So the debate has begun about buying a sailboat vs powerboat. I prefer sail, strictly for the experience and lack of needing fuel, at least as much as a powerboat. Wife likes power, claims more comfort, wider beam for "stuff" and faster, which in my opinion is relative. So my question is this, what made you decide wind vs fuel? I need some convincing ammo. thanks
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Charter
you a sailboat for a day and do the same with a power boat. While underway ask the wife to fix you and her some cocktails and munchies to enjoy. Once the two days are over . Ask her which one she enjoyed the most. Getting there isn't as important as the ride. You should know that. Let us know how you make out. Keep it up, Ctskip
you a sailboat for a day and do the same with a power boat. While underway ask the wife to fix you and her some cocktails and munchies to enjoy. Once the two days are over . Ask her which one she enjoyed the most. Getting there isn't as important as the ride. You should know that. Let us know how you make out. Keep it up, Ctskip
one point
Power boats do not neccessarily mean more comfort. Slamming into seas at 20 knots is not very pleasant. They are not as good at anchor as a sailboat and are noisy making conversation underway more difficult. don't know the size you are discussing, but one friends 33 cost him $500 to take a 70 mile trip across L Mich, while I could do the same, under power, for $100 or less. Obviously, if I sailed I could do it for next to nothing. Certainly the sailboat is slower, but the idea of cruising under sail is enjoying the trip there as much as enjoying being wherever there is.
Power boats do not neccessarily mean more comfort. Slamming into seas at 20 knots is not very pleasant. They are not as good at anchor as a sailboat and are noisy making conversation underway more difficult. don't know the size you are discussing, but one friends 33 cost him $500 to take a 70 mile trip across L Mich, while I could do the same, under power, for $100 or less. Obviously, if I sailed I could do it for next to nothing. Certainly the sailboat is slower, but the idea of cruising under sail is enjoying the trip there as much as enjoying being wherever there is.
Gut feeling
Got a bad feeling about that. If there is any question, then you're already starting in the hole. If speed is on her mind, then you're quite possibly sunk. But I agree with Ctskip, if you haven't already been out sailing together, charter a sunset sail. Make sure its decent weather. If you do the stinkpot test for comparison, make it a day with decent waves, an overcast would be nice too. Those with little boating experience don't necessarily realize the difference between power and sail in boat movement and the discomfort factor.
Got a bad feeling about that. If there is any question, then you're already starting in the hole. If speed is on her mind, then you're quite possibly sunk. But I agree with Ctskip, if you haven't already been out sailing together, charter a sunset sail. Make sure its decent weather. If you do the stinkpot test for comparison, make it a day with decent waves, an overcast would be nice too. Those with little boating experience don't necessarily realize the difference between power and sail in boat movement and the discomfort factor.
Biggest difference in my mind is...
with a power boat you're there when you arrive at the next port of call, with a sail boat when you pull out of the slip. Another was when we sailed a 30 mile leg on a beam reach in a rough sea state. With full sails up Belle-Vie just dug in and rode the sea state as sail boats do. A power boat followed the same course. When we arrived at our destination and checked in at the visiting Yacht Club the power boater commented about how he and is wife were beaten to death and the inside of their boat trashed. Terry
with a power boat you're there when you arrive at the next port of call, with a sail boat when you pull out of the slip. Another was when we sailed a 30 mile leg on a beam reach in a rough sea state. With full sails up Belle-Vie just dug in and rode the sea state as sail boats do. A power boat followed the same course. When we arrived at our destination and checked in at the visiting Yacht Club the power boater commented about how he and is wife were beaten to death and the inside of their boat trashed. Terry
Biggest difference in my mind is...
with a power boat you're there when you arrive at the next port of call, with a sail boat when you pull out of the slip. Another was when we sailed a 30 mile leg on a beam reach in a rough sea state. With full sails up Belle-Vie just dug in and rode the sea state as sail boats do. A power boat followed the same course. When we arrived at our destination and checked in at the visiting Yacht Club the power boater commented about how he and is wife were beaten to death and the inside of their boat trashed. Terry
with a power boat you're there when you arrive at the next port of call, with a sail boat when you pull out of the slip. Another was when we sailed a 30 mile leg on a beam reach in a rough sea state. With full sails up Belle-Vie just dug in and rode the sea state as sail boats do. A power boat followed the same course. When we arrived at our destination and checked in at the visiting Yacht Club the power boater commented about how he and is wife were beaten to death and the inside of their boat trashed. Terry
Not sure what a Noob is but I bet you mean newbie.
