Any experienced boaters here?

[joboo]

I was wondering what kind of sailboat is a good choice for something that is capable of touring the Caribbean, and most likely a southern pass of the Atlantic after getting "bored" of the western hemisphere.

Some considerations would be not having to run a motor for electricity, and the whole refrigeration issue. I would imagine propane could be used for the fridge, but solar would be a must. I suppose a 200 watt portable solar panel in plexiglas could go a long way in powering accessories?

Has anyone looked into this more in detail?

[Libertytree]

Solid is the man to ask, he'll prolly be around soon.

BTW, that's one fucked up avatar.

[gunDriller]

I was wondering what kind of sailboat is a good choice for something that is capable of touring the Caribbean, and most likely a southern pass of the Atlantic after getting "bored" of the western hemisphere.

Some considerations would be not having to run a motor for electricity, and the whole refrigeration issue. I would imagine propane could be used for the fridge, but solar would be a must. I suppose a 200 watt portable solar panel in plexiglas could go a long way in powering accessories?

Has anyone looked into this more in detail?

i get seasick real easy but i like reading about some sailor's adventures. i know i've seen some in the last few months. will post here next time i run across a good detailed ocean-going "how-to" article.

[solid]

Joboo, I'm currently fixing up an old sailboat for a voyage at sea. My dream, is to take a whole year and just sail the topics. I've yet to decide between the s. pacific, or all the way down the coast to south america, visiting costa rica, panama, perhaps eventually chile. Heck, maybe all of it. :)

What type of sailboat is a very difficult question to answer. Since you seem interested in the Caribbean, you'll most likely want to sail the Bahamas as well. I do know, for the Bahamas, you need a shallow draft boat to get into some of the anchorages. My boat draws 6 1/2 feet, which may be too deep for some places.

Some things to consider regarding types of sailboats. As you further research this, you'll get a lot of conflicting information.

1) Size. Lot's of factors here. How many in the crew? How physically fit is the crew to handle bigger sails, bigger lines, winches, anchors, etc. How big is the budget. My thoughts on this is to get the smallest boat you, and crew, can be comfortable in. Generally, a sailboat doubles in size every 5 feet added in length. So, my 40 footer has twice the size of a 35 foot boat. A 45 foot boat has twice the size of my boat, etc. Larger boats, if designed right, can be more comfortable at sea...but, people have sailed around the world in all types of different boats. So, it's really a personal decision.

2) Seaworthiness and seakindliness. Two separate things, and you want both in a blue water boat. Seaworthiness, is the boat designed, and constructed, to handle all types of weather and conditions at sea. Seakindliness, is the boat going to be comfortable at sea, in most conditions. You can have a tough boat, but if the crew is seasick, they are worthless. Likewise, you can have a plush comfortable boat, but is she going to fall apart in the first storm you sail into.

Lot's of books are written on this subject, and I've read many before making the decision to purchase.

Anyway, just a few things to think about. If there's any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

Offhand, here's one good book to consider starting with:

http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Life-Commonsense-Would-Be-Voyager/dp/0070653607

Also, regarding refrigeration, the refer is the biggest power hog on the boat. You definitely need a good battery system, and solar, or wind, to charge it. Do NOT install a propane refer. Propane is the #1 cause of boats exploding and everyone onboard dying.

[Eyebone]

Get a catamaran.

Roomy, shallow draft and fast, you,ll be there before everyone else.

[solid]

Get a catamaran.

Roomy, shallow draft and fast, you,ll be there before everyone else.

There's some catamarans out there that are nice, huge, with lot's of room. The trade-off is not being able to point up into the wind much. They do best sailing downwind.

A friend of mine, a very experienced sailor, helped sail a Lagoon 45 to Hawaii from the west coast. Around a 600,000 dollar boat. He said in light winds the boat was great. In the big ocean swells however, the boat was very uncomfortable. She tended to rock and pound with the waves, instead of cut through them..like a monohull would.

http://www.cata-lagoon.com/lagoon_450_presentation_uk.php

[joboo]

Joboo, I'm currently fixing up an old sailboat for a voyage at sea. My dream, is to take a whole year and just sail the topics. I've yet to decide between the s. pacific, or all the way down the coast to south america, visiting costa rica, panama, perhaps eventually chile. Heck, maybe all of it. :)

What type of sailboat is a very difficult question to answer. Since you seem interested in the Caribbean, you'll most likely want to sail the Bahamas as well. I do know, for the Bahamas, you need a shallow draft boat to get into some of the anchorages. My boat draws 6 1/2 feet, which may be too deep for some places.

