GL: Defever 49

[M S]

Since we are talking about qualities that make a good looping boat, I will
throw in my two cents:
 
Low freeboard with easy dock access from front, middle or rear of the boat:
Especially when trying to get into fixed or short docks you can't always get a
convienent part of the boat next to the dock. Watched a meduim size aft cabin
in Elizabeth city where the couple had to litterally climb the bow pulpit to
get on and off. Also the higher the freeboard, the more dependent a couple
traveling alone is dependent on a dockhand being there to grab a dockline and
get the boat secured.
 
And I'll second shallow Draft: We can get into so many places others won't
even consider since we can get into 1.5' of water. Also, at some marinas, we
have been able to get a slip when others have been told they are full.
 
We have a Gemini 3400 (sail catamaran). There is no perfect boat, but this one
is slow (6kt curise) but overall pretty good for the type of cruise that the
great loop is.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II