Plenty of owners are infected with 2-foot-itis. A little more room is always appealing and a bigger boat is usually a stiffer boat which is more resistant to heeling. But how big is too big? Not only are there incremental costs involved but docking and basic maneuvering can take more time and skill. And you might not get into that cozy anchorage with too big a vessel. Would you rather have a Plain Jane 50’ or Gold Plated 25'? Size up this question here then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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Its too big when .....
for whatever reason you cant easily LIFT the largest (sodden / watersoaked) sail and easily move it from the foredeck, etc. and easily push it down a hatch when the deck is violently pitching and rolling. That makes the very largest boat for a singlehander at probably somewhere in the range of 40 ft. (400 sq. ft. main and 600-800 sq. ft. genoa.) At sometime in the future the jib furler 'may' totally jam and you HAVE to remove the sail by hand ... and then it shouldn't be be too potentially dangerous due to the immense weight of the 'wet' sail by ONE person - at that exact time usually all the other crew are inside power-puking onto the sole inside the cabin.
for whatever reason you cant easily LIFT the largest (sodden / watersoaked) sail and easily move it from the foredeck, etc. and easily push it down a hatch when the deck is violently pitching and rolling. That makes the very largest boat for a singlehander at probably somewhere in the range of 40 ft. (400 sq. ft. main and 600-800 sq. ft. genoa.) At sometime in the future the jib furler 'may' totally jam and you HAVE to remove the sail by hand ... and then it shouldn't be be too potentially dangerous due to the immense weight of the 'wet' sail by ONE person - at that exact time usually all the other crew are inside power-puking onto the sole inside the cabin.
no answer
The answer has to be largely dependent on where you live, where you sail, how much your limits will change, whether your purchase is entirely driven by sailing, or also trailering or the need to live aboard. If you can afford to keep it in a marina, if your car can handle the trailering, if you have time to polish an exterior and maintain an inboard and an interior, if you can afford a bigger slip, higher insurance, bigger sails, canvas for the dodger and or bimini... If your sailing spot is one where you can easily spend full days out on the water. Having a head where I can stand up is a nice plus. I've enjoyed every bigger boat, and am excited about the new experiences I'll start experiencing on the 28 I just purchased, but the truth is that some of my best sailing experiences, and the truest appreciation of sailing as a sport has come from a lil' ol' low-maintenance Sunfish.
The answer has to be largely dependent on where you live, where you sail, how much your limits will change, whether your purchase is entirely driven by sailing, or also trailering or the need to live aboard. If you can afford to keep it in a marina, if your car can handle the trailering, if you have time to polish an exterior and maintain an inboard and an interior, if you can afford a bigger slip, higher insurance, bigger sails, canvas for the dodger and or bimini... If your sailing spot is one where you can easily spend full days out on the water. Having a head where I can stand up is a nice plus. I've enjoyed every bigger boat, and am excited about the new experiences I'll start experiencing on the 28 I just purchased, but the truth is that some of my best sailing experiences, and the truest appreciation of sailing as a sport has come from a lil' ol' low-maintenance Sunfish.
Bigger - yachta yachta...
A vessel is too big when it streatches across two large waves. Many freighters do, and it is they're downfall; bow on 1st wave, stern on following wave, they work against one another and can break the back of a ship. For yachts, bigger is 'mostly' safer as there is more bouyancy, and the waves are then "smaller" in proportion to the hull length, the hull must be quite strong and well designed, but refer to A above for TOO BIG.Other factors do come into play, more systems, more through-hull fittings, harder to find damage - leakes et al. A yacht is a yacht when it is used strictly for pleasure. If you can afford to have others clean out the galley, head and cabin sole fine, but if you accept one thin dime for a charter or for fuel even it is no longer a yacht. Here, in the US we do not distinguish between sail or P/V but down under they do. A power vessel is NOT a yacht, that distinction is soley for sailing vessels. Technically a Hobie cat is a yacht if used for pleasure only and not hired out or in, but not normally referred to as such. There is no length or 'live-aboard' status for a 'yacht' sorry tony...;-( Your views on a ketch compared to a sloop are sound in my humble opinion, and I tend to agree that the 'free boat' may be some wierd attention getting scam, but how does one know? Gots tuh be more edjamakated dan I! Good on ya mates, and Happy Holidays to all!