Some things to consider regarding types of sailboats. As you further research this, you'll get a lot of conflicting information.

1) Size. Lot's of factors here. How many in the crew? How physically fit is the crew to handle bigger sails, bigger lines, winches, anchors, etc. How big is the budget. My thoughts on this is to get the smallest boat you, and crew, can be comfortable in. Generally, a sailboat doubles in size every 5 feet added in length. So, my 40 footer has twice the size of a 35 foot boat. A 45 foot boat has twice the size of my boat, etc. Larger boats, if designed right, can be more comfortable at sea...but, people have sailed around the world in all types of different boats. So, it's really a personal decision.

2) Seaworthiness and seakindliness. Two separate things, and you want both in a blue water boat. Seaworthiness, is the boat designed, and constructed, to handle all types of weather and conditions at sea. Seakindliness, is the boat going to be comfortable at sea, in most conditions. You can have a tough boat, but if the crew is seasick, they are worthless. Likewise, you can have a plush comfortable boat, but is she going to fall apart in the first storm you sail into.

Lot's of books are written on this subject, and I've read many before making the decision to purchase.

Anyway, just a few things to think about. If there's any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

Offhand, here's one good book to consider starting with:

http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Life-Commonsense-Would-Be-Voyager/dp/0070653607

Also, regarding refrigeration, the refer is the biggest power hog on the boat. You definitely need a good battery system, and solar, or wind, to charge it. Do NOT install a propane refer. Propane is the #1 cause of boats exploding and everyone onboard dying.

Awesome info thanks. I was thinking something in the 40-50k range. 40' is a nice size.

I stumbled across this site http://bluewaterboats.org/about/index/
so I now know I'm looking for a "blue water" boat.

So many things to think about. I'd like to try a southern pass of the Atlantic at some point and cruise through the Seychelles.

Some factors that have me thinking is monthly overall expenses, if there's any rules to being anchored off shore with local authorities, i.e do I have to dock at a marina rather than just anchoring, and ferrying to shore to visit places. I suppose security is the determining factor on this.

The idea is alluring, as I could essentially live this way for as long as I wanted to financially.

What to do...what to do. Thoughts of adventure are calling!

[solid]

Awesome info thanks. I was thinking something in the 40-50k range. 40' is a nice size.

I stumbled across this site http://bluewaterboats.org/about/index/
so I now know I'm looking for a "blue water" boat.

That's a great site. In the 40-50K range, you have a lot of choices. A good site to research actual boats for sale, specs, prices, and pictures..

www.yachtworld.com. I can spend hours on this site.

Here's one boat that comes to mind...

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1976/Cheoy-Lee-Offshore-Yawl-2308210/Mazatlan/Mexico

[osoab]

Solid is the man to ask, he'll prolly be around soon.

BTW, that's one fucked up avatar.


It's better than the Japanese dude he had. I do prefer his Bernanke avatar.

[solid]

Also joboo, one other thing to consider that I forgot to post...is hull material.

Steel is the strongest. However, you really have to keep up on maintenance (rust issues) and you should know, and are good at, welding, imo. Don't buy a wood boat, everything eats wood. A lot of marina's won't allow wood boats, and most insurance companies won't insure them. There are some ferrocement hulled boats for very good deals, but I would stay away from those as well.

Most modern boats are fiberglass. Not as strong as steel, but can be very well built. Do not rule out older fiberglass boats. They first started making them in the early 60's and into the mid 70's or so..and since it was new construction at the time, a lot of these boats are over built, very strong. They just kept hand laying layers of glass. My early 70's boat, on a recent haul out, I had to replace a thru hull. The hull is over 1" thick, solid hand layed glass. Very strong.

[joboo]

That's a great site. In the 40-50K range, you have a lot of choices. A good site to research actual boats for sale, specs, prices, and pictures..

www.yachtworld.com. I can spend hours on this site.

Here's one boat that comes to mind...

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1976/Cheoy-Lee-Offshore-Yawl-2308210/Mazatlan/Mexico

Thanks. Nice boat!

I like particularly this feature ;)
http://newimages.yachtworld.com/resize/1/5/86/3480586_0_230320111637_45.jpg?f=/1/5/86/3480586_0_230320111637_45.jpg&w=600&h=450&t=1302377588000

[joboo]

Also joboo, one other thing to consider that I forgot to post...is hull material.

