I would like to ask if anyone has sailed S-2 9A to the Bahamas or Caribbean. I am looking for a good 30' boat to single hand and am interested in pro and con of this particular boat for such sailing. Primary sailing will be coastal US and Bahamas, but do want to get to VI as well. Thanks for info. John
Sailing Bahamas
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They are fine boats. But, any 30 footer will have very limited fuel, water, food and gear storage. Yes, Joshua Slocum sailed around the world in a small boat, but he ate a single boiled apple for dinner. Single handing can be lonely, and takes a special kind of person. Having a second body on a 30 footer compounds the storage and water problem. Suggest you think of your first cruiser as your first in a long line, not as your "last boat". Buy theS2, coastal cruise, maybe after some experience, go across the GulfStream. See what you think of actually living on a boat, then decide if you need to change boats.
I have to confess, I am sick and tired of the "your gonna need a bigger boat" crowd. People have done and will do exactly what you are planning in that boat and smaller. I am personally planning the same trip in a Catalina 310 (oh, no....not a production boat under 40 feet long...you will die). Here is a blog for two young women (under 21, I think), who just returned from the Bahamas in a CAL 2-27.
My advice is to look for inspiration in blogs. There are lots of younger people our there doing it in boats like yours. Also, ignore the naysayers. There will be lots of them.
Go small, go now. (thanks to the Pardey's for that line) Sail what you got!
Good luck and fair winds,
Jesse
My advice is to look for inspiration in blogs. There are lots of younger people our there doing it in boats like yours. Also, ignore the naysayers. There will be lots of them.
Go small, go now. (thanks to the Pardey's for that line) Sail what you got!
Good luck and fair winds,
Jesse
Pros and Cons
A thirty footer probably just doesn't have enough tankage. Regarding the 9.2 in general, I think I would avoid a boat with an integral keel because of the potential for grounding in shallows and coral. I'd probably opt for something with lead keel, a keel stepped mast and a little more waterline. A Cherubini designed Hunter 33 is not much more boat than a 30, but it has all these things. Tankage is still minimal. Tee shaped cockpit with a narrow companionway. Sheet winches are close to hand. Very narrow compared to a modern 33, more like a 30 footer at 10' 2", which is 3" narrower than the 9.2A. Supposed to be a very good sailor and often found quite cheap. Two different port set ups, at one time I was looking for the 4 opening port per side and found a cheap boat with the two opening, two large port configuration for just about nothing. Looks, light and ventilation are the differences there, plus the large ports tend to leak more and may therefore have more wet core.
Just some thoughts. Do you plan to buy cheap and fix it up?
Bob
A thirty footer probably just doesn't have enough tankage. Regarding the 9.2 in general, I think I would avoid a boat with an integral keel because of the potential for grounding in shallows and coral. I'd probably opt for something with lead keel, a keel stepped mast and a little more waterline. A Cherubini designed Hunter 33 is not much more boat than a 30, but it has all these things. Tankage is still minimal. Tee shaped cockpit with a narrow companionway. Sheet winches are close to hand. Very narrow compared to a modern 33, more like a 30 footer at 10' 2", which is 3" narrower than the 9.2A. Supposed to be a very good sailor and often found quite cheap. Two different port set ups, at one time I was looking for the 4 opening port per side and found a cheap boat with the two opening, two large port configuration for just about nothing. Looks, light and ventilation are the differences there, plus the large ports tend to leak more and may therefore have more wet core.
Just some thoughts. Do you plan to buy cheap and fix it up?
Bob
I've got to agree with JK on this. My previous boat was a Cal 2-27, and the previous owner spent several months in the islands living aboard (with his wife). The 9.2 is a lot more boat. Range under power with the Diesel has to be 3X the range of the Cal with an A4. I think the 9.2 is an excellent choice, although I prefer the "C" over the "A" for cruising, but different strokes.
Re: Pros and Cons
Thank you to all for replies. I have looked at the S-2, a Catalina 30 and a Morgan 321. I am having trouble deciding which boat is best and which will retain value should I want to move up to a larger boat. Any help appreciated, john
Thank you to all for replies. I have looked at the S-2, a Catalina 30 and a Morgan 321. I am having trouble deciding which boat is best and which will retain value should I want to move up to a larger boat. Any help appreciated, john
All 3 of those are fine boats. Boats only retain value if maintained and updated. I would look for all and go for the boat in the best condition.
Kbyte, is that Oriental, NC? I am in Myrtle Beach. I knew a guy who lived on an S29.0C with his girlfriend for three years. I have sailed with them many times. I also sailed often on an S211.0C between Wrightsville Beach and Charleston,SC on a number of occasions. Both of these boats were outstanding and that is one reason S2 is on my shortlist. John
That's right John, Oriental, NC. S2's are relatively rare around here, but I find them ideal for cruising in this area.
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