bolt on keels, spade rudder, modern hulls around the world safely.
- Condition is the most important thing in a boat. Give me a well cared for Hunter, Benny, O'Day, etc. over the unmaintained Whitby, IP, Sabre, Tartan, etc.
- Experience is key and you get it from being on the water. Get a boat and get out in good conditions. Push this limits as you get more and more comfortable. And/or crew with captain with knowledge.
- I'm not a big proponent of lots of classes. But take something like the Americans Boating Course from US Power Squadron to learn the basics.
- Do your own research. When someone tells you a certain boat is not good for this or that, don't take their word for it. Go research. Are other people doing it? What is there experience? Can you get insurance on that boat for that use (this is a big overlooked one, I have friends that have advanced degrees in physics and data analysis that work for insurance companies crunching accident and incident data full-time, if spade rudders were a real risk for offshore would an insurance company insure you at a reasonable rate)? Don't take uncited blogs and forum posts as fact, look for supporting facts.
- Develop a think skin or duck mentality. If you do something that goes against internet wisdom or conventional thoughts you will never stop hearing about it. People will always challenge your boat choice, assume you are rich if you go cruising before retirement, or say you are being foolish for what ever disagrees with their opinions. Let that stuff roll off your back like water on a duck.
From my personal experience, we have sailed a 31 foot Catalina from Boston to the Caribbean. Currently in Bequia in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. If an O'Day 34 was in good condition I would have no problem doing this type of cruising in that boat.
Good luck and fair winds,
Jesse
