GL: Single handed Loop boat

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

The Nimble Nomad (24') is probably the most comfortable trailable single 
handed boat I have seen. Dennis and Esther Bruckel have cruised for years on an 
Albin 27. Either, in sailaway condition, will cost less than $30,000.

But don't forget small cruising sailboats. The price is much lower on these 
than on comparably sized trawler type powerboats. Check Soundings ads for a 
comparison. Most auxiliary sailboats with an adequate inboard will travel fast 
enough to average 60 miles of cruising a day, using far less fuel than most 
trawlers. 

Twenty years ago my wife and I did most of the loop in a trailable 1965 23' 
Westerly Nomad twin keel sailboat. Draft was 2'3", about the same as that as a 
C22 with lowered outboard power. It was comfortable, had standing headroom, a 
real built in head with a LectroSan, propane stove cooking, and a very 
reliable Volvo MB10 inboard engine. A similar boat would probably sell for $5000 
today. 

About 2/3 of the Loop is suitable for sailing. We only had to put the mast 
down when going through the Erie Canal and the Chicago bridges. It took all of 
15 minutes to lower.

I would do it again in the same boat if I were singlehanding. If time is not 
of the essence, there is no need to go faster than 6 knots.

Larry Z


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