Can a boat be too big ?

[Lