Are we still in it for the ride ?

[Guest]

There has been much talk of 'build quality' in boats recently, plus of course stability curves and techy type things - which are of course very important when choosing a boat.

But what about the ride in a yacht, and not just in the rough stuff. Surely this is one of the most important factors when making a choice? or is it ?

Four years ago I went from a tubby bilge keeler to a narrow beamed long keeled heavy job. The difference in terms of comfort, and less stress when sailing was a revelation .

I am not saying for a moment that everyone should have a boat like mine, but have others had a similar (upward or downward) experience when changing boats ?

 

[PeterGibbs]

Many boats show their qualities when dealing with quartering seas - it is a significant discriminating factor. My boat is broad beamed and carries it back to the transom and I have to report that quartering seas move it about a bit! Of course the designs of 30 years ago narrowed the transom to a pencil-sharp point to "divide following seas" but like so many other mores, that has largely gone by the board.

The gains from a broader beam, with its improved form stability and interior comforts are well known. Sailing on non-quartering points is a satisfying experience.

The upshot of having wider transoms is, I believe, that modern boats have to be actively sailed - letting them find their own way in unsettled conditions can lead to unpleasantness!

PWG

 

[romany123]

about seven or eight years ago, I was asked to skipper a heavy displacement boat up the East Coast . Having been used to a lightweight gibsea 28, I was getting a bit concerned way the wind was picking up, eventually it reached force seven (taking into account the speed of the boat) and I was amazed at how well she
handled it. She was a 35 ft wooden boat built from a plug, that was eventually going to be used to build fibglass boats, the owners had financial difficulties and sold it, and consequently the plug itself was turned into a sloop. we sold our boat that year, and bought a westerly Conway with a 6 ft keel....it was a change we have never regretted.

mind you that is a good thing about sailing, it's all about what you want the boat for, my wife and I always sail short handed shorthand, and the security of a boat that will look after us on a long journey when the going gets tough, is a great asset .all this is very easy to say providing you can afford to buy one,and want one (not for the racing types I guess)


Dave

 

[Mirelle]

"Isn't she nice!" is the usual reaction from people who are used to sailing modern boats when under way in my pre-war cutter. They do not say this when they first come on board - they may make nice remarks about the old fashioned oak panelled saloon, but they are not impressed by the size of the accomodation, the handling under power or the range of equipment.

What always impresses them is the "ride comfort" - she simply isn't bothered by anything under F7 - she just gives you the very reassuring impression that she hardly notices the occasional squall or lumpy sea; she just heels ever so slightly more, without rounding up, and she slices her way through the sea without being slowed by waves. She is most certainly going to get to where we are going, at a steady if unspectacular 5 knots or so, maybe six with the wind free, and the lack of seasickness, the finger tip steering on all points and the general air of massive solidity which is given by thick pieces of wood all round you are part of the generally reassuring air. Furthermore, she usually does it all by herself, with the person on watch looking out of the companion hatch.

We have the accomodation of a modern boat 10 feet shorter than ours, but the price is absolutely worth paying.

I don't expect owners of modern light boats to agree.

 

[kidnapped]

I owned a Ben 461,chartered Ben 381 and Bav 38 then chartered Pacific Seacraft 40 from Falmouth .... What a revelation! Went out in F7/8 tosee what it was like .... stayed out for 6hours having the time of our lives. Super stability,comfort,'finger tip' steering,dry and 8knots just off the wind. I've now bought something similar ... I hope!

 

[chippie]

I remember similar experiences sailing in a mate's old gaff cutter built in 1939. She was as slow as a wet week in light airs and was out pointed to windward by a trimaran , but in a blow the old girl woul pick up her skirts and romp with a very pleasing motion. She also had a great old twin cylinder Gardner diesel , 19hp I think, that was the most economical yacht motor I have ever come across.