Steel is the strongest. However, you really have to keep up on maintenance (rust issues) and you should know, and are good at, welding, imo. Don't buy a wood boat, everything eats wood. A lot of marina's won't allow wood boats, and most insurance companies won't insure them. There are some ferrocement hulled boats for very good deals, but I would stay away from those as well.

Most modern boats are fiberglass. Not as strong as steel, but can be very well built. Do not rule out older fiberglass boats. They first started making them in the early 60's and into the mid 70's or so..and since it was new construction at the time, a lot of these boats are over built, very strong. They just kept hand laying layers of glass. My early 70's boat, on a recent haul out, I had to replace a thru hull. The hull is over 1" thick, solid hand layed glass. Very strong.

That's beastly thick. Mostly I've been seeing 3/4 inch, and that's considered very sea worthy.

I like the stlye of this "corton" steel hull double cabin 85 Colvin Gazelle. Nice pirate ship effect, but it only has a 4 foot draft. hmm... Boat definitely has some character to it though. Fiberglass hull does seem like the way to go.

http://images.boats.com/resize/1/4/55/870455_0_030820101652_4.jpg?f=/1/4/55/870455_0_030820101652_4.jpg&w=480&h=349&t=1280883150000

http://images.boats.com/resize/1/4/55/870455_0_030820101652_2.jpg?f=/1/4/55/870455_0_030820101652_2.jpg&w=600&h=450&t=1280883150000

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Colvin-Gazelle-42/115099981

[solid]

That's beastly thick. Mostly I've been seeing 3/4 inch, and that's considered very sea worthy.

I like the stlye of this "corton" steel hull double cabin 85 Colvin Gazelle. Nice pirate ship effect, but it only has a 4 foot draft. hmm... Boat definitely has some character to it though. Fiberglass hull does seem like the way to go.

Corten steel is the best in steel construction. That's a beautiful boat, and big. It's 54' with that bowsprit.

The rig looks to me like a junk rigged schooner. I've never sailed a junk rig before, though a lot of folks love them. Keep in mind that boat is listed only displacing 17,000 pounds. For a 54 foot boat, that's not much. It may be a mistake in the listing. My 40 footer displaces over 25,000 pounds. Heavy means slower, but more comfortable at sea (usually).

[Nomoss]

I LOVE the KP44. Very nice boat at sea.
And if you do it right 2 can run it all the time.
Hell I did my self more than ones.
Look at www.latitude38.com
Some good reading.
You will need more than 200 W. Look in to the wind its the way to go.

[Grog]

BOAT is an acronym. Break Out Another Thousand!

As much as I love fishing, I am happy that I no longer have a boat. If I want to fish, I wade or go on the pier now. If I really want to get into some open water, I charter a trip. The maintenance costs for the boat were just too much for me long term. Much more than a car or house IMO.

I will admit, they are fun when things are working. :D Definitely had some good times when I owned boats, but I don't think I'll ever do that again, unless I'm living right on the water and using it every single day.

[joboo]

I would imagine $500 a month should cover expenses.

Found this site looking for firearms laws across various countries.

'Noonsite aims to provide a one-stop website featuring essential information on all matters of interest to sailors planning an offshore voyage anywhere in the world, whether already underway or still in the preparatory stages"

http://www.noonsite.com/

[hoarder]

I would imagine propane could be used for the fridge, but solar would be a must. Just be real damned careful. Propane is heavier than air and many will not use it in boats for that reason.

[Libertytree]

Thanks. Nice boat!

I like particularly this feature ;)
http://newimages.yachtworld.com/resize/1/5/86/3480586_0_230320111637_45.jpg?f=/1/5/86/3480586_0_230320111637_45.jpg&w=600&h=450&t=1302377588000

Now that's a kickass avatar :)

[V10Silver]

My wife and I have the same thoughts about retiring to the Caribbean. Only problem she never sailed, I fortunately grew up on the water. We found this as a derelict on the side of the road for 1300, including the trailer. The interior was a mess, there was a separated shroud and she had an ax handle for a tiller. The next spring I refitted her, new standing and running rigging, tiller, pony motor. The first picture is the first day we got it home. The next 3 are the first day in the water. My wife is now a very seasoned hand. We go out regardless of the weather. I do this as training for her to prepare. We partook in a race blowing 18, just her and I. The other boats had 3 or 4 crew each. This is a 1979 San Juan 7.7 meter.
2466246324642465

[solid]

That's a good story, V10. Thanks for sharing (unfortunately can't see your attached pics though).