I basically agree with Ctskip that the best way to figure out which way to go (sail or power) is to rent/charter one of each and then decide. Preferably plan an overnight on each. The skills needed for either are a bit overlapping (navigation, weather, engines, head systems, electronics etc) while sailing requires some extra skills that can be learned and can be a real blast once you gain some proficiency. The beauty of sailboats is that with the sails up and the boat gliding along with the only noise being the waves and wind you can actually have a conversation without shouting at each other (see Higgs post) and this can become very relaxing. A lot of people who sail do so because they sailed smaller (cheaper) boats when they were younger. Some folks just get the bug and do it, details be damned. As a newbie you might also just consider taking a basic keelboat sailing course which would teach you the basics of sailing and might end up being cheaper than chartering (most courses are @500$ pp - not sure what an overnight charter would cost or what you would actually learn: http://www.daytonacharters.com/ Since I too own some oil stock I am happy even if you go to the 'dark' side. It is still nice to just get out on the water in whatever type of vessel. Remember this though: you can still fish off a sailboat and you are much less likely to hate it from the smell of exhaust fumes and the noise. If you still can't make up your mind look at the MacGregor 26X or M models - a motorboat disguised as a sailboat, has a 50HP engine and can make good time while motoring but has a split personality. Sailing schools in Daytona: Daytona Beach - Volusia County American Marine Institute, Inc., 3042 W. Intl. Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. 1-800-881-2264. 386-255-0296 Fly Fishing Academy, New Smyrna Beach, Fl. 386-424-9524. Fun Maritime Academy, 531 North Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 407-330-0633 Seafarer's Training Int'l, Daytona Beach, FL. 866-608-4807 Good luck and keep us posted.
I basically agree with Ctskip that the best way to figure out which way to go (sail or power) is to rent/charter one of each and then decide. Preferably plan an overnight on each. The skills needed for either are a bit overlapping (navigation, weather, engines, head systems, electronics etc) while sailing requires some extra skills that can be learned and can be a real blast once you gain some proficiency. The beauty of sailboats is that with the sails up and the boat gliding along with the only noise being the waves and wind you can actually have a conversation without shouting at each other (see Higgs post) and this can become very relaxing. A lot of people who sail do so because they sailed smaller (cheaper) boats when they were younger. Some folks just get the bug and do it, details be damned. As a newbie you might also just consider taking a basic keelboat sailing course which would teach you the basics of sailing and might end up being cheaper than chartering (most courses are @500$ pp - not sure what an overnight charter would cost or what you would actually learn: http://www.daytonacharters.com/ Since I too own some oil stock I am happy even if you go to the 'dark' side. It is still nice to just get out on the water in whatever type of vessel. Remember this though: you can still fish off a sailboat and you are much less likely to hate it from the smell of exhaust fumes and the noise. If you still can't make up your mind look at the MacGregor 26X or M models - a motorboat disguised as a sailboat, has a 50HP engine and can make good time while motoring but has a split personality. Sailing schools in Daytona: Daytona Beach - Volusia County American Marine Institute, Inc., 3042 W. Intl. Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. 1-800-881-2264. 386-255-0296 Fly Fishing Academy, New Smyrna Beach, Fl. 386-424-9524. Fun Maritime Academy, 531 North Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 407-330-0633 Seafarer's Training Int'l, Daytona Beach, FL. 866-608-4807 Good luck and keep us posted.
noob, meaninig newby
no I haven't, I've been around boats all my life, I'm a competitive slalom skier, but now looking to take it a step further. I appreciate the info guys, keep them coming.
no I haven't, I've been around boats all my life, I'm a competitive slalom skier, but now looking to take it a step further. I appreciate the info guys, keep them coming.
Compromise
motorsailor. When the motors on she can "drive". Turn it off and you can sail. If she's a cool Boat Babe she will convert.
motorsailor. When the motors on she can "drive". Turn it off and you can sail. If she's a cool Boat Babe she will convert.