A vessel is too big when it streatches across two large waves. Many freighters do, and it is they're downfall; bow on 1st wave, stern on following wave, they work against one another and can break the back of a ship. For yachts, bigger is 'mostly' safer as there is more bouyancy, and the waves are then "smaller" in proportion to the hull length, the hull must be quite strong and well designed, but refer to A above for TOO BIG.Other factors do come into play, more systems, more through-hull fittings, harder to find damage - leakes et al. A yacht is a yacht when it is used strictly for pleasure. If you can afford to have others clean out the galley, head and cabin sole fine, but if you accept one thin dime for a charter or for fuel even it is no longer a yacht. Here, in the US we do not distinguish between sail or P/V but down under they do. A power vessel is NOT a yacht, that distinction is soley for sailing vessels. Technically a Hobie cat is a yacht if used for pleasure only and not hired out or in, but not normally referred to as such. There is no length or 'live-aboard' status for a 'yacht' sorry tony...;-( Your views on a ketch compared to a sloop are sound in my humble opinion, and I tend to agree that the 'free boat' may be some wierd attention getting scam, but how does one know? Gots tuh be more edjamakated dan I! Good on ya mates, and Happy Holidays to all!
Rope Clutches and Autohelm
On my 39 foot coastal cruising boat, I have 10 Lewmar D2 rope clutches, 5 to port and 5 to starboard, all used. Autohelm is an essential acccessory. With furling main and headsail, my boat is easy to single-hand or to manage with novice crew (most of the time). I maintain the boat to an anally high level. I am comfortable with boats in the 38-42 foot length. Beyond that length range, slip availability would become an issue where I sail. I must admit I occasionally suffer from 2-foot-itis. Peter
On my 39 foot coastal cruising boat, I have 10 Lewmar D2 rope clutches, 5 to port and 5 to starboard, all used. Autohelm is an essential acccessory. With furling main and headsail, my boat is easy to single-hand or to manage with novice crew (most of the time). I maintain the boat to an anally high level. I am comfortable with boats in the 38-42 foot length. Beyond that length range, slip availability would become an issue where I sail. I must admit I occasionally suffer from 2-foot-itis. Peter
mid 30s
I have a 34 and am quite happy with the size of the boat. I have no desire to go bigger. I moved up from a 32 not to get a bigger boat, but to get a better boat. I was satisfied with the size of the 32. I have a friend with a beautiful Baltic 42, but there are days he can't find anyone to go out with him and he has to sit at the dock. I can get my 34 out and in single handed. Also, harbor hopping is much easier because finding transient dock space for a 34 is easier than a larger boat.
I have a 34 and am quite happy with the size of the boat. I have no desire to go bigger. I moved up from a 32 not to get a bigger boat, but to get a better boat. I was satisfied with the size of the 32. I have a friend with a beautiful Baltic 42, but there are days he can't find anyone to go out with him and he has to sit at the dock. I can get my 34 out and in single handed. Also, harbor hopping is much easier because finding transient dock space for a 34 is easier than a larger boat.
too big is when...
you can't handle the gear loads a bigger boat will generate. On my Catalina 30 I could trim the main without a winch, even in heavier air, and the genny was relatively easy to grind in. When I got my Bene 40, I quickly found out that all loads are expotentially higher. I could no longer trim the main without a winch, nor was it so easy to grind in the genny. In fact, I found that when singlehanding, it's easier to luff the sail up and take in as much as possible before falling off and fine-tuning the trim with a winch. My wife and I do, however, like the additional room; two separate staterooms, larger salon, more storage, larger galley, much larger cockpit for entertaining, etc. I think any boat you can't get OUT of a slip, then back IN singlehanded, and get it anchored if need be, is too big for you.
you can't handle the gear loads a bigger boat will generate. On my Catalina 30 I could trim the main without a winch, even in heavier air, and the genny was relatively easy to grind in. When I got my Bene 40, I quickly found out that all loads are expotentially higher. I could no longer trim the main without a winch, nor was it so easy to grind in the genny. In fact, I found that when singlehanding, it's easier to luff the sail up and take in as much as possible before falling off and fine-tuning the trim with a winch. My wife and I do, however, like the additional room; two separate staterooms, larger salon, more storage, larger galley, much larger cockpit for entertaining, etc. I think any boat you can't get OUT of a slip, then back IN singlehanded, and get it anchored if need be, is too big for you.
It is all about size...
It is my opinion that the fun in sailing is inversely proportional to the size of the boat. I have the most fun on a friend's Shark (24 feet) racing, loads of fun cruising my own 33 footer but sailing the 102 footer I was captain of was just plain work. My perfect day is anchoring my 33 foot cruiser and taking my dinghy, a Whitehall Minto, sailing.
