GL: Sailboats

[Ralph Yost (home)]

I always enjoy reading Bob Austin's posts.
The consideration about what boat is best (large or small ) always comes 
down HOW the boat will be used. That is more appropriate than whether we 
agree or disagree on the selection of a boat.
I have been of the philosophy for many years that I want the largest water 
line I can AFFORD under me. It provides a better ride, more use in more 
conditions, etc.
However, with all boating things, there are trade offs. Generally, smaller 
boats cost a lot less and have a lower TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP, when 
compared to similar quality larger boats.  They are easier to handle. 
Affordability is a prime consideration for most of us.
For this audience of Loopers, we can pretty much agree that many boats will 
be suitable as it is not a demanding trip on the vessel. So yes a sailboat 
can do the Loop, with some caveats and trade offs. Small boats and large 
boats can do the Loop as well.

That said, we bought a Defever 41  last year.
R.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "bob Austin" <thataway4 at cox.net>

> I rarely disagree with Bill Fiero, but I would have said that I would 
> rather
> be in a well built, seaworthy small boat, than a poorly designed or built
> larger boat.  If all things are equal in quality of build and 
> seaworthyness, I
> will choose the larger boat every day.  For example--above I mentioned 40 
> to
> 45 foot breaking seas.  In you are in a boat with a 20 foot water line, 
> the
> chance of pitchpoling and capsize is very high in those conditions. Our 
> boat
> had a 46 foot waterline, and the chance of pitchpoling or capsize was
> considerably less.  In fact in that storm, 3 smaller boats sank--there 
> were 3
> of us all about the same size within VHF radio contact and we all survived
> with minimal damage (but not much rest).