solo sailing a 170

[Ken]

The 170 sounds like a great boat however in my case i would be sailing the boat alone wife and daguhter being passengers 95% percent of my sailing would be solo. I used to sail a laser and I crewed on larger boats Im trying to figure out if this boat would bne right for me?

 

[TimHayes]

Do it all the time

Ken,I bought a 170 in 2006 for the exact reason you are thinking about it. I sail 90% of the time by myself and the other 10% with my wife and daughter as passengers. I love the boat for how easy it is to use. I, by myself, can take the boat to the dock, set it up and be sailing in about 30 minutes. It is great.The one thing you do need to be aware of is that the boat is somewhat unstable compared to larger keel boats. I find that I have to tell my wife and daughter to be careful when they move around on the boat or it will heel a lot. I have never had it capsize with all of us onboard but it could happen so I am cautious if the water is cold. If you can find someone near where you are that has one, I would suggest you try a trip on one before you buy. But all in all it is a great boat!Tim

 

[Benny17441]

Solo sailing, big or small?

I would say that the largest danger of sailing solo is falling overboard. A boat that does not offer a stable platform and one that forces you to go up front to raise and lower sails offers the most danger. As far as ease of sailing, actually is sometimes harder to sail a small boat than a larger one. They may require constant attention and physical effort when a keel boat may be more forgiving. As far as fun you may have to decide what floats your boat. The smaller ones are a blast to sail but if you want to enjoy a 50 NM sail down the coast the larger ones will provide speed and comfort.

 

[Rick S.]

re: solo sailing

Ken,Check the forum archives for some valuable tips from solo 170 sailors. Two that I recall are: Rigging a tiller-tamer or other line to keep the tiller in position and the boat on track if you need to go forward, and extending the jib sheets so you can reach and trim them easily without leaving the helm position. Long arms are handy, but are not a requirement.