It is my opinion that the fun in sailing is inversely proportional to the size of the boat. I have the most fun on a friend's Shark (24 feet) racing, loads of fun cruising my own 33 footer but sailing the 102 footer I was captain of was just plain work. My perfect day is anchoring my 33 foot cruiser and taking my dinghy, a Whitehall Minto, sailing.
inversely proportional idea is wrong
We had a C22, then a C25. We bought our 1986 C34 in 1998 with the intent of disproving that idea. We have been very successful. I singlehand a majority of the time with no trouble at all. Size doesn't matter, being out there sailing does.
We had a C22, then a C25. We bought our 1986 C34 in 1998 with the intent of disproving that idea. We have been very successful. I singlehand a majority of the time with no trouble at all. Size doesn't matter, being out there sailing does.
Just Dreaming
Speaking for myself and myself alone, Whatever I can fit on a trailer. Currently that is an old 25' Venture. I like the idea of a good sized party boat where I can take a couple of families for a day sail. Here in the Rockies, it is really nice to take the boat to a lake 20 minutes away for a "quick" day sail or go to a nicer lake for a better time. For sailing I have had the most fun a 14' catalina capri. But I think Stu nailed it.
Speaking for myself and myself alone, Whatever I can fit on a trailer. Currently that is an old 25' Venture. I like the idea of a good sized party boat where I can take a couple of families for a day sail. Here in the Rockies, it is really nice to take the boat to a lake 20 minutes away for a "quick" day sail or go to a nicer lake for a better time. For sailing I have had the most fun a 14' catalina capri. But I think Stu nailed it.
C34, a ig boat ?.
I guess it is all relative when considering what is a big boat. For me,38-40 ft is the start of trouble for docking, manuvering,Pulling up sales, running forward and back to wheel/tiller to control something.
I guess it is all relative when considering what is a big boat. For me,38-40 ft is the start of trouble for docking, manuvering,Pulling up sales, running forward and back to wheel/tiller to control something.
Size makes a difference
Too big for me is a matter of draft. I live in a canal system and a draft over 4.5 feet makes it difficult to get ingress and egress to the dock. (that is REALTOR talk) Also the measure talked about here between a sailboat and a Yacht is a yacht has the ability to anchor and make ice for drinks. Also we talk about 4 foot itis.
Too big for me is a matter of draft. I live in a canal system and a draft over 4.5 feet makes it difficult to get ingress and egress to the dock. (that is REALTOR talk) Also the measure talked about here between a sailboat and a Yacht is a yacht has the ability to anchor and make ice for drinks. Also we talk about 4 foot itis.
What Works!!!
After countless boats from Hobie 16's to our present 38CC Morgan, I have come to beleive that your usage and sailing requirements are the keys to your choice and the answer. I want a vessel, I can singlehand, live aboard, and afford. We spend every weekend from April to November and 3-4 weeks aboard on vacations, so liveability, sailability, and affordablity are high on my list. I don't want to crawl into a berth, sail a slow boat, and have a boat I can't afford to make upgrades or repairs. You have to determine your needs and your sailing area to hone in on your best boat. I think we have what we need in our 38 foot center cockpit vessel with furling jib/main, queensize aft berth, and the underbody of a Catalina 387. I never thought I would be in a center cockpit boat until I sailed and lived on several other boats. Again, it comes down to needs and wants and what you can effectively handle.
After countless boats from Hobie 16's to our present 38CC Morgan, I have come to beleive that your usage and sailing requirements are the keys to your choice and the answer. I want a vessel, I can singlehand, live aboard, and afford. We spend every weekend from April to November and 3-4 weeks aboard on vacations, so liveability, sailability, and affordablity are high on my list. I don't want to crawl into a berth, sail a slow boat, and have a boat I can't afford to make upgrades or repairs. You have to determine your needs and your sailing area to hone in on your best boat. I think we have what we need in our 38 foot center cockpit vessel with furling jib/main, queensize aft berth, and the underbody of a Catalina 387. I never thought I would be in a center cockpit boat until I sailed and lived on several other boats. Again, it comes down to needs and wants and what you can effectively handle.
We purchased our current boat in 1992...