motogpfan, in 1972 I missed qualifying for
the nationals in jumping by one eastern region spot. I was jumping in the mid 120's when the record was in the low 130's. The next winter I wrote an artical in the Water Skier about "Crush an jumping". The next year a guy named Wayne Grimditch FLEW into the 150's. I am older now and speed isn't everything. Where are you going? Is it not the ride that makes a journey what it is? Do you want to enjoy the ride or do you want to get there? I have found that yes, sailing fast is fun but the attitude is different. Skiing to me was a head rush, quick and over. Sailing is the savoring of boating, being on the water and skillfully moving from place to place. The fun thing is that anyone can sail. However, it takes years to sail well. Just like the practice you did through the slalom course like I did, again and again. My wife hated my sail boat, mostly because she didn't know boats and the sailboat I bought made her feel claustrophobic. The wooing her to sailing took 6 years. They were not pleasant years. She is now talking about living aboard. The reason, the sail boat was a haven for the two of us to be together. Sailing can be as relaxing as it gets, to a full adrenaline flow going when someone passes you. One of the best parts is, we find out of the way places to be be with eachother, doing things that we want to do. I would either charter or better yet, ride with a sailor that can not only show you sailing but chillin on a sail boat. Chillin comes in many ways. I hope your direction becomes clear to you and I hope your wife will be as pleased as my wife is now. Sailing has actually helped our relationship. r.w.landau
the nationals in jumping by one eastern region spot. I was jumping in the mid 120's when the record was in the low 130's. The next winter I wrote an artical in the Water Skier about "Crush an jumping". The next year a guy named Wayne Grimditch FLEW into the 150's. I am older now and speed isn't everything. Where are you going? Is it not the ride that makes a journey what it is? Do you want to enjoy the ride or do you want to get there? I have found that yes, sailing fast is fun but the attitude is different. Skiing to me was a head rush, quick and over. Sailing is the savoring of boating, being on the water and skillfully moving from place to place. The fun thing is that anyone can sail. However, it takes years to sail well. Just like the practice you did through the slalom course like I did, again and again. My wife hated my sail boat, mostly because she didn't know boats and the sailboat I bought made her feel claustrophobic. The wooing her to sailing took 6 years. They were not pleasant years. She is now talking about living aboard. The reason, the sail boat was a haven for the two of us to be together. Sailing can be as relaxing as it gets, to a full adrenaline flow going when someone passes you. One of the best parts is, we find out of the way places to be be with eachother, doing things that we want to do. I would either charter or better yet, ride with a sailor that can not only show you sailing but chillin on a sail boat. Chillin comes in many ways. I hope your direction becomes clear to you and I hope your wife will be as pleased as my wife is now. Sailing has actually helped our relationship. r.w.landau
with me and my club
At our small yacht club most of the women will not sail with their men. They are there for other reasons. Don't get me wrong, there are some that do, but in my experience sailing seems to be more of a guy thing generally. Here is my life experience... Bought a small punt 28 years ago, asked wife to go sailing, she didn't like it, bought larger dinghy 26 years ago, ask wife to join me, she didn't like it. Bought larger cabin cruiser power boat 20 years ago, asked wife to join me, she didn't like it. Gave up boating, and took up backcountry camping 15 years ago, asked wife to join me, she didn't like it, (getting the picture), so finally I bought another 16' open family sailboat 4 years ago and got back into sailing. Wife didn't like it and in fact did not want it in the driveway, so encouraged me to keep it at the yacht club. I did so, and like the yacht club style so much that I bought a 20' cabin sailboat I wanted 2 years ago, and invite wife to join me but accept that generally she doesn't like it and prefers to be at the yacht club for other reasons. It has modified the boat I have chosen to sail. If she was really into it, I could rationalize a larger boat with standing headroom, and better amenities. We would treat it like a cottage on the water. (We already have a cottage). I am happy however with the compromise of a small pocket cruiser that allows me to cook aboard, store junk, stay overnight, and do some weekend sailing. She says she would like to join me, but I do understand that it would not be a reqular thing. We do other things as well, but sailing is MY thing, and when we are at the yacht club together, its not all about sailing. A few weeks ago she helped me haul it out; even volunteered to power wash it, enjoyed the company of others at the club, and we all went out for a community fall supper afterwards. She indicated that she wants to make that an annual tradition. How could I have it better than that when she doesn't like sailing?
At our small yacht club most of the women will not sail with their men. They are there for other reasons. Don't get me wrong, there are some that do, but in my experience sailing seems to be more of a guy thing generally. Here is my life experience... Bought a small punt 28 years ago, asked wife to go sailing, she didn't like it, bought larger dinghy 26 years ago, ask wife to join me, she didn't like it. Bought larger cabin cruiser power boat 20 years ago, asked wife to join me, she didn't like it. Gave up boating, and took up backcountry camping 15 years ago, asked wife to join me, she didn't like it, (getting the picture), so finally I bought another 16' open family sailboat 4 years ago and got back into sailing. Wife didn't like it and in fact did not want it in the driveway, so encouraged me to keep it at the yacht club. I did so, and like the yacht club style so much that I bought a 20' cabin sailboat I wanted 2 years ago, and invite wife to join me but accept that generally she doesn't like it and prefers to be at the yacht club for other reasons. It has modified the boat I have chosen to sail. If she was really into it, I could rationalize a larger boat with standing headroom, and better amenities. We would treat it like a cottage on the water. (We already have a cottage). I am happy however with the compromise of a small pocket cruiser that allows me to cook aboard, store junk, stay overnight, and do some weekend sailing. She says she would like to join me, but I do understand that it would not be a reqular thing. We do other things as well, but sailing is MY thing, and when we are at the yacht club together, its not all about sailing. A few weeks ago she helped me haul it out; even volunteered to power wash it, enjoyed the company of others at the club, and we all went out for a community fall supper afterwards. She indicated that she wants to make that an annual tradition. How could I have it better than that when she doesn't like sailing?
