Am interested in some opinions from experienced sailors as to what they consider to be one of the more seaworthy boats in the 30 to 35 ft. range. This will help me in my search. Thank you. Scott
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It helps to understand what seaworthy means
Seaworthy isn't an absolute, it's relative. An inflatable dinghy can be seaworthy...a 300 ton yacht may not be, or either may be seaworthy within limits. The dinghy is quite seworthy for harbor use, but not for a circumnavigation...the 300 ton yacht. if badly damaged, after minimal repairs it may be ruled seaworthy to continue on its own bottom in coastal waters to the nearest port where repairs can be completed, but not seaworthy to return to its home port across the Atlantic. So your real question has nothing to do with seaworthiness, but about suitability for the use to which you want to put it. If you're planning a circumnav, is it rigged and equipped to withstand what the Southern Ocean can subject it to...if capsized, is it watertight ('cuz you might have to live in it upside down for several days). At the other extreme are nice, comfortable user-friendly (ie "forgiving") coastal cruisers--and there are lots of those, and most of 'em can make it across the Atlantic if you have the skills to do it...size is the most limiting factor for most sailors, although plenty of highly skilled and experienced offshore sailors do it regularly in boats under 30'. In between there's a full range, just as there is in cars--a Plymouth Neon is just as "roadworthy" as a BMW...it just depends upon what you're looking for in a boat, and how much you're willing to pay to have it. But when it comes to "seaworthiness," a Hunter, Catalina or Beneteau--and every other popular production boat too--is just as "seaworthy" as an Island Packet or a Swan or a Hinckley.
Seaworthy isn't an absolute, it's relative. An inflatable dinghy can be seaworthy...a 300 ton yacht may not be, or either may be seaworthy within limits. The dinghy is quite seworthy for harbor use, but not for a circumnavigation...the 300 ton yacht. if badly damaged, after minimal repairs it may be ruled seaworthy to continue on its own bottom in coastal waters to the nearest port where repairs can be completed, but not seaworthy to return to its home port across the Atlantic. So your real question has nothing to do with seaworthiness, but about suitability for the use to which you want to put it. If you're planning a circumnav, is it rigged and equipped to withstand what the Southern Ocean can subject it to...if capsized, is it watertight ('cuz you might have to live in it upside down for several days). At the other extreme are nice, comfortable user-friendly (ie "forgiving") coastal cruisers--and there are lots of those, and most of 'em can make it across the Atlantic if you have the skills to do it...size is the most limiting factor for most sailors, although plenty of highly skilled and experienced offshore sailors do it regularly in boats under 30'. In between there's a full range, just as there is in cars--a Plymouth Neon is just as "roadworthy" as a BMW...it just depends upon what you're looking for in a boat, and how much you're willing to pay to have it. But when it comes to "seaworthiness," a Hunter, Catalina or Beneteau--and every other popular production boat too--is just as "seaworthy" as an Island Packet or a Swan or a Hinckley.
I would cast. . .
a vote for the Westsail 32. A friend of mine had one, I sailed it a few times, never in heavy weather. The boat had a great reputation. Unfortunatly, they are no longer in production, but they can be found in used boat listings. Chris s/v Tidesong
a vote for the Westsail 32. A friend of mine had one, I sailed it a few times, never in heavy weather. The boat had a great reputation. Unfortunatly, they are no longer in production, but they can be found in used boat listings. Chris s/v Tidesong
Agree 100 % with Peggie's comments
Apparently, not everyone has the stamina to read all of her wise words. The whole concept of a "seaworthy vessel" outside the context of a particular use is pretty ludicrous. That same Westsail 32 that may allow you to round Cape Horn may also get you blown hopelessly onto a lee shore because of it's less than stellar upwind performance. See yah out there! Flying Dutchman
Apparently, not everyone has the stamina to read all of her wise words. The whole concept of a "seaworthy vessel" outside the context of a particular use is pretty ludicrous. That same Westsail 32 that may allow you to round Cape Horn may also get you blown hopelessly onto a lee shore because of it's less than stellar upwind performance. See yah out there! Flying Dutchman
What are your plans?
I'm assuming you're not just asking out of curiosity but thinking about what type of boat to get. As Peggie said, it really depends on what your needs are. What are your plans? LaDonna
I'm assuming you're not just asking out of curiosity but thinking about what type of boat to get. As Peggie said, it really depends on what your needs are. What are your plans? LaDonna
Catalina
Hands down!!!!! This is not just a production boat. No not by a long shot. I will put a Catalina up against just about ANY boat out there, when it comes to comfort, handling, and ease of sailing. Howard R.
Hands down!!!!! This is not just a production boat. No not by a long shot. I will put a Catalina up against just about ANY boat out there, when it comes to comfort, handling, and ease of sailing. Howard R.
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