Even with the admiral on board, I single hand most everything because of her arthritis. She does help with docking when aboard or steering, but I have most everything down to a standard solo procedure. A larger boat does require effort, but I tend to rely on any mechanical advantage. I've sailed Belle-Vie several thousand miles in PNW waters over the years and, like the admiral, as long as you do what she wants, she is a real pussy cat. It was not that easy at first. Had to learn her ways, plus added a mid ship cleat to help in solo docking and a few other things. Wonderful boat, fast, stiff and very comfortable. At 65 I keep fit doing muscle work and running so that perhaps I can keep sailing her into my 70s. Sure hope so. Our flotilla is making some plans for another two month cruise north, this time to Ocean Falls, British Columbia (see link). Ii is just north of the top of Vancouver Island on the mainland side. So far seven boats are planning on the adventure. I'm getting pumped. Our oldest son and his family are talking about doing a rendezvous (Probably Port Hardy) with us for two weeks. He wants to get up close to the Hump Back and Orca whales that are common there. Terry http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townID=3570)
Even with the admiral on board, I single hand most everything because of her arthritis. She does help with docking when aboard or steering, but I have most everything down to a standard solo procedure. A larger boat does require effort, but I tend to rely on any mechanical advantage. I've sailed Belle-Vie several thousand miles in PNW waters over the years and, like the admiral, as long as you do what she wants, she is a real pussy cat. It was not that easy at first. Had to learn her ways, plus added a mid ship cleat to help in solo docking and a few other things. Wonderful boat, fast, stiff and very comfortable. At 65 I keep fit doing muscle work and running so that perhaps I can keep sailing her into my 70s. Sure hope so. Our flotilla is making some plans for another two month cruise north, this time to Ocean Falls, British Columbia (see link). Ii is just north of the top of Vancouver Island on the mainland side. So far seven boats are planning on the adventure. I'm getting pumped. Our oldest son and his family are talking about doing a rendezvous (Probably Port Hardy) with us for two weeks. He wants to get up close to the Hump Back and Orca whales that are common there. Terry http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?townID=3570)
Based on Boat Location
For us, our C25 is great for now. I say that because we are still in the learning phase and the size of the 25 is just what we need for that. However, I have been looking at larger boats for several reasons, some of them already stated. My needs are more in the comfort range... yes, I am comfortable on the 25, but I am tired of stooping in the main cabin, trying to sleep in a V berth made for shorter people..and I am not tall, and a head that is enclosed. For the admiral it is wheel steering...and a better galley. I don't really care, but she is insisting on it. Since I know when to take the admiral seriously, we are looking at probably a C30. It provides what I have said we would like, and still is small and economical enough to support. And a 30 footer would be just about right for our large lake...now if it was at sea, then a whole new set of requirements would be in the mix.
For us, our C25 is great for now. I say that because we are still in the learning phase and the size of the 25 is just what we need for that. However, I have been looking at larger boats for several reasons, some of them already stated. My needs are more in the comfort range... yes, I am comfortable on the 25, but I am tired of stooping in the main cabin, trying to sleep in a V berth made for shorter people..and I am not tall, and a head that is enclosed. For the admiral it is wheel steering...and a better galley. I don't really care, but she is insisting on it. Since I know when to take the admiral seriously, we are looking at probably a C30. It provides what I have said we would like, and still is small and economical enough to support. And a 30 footer would be just about right for our large lake...now if it was at sea, then a whole new set of requirements would be in the mix.
Just Right
I own a 1988 27 ft Islander which is perfect for my wife and I and a few friends. I can sail single handed while everyone else enjoys themselves and all have a good time. The boat is also trailerable which allows me to take to the coast when ever I want. Having the boat equipped with the necessary stuff will make the difference in many cases. Happy Sails to all Bryan
I own a 1988 27 ft Islander which is perfect for my wife and I and a few friends. I can sail single handed while everyone else enjoys themselves and all have a good time. The boat is also trailerable which allows me to take to the coast when ever I want. Having the boat equipped with the necessary stuff will make the difference in many cases. Happy Sails to all Bryan
32' works
But generally the larger the boat the less it seems to go out sailing. But it is a matter of work. Trailering a smaller boat is more work that a larger boat in a slip. I usually sail with my wife and our 32' works well but our 26' worked well too. I don't think that I would wnat something much larger than 32' for daysailing/overnighting. We are thinking about something larger for extended cruising...but not much larger maybe 35-36'.
But generally the larger the boat the less it seems to go out sailing. But it is a matter of work. Trailering a smaller boat is more work that a larger boat in a slip. I usually sail with my wife and our 32' works well but our 26' worked well too. I don't think that I would wnat something much larger than 32' for daysailing/overnighting. We are thinking about something larger for extended cruising...but not much larger maybe 35-36'.
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