I would say get a boat that does both...
My boat is a Lancer 27 Powersailer. It was designed to allow the sailer to hoist the rags and just cruise along. But with the ability to put a 150hp motor on the stern, she will cruise at a good 18 mph. Still comfortable and fast. The drawback on this adventure is not having an optimum sail or power boat. Simply because designing a boat to do both also takes away from a single purpose boat. My Lancer is comfortable. I have a 9.9hp so I can do 7 mph. I don't have a need to go faster than that. But the option is there. MacGregor makes the Mac 26 that has some of the same capabilities as the Lancer, but I think the Lancer is a better build. More solid. Just my 2¢ worth. Good luck. Here is the link to my boat.
My boat is a Lancer 27 Powersailer. It was designed to allow the sailer to hoist the rags and just cruise along. But with the ability to put a 150hp motor on the stern, she will cruise at a good 18 mph. Still comfortable and fast. The drawback on this adventure is not having an optimum sail or power boat. Simply because designing a boat to do both also takes away from a single purpose boat. My Lancer is comfortable. I have a 9.9hp so I can do 7 mph. I don't have a need to go faster than that. But the option is there. MacGregor makes the Mac 26 that has some of the same capabilities as the Lancer, but I think the Lancer is a better build. More solid. Just my 2¢ worth. Good luck. Here is the link to my boat.
Are you a beer drinker?
This year I seen alot of sludgepotters sitting in the marina all summer long, and all their boats are good for is sitting on and brinking beer, or cruising the mile to the sandbar at low tide to anchor, sit on the bar and drink beer there. Alot only left once around memorial day weekend, cause they couldn't afford the fuel. My guess is if some didn't drink beer, they might be able to buy gas. But thats another matter. Ask yourself - Do we wanna drink beer? Or do we wanna be on the water enjoying a moderate breeze shouldering through the chop and drink beer? Cause remind yourself you can get the same experience a powerboater does, sitting in a lawnchair in your back yard staring at the swimming pool holidng a bottle of Red Stripe with an oscillating fan blowing on your face while a kid shoots you in the puss with a dollar store water gun topped off from a nearby storm drain. In my estimation, a comparable sized powerboat cannot beat a sailboat for comfort anyway. Just remind the lady who wears the pants. Tell her "were gonna get what I want to get, and theres the end of it. Now get your butt in the kitchen and make me a sammich."
This year I seen alot of sludgepotters sitting in the marina all summer long, and all their boats are good for is sitting on and brinking beer, or cruising the mile to the sandbar at low tide to anchor, sit on the bar and drink beer there. Alot only left once around memorial day weekend, cause they couldn't afford the fuel. My guess is if some didn't drink beer, they might be able to buy gas. But thats another matter. Ask yourself - Do we wanna drink beer? Or do we wanna be on the water enjoying a moderate breeze shouldering through the chop and drink beer? Cause remind yourself you can get the same experience a powerboater does, sitting in a lawnchair in your back yard staring at the swimming pool holidng a bottle of Red Stripe with an oscillating fan blowing on your face while a kid shoots you in the puss with a dollar store water gun topped off from a nearby storm drain. In my estimation, a comparable sized powerboat cannot beat a sailboat for comfort anyway. Just remind the lady who wears the pants. Tell her "were gonna get what I want to get, and theres the end of it. Now get your butt in the kitchen and make me a sammich."
Relationship Issues
We have all heard that old saying that 'Power-boating is simply about the destination, Sailing is about the journey'. Maybe she wants to get there quickly so she does not have to spend time alone with you. Or maybe she has serious worries about your sailing ability. Ease her into the beauty of sailing with a Caribbean skippered charter or do a class together.
We have all heard that old saying that 'Power-boating is simply about the destination, Sailing is about the journey'. Maybe she wants to get there quickly so she does not have to spend time alone with you. Or maybe she has serious worries about your sailing ability. Ease her into the beauty of sailing with a Caribbean skippered charter or do a class together.
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