size boat for single handed

Claude L.-Auger · Jan 27, 2014

I sail my 34 single handed 90% of the time. On long cruises too. I have everything to the cockpit and it is not a problem. When single handing a friend's 37 I found that hoisting the main was a pain. Now if it had an in-mast furling system or electric or hydraulic winches it might be different. Don't forget you'll need to also be handling the boat in tight quarters under severe conditions sometimes (wind / current). My point is it depends a lot on what you feel comfortable with. Good luck in your decision.

Stu Jackson · Jan 27, 2014

I singlehand our C34 much like Claude. We have Harken batt cars on our main sail luff and lazy jacks, makes raising and lowering the sail a breeze.

If you can singlehand a C30, a 34 or a 36 should be little different.

Single Handing 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

Single Handing 101.1 Midship Cleats Pictures http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4921.0.html

Bill1565 · Jan 27, 2014

Almost always cheaper to repair and upgrade. Survey and broker fees on your next boat will be several thou. Insurance co will likely demand upgrades.

Stu Jackson · Jan 27, 2014

dlewis812 said:
only frustration(?) while sailing is the main sheet located on the cabin top. was considering installing an additional winch aft of the 2 standard jib winches and run the main sheet back by the wheel?

So's ours. I hardly use the mainsheet, the traveler is much easier. Don't be a slave behind the wheel, get in front of the wheel and play like you're crew! That's where the AP is priceless.

Jackdaw · Jan 27, 2014

You can in theory sail any boat solo. If you want to look at state-of-the-art in solo sailing, you need to look at the French 30-35 footers designed for just that. Solo sailing is the national sport of France.

Boats like the Jenneau SunFast3200, Beneteau Figaro II, and the Pogo 30 share certain design element designed to make the boat easier to solo sail.

Fractional rig with
Big, multi-reefable main
Full battens
Lazy Jacks
Non-overlapping jib
Headsail furler

Tiller steering with below-decks autopilot

Beamy with good initial stability to offset lack of crew ballast

Code sails and asym flow from a sprit.

Even if these boats make no sense for your particular program, there is lots to be learned by looking into them in detail.

As Stu says, a good AP is worth its weight in GOLD. No scrimping here. When its done, you're done.

jrowan · Jan 29, 2014

I agree with Jack about the use of a non overlapping jib.
Most modern single handed designed sailboats have a non overlapping
jib which is self tending on a genoa track & car mounted in front of the mast,
or uses a Hoyt jib boom to allow the jib to automatically tack.

If you don't have to release the jib sheets & haul in winches when tacking then half the battle is already won. Single handed boats should always have a roller furling jib to control the genoa from the cockpit. I also believe in single handed yachts must have all control line leading aft, especially the main halyard. If you look at modern yachts, such as Hunters, they have an innovative use of a main sheet traveler arch, which allows for easy reach of the German style main sheet control from the overhead arch mounted traveler. You don't have to buy a fancy French boat to buy one that is single handed. My previous S 2 had an aft transom mounted main sheet car & traveler, all lines led aft to the cockpit, a roller furling genoa, etc, & she was built in 1980.

Why not sell your smaller C 25 & use the proceeds to upgrade your C 30 to make it easier to sail? My 2 c.