A boat for single-handing - 37'-40'? Lifting or twin keels? Rig? Sail drives?

[Freeloader]

Hi Contessaman,

Of your two options, I very much aim for the latter. Absolute performance is not critical but, equally, I don't want to just plod about ��

Shallow draft for sailing in and around Poole would be ideal and something that is well laid out and easily manoeuvreable for single handing is essential but also big enough to take a group of friends and family along too... Not too much to ask then!

 

[contessaman]

In my opinion, any decent modern light displacement lift keeler would be fine for you.

I think you'd be better placed finding a really good condition example and refining the setup to suit single handing, rather than getting hung up on design and hamstringing yourself to a particular marque or model.

Most of my sailing over the years has been either on my own or with wife and very young kids as non participating passengers. I would say the most important things are:

Good reliable engine
Reliable autopilot (I also have a windvane)
Bow thruster
Powerful electric windlass.
Fully battened main and furling Genoa.

None of the above are peculiar to any one brand of boat.

Which comes back to your shallow draft requirement.

What about finding a decent one of these and keeping a few quid back for a bowthruster and fully battened main etc if she doesn't already have one?

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/s26215/s26215.htm

Had you said your sailing was all to be offshore, I would have suggested a modest draught long keeler of heavy displacement. Not because light displacement boats aren't seaworthy, but because I came to the conclusion years ago that when sailing shorthanded on long passages, the ability to rest and function normally is everything. And the weight and motion of a heavier boat can make all the difference. In my experiences, if the boat is steady and comfortable, I remain rested and alert and can in turn make smart choices and have the energy to trim the boat for speed. When I'm weary and seasick, don't eat properly and don't sleep properly, I get lazy and disinterested and make poor decisions.

Happy hunting

 

[CJU]

Marlow /Legend are having a rally at Haslar marina on the 19/20th May. You can look over current and older models and talk to owners plus maybe go for a sail.