When to move up?
- Thread starter Pkeller
- Start date
Solo sailing, as most of us have found, is actually easier on a well-equipped larger sailboat than a 23-foot trailer sailor. I move up to a C36 years ago, and tripled by solo sails because it had: autopilot that acted as a (stupid) extra hand at the wheel, good winches to multiply muscle power, comforts (head, cup holders, fridge, etc.), stability so I did not fear getting into weather, push-button diesel engine that would bail me out. Chatted with a buddy with a C45 who stepped up through the Catalina line 5 foot at a time, and he told me the same thing - sailing his boat was much easier than when he had the same model as mine.
Moving up to a 28-30 footer is a prudent move. Easier to sail than your 23 and reasonable to dock. Loads aren’t that great and docking and handling aren’t that much harder. At 35’, docking and close quarters handling get more difficult due to momentum and windage which require a learning curve.
Sounds like packrats with houses and garages filled with junk.
I am usually filled with joy when I get rid of stuff.
House or boat or life in general....my motto is now reduce and simply.
Already making a list of gear and stuff, to remove from the boat in the spring.
Hot water tank was removed last fall.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,927
As a pack rat in PRAnonymous with monthly meetings I would have said "Simplify". But there you go. I just use or hold on to too many letters. Thank you Leeward... I bring it up at my next meeting.my motto is now reduce and simply.
LOL.. I love typing on this phone..
You could also read that, with the emoticon, as "simply drink beer"
I shall leave the typo so that these replies make sense.
While a 23.5 can be trailered a 27/30 boat will have to be kept in a mooring or slip. Some sailors like trailering their boats to different venues while others are content with a fixed sailing area. It is good to cut your teeth in a small boat as they require more sailing inputs and attention' as the larger boats are usually more forgiving and comfortable. The larger boats will be faster and able to handle more weather and effectively be able to expand your sailing area. If you feel confident in the 23.5 you will have no problems adapting to a 27 or 30. The next step is getting the right boat, a bigger boat is a bigger investment and it would be a costly mistake to get a 27 when you really need a 30. Check both of them out and if possible take a ride in each. Make a list of must haves and a separate list of wants and start looking at boats, don't be afraid in the beginning to pass up on some boats that you think might be a good deal and give yourself a chance to look at many. The must haves on your list are non-negotiable so walk away from any boat that does not meet them. In the wants category are items that you would like or items that you must have but would be inexpensive to install if the boat did not have them. The big ticket items in a boat are Electronics, Sails, engine, hull and standing rigging so make sure these are in good condition.