For anyone serious about learning how to sail. I highly recommend the ASA certification courses. It's the American Sailing Association. There's several courses that build upon each other. I went through 3 of them, the first one Basic Keelboat, 2nd Basic Coastal Cruising, and the 3rd Bareboat Chartering.

The bareboat chartering course gives you a certificate that allows you to charter a sailboat up to 50 feet in length. Basically, with this cert, I can go anywhere and charter a 50 foot sailboat.

I only mention these courses for the folks who are very serious about purchasing boats and going cruising. It's hands on training, on the water, and gives you knowledge, and most importantly builds confidence levels. There is a lot to learn about boat handling, especially sailboats, and these courses are an excellent value.

The reality of it, is anyone can go and buy a 100k boat without having a clue on how to handle her. Then, when accidents happen, or bad experiences...those folks give up on boating and hate it.

Anyway, before sounding like a salesman, or sailsman :)...here's the link. I had a wonderful experience with these courses.

http://www.asa.com/getting_started.html

[V10Silver]

Let's see if these pics come thru....

[joboo]

Let's see if these pics come thru....

http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2471&d=1331926367
http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2470&d=1331926362
http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2469&d=1331926337
http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2468&d=1331926304

Nice work!

[zap]

And please make sure you have a dinghy in case your boat sinks and watch out for sharks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[solid]

And please make sure you have a dinghy in case your boat sinks and watch out for sharks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have 2 dinghy's. I'll share my safety tip. Actually 3 dinghy's....have a 'zap' dinghy safe from sharks. The other two dinghy's. Use one to go to shore, back and forth, from anchorage. Your main dinghy. The other dinghy, is a decoy. Leave that one tied to your boat, at anchor, and have a small light on. Some thieves, will see the decoy dinghy, tied to the boat, and the light, and assume you are home. A boat at anchor, with no lights on, and no dinghy alongside..screams of an opportunity.

[joboo]

Found this to be an interesting read:

The Cruising Handbook

http://www.callipygia600.com/callnugget/allcruising/cruising-handbook.pdf

http://www.callipygia600.com/callnugget/allcruising/cruising.htm

[solid]

Found this to be an interesting read:

The Cruising Handbook

http://www.callipygia600.com/callnugget/allcruising/cruising-handbook.pdf

http://www.callipygia600.com/callnugget/allcruising/cruising.htm

I'll have to give those a read, thanks for sharing.

On the boat now hunkered below in the rain...I found some books to recommend.

Singlehanded sailing. Richard Henderson. Great book, a must read for rigging a boat for single handing. Even if you have a crew, it's good to rig the boat so that one person can handle her in emergencies.

Boat owner's mechanical and electrical manual. Nigel Calder. Nigel is the renowned guru when it comes to boat repairs, from electrical to deckwork. Any book by his is a good addition to the cruising library.

Chapman's piloting. A must have for navigation reference. I have the 62nd edition, and also the 1959 edition. Milehi sent me the 1959 edition. It was the last edition edited by Chapman himself. I cherish this book, and give Milehi many thanks. He's a great guy.

Modern cruising under sail. Don Dobbs. A good all around book, into to cruising topics.

World Cruising Routes. Jimmy Cornell. I know a guy who used the routes in this book cruising for months. It's a good book to research destinations. Well recommended.

This old boat. Don Casey. For fixing up an old boat, like I'm doing. Good book for projects.

Man...too many books to list, but this is a good start.

[solid]

Another neat book I just found...The Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge. John Vigor.

This small book is a fun read. It's like a dictionary of nautical terms, and explains them in a humorous way. If you have a question, such as how to secure the bitter end of an anchor chain, you can just look it up in this book really quick for some tips.

[solid]

While discussing books...you probably ought to get a copy of Bowditch. This book is near the helm of every commercial ship on the seas, in the world (so I'm told). It's basically the navigation bible. I should follow my own advise and get a copy for myself. I wouldn't consider going offshore without it, actually. This book also helped me pass my Master's license and course.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Practical-Navigator-Bowditch/dp/0939837544

[solid]

Thought I'd bump this thread.

I have a neighbor, very nice old guy, who sailed by himself all throughout the pacific island, to Australia, New Zealand. He single-handed for years.

This is the same kind of boat he has. They are very traditional, stout, strong boats. Not too many folks know about them, and my neighbor says everyone thinks it's a Hans Christianson, which is a very expensive boat.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatMergedDetails.jsp?boat_id=2454097&ybw=&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1551&url=

[JDRock]

..id love to help you, but remember MY boat SANK! ...with all my hard earned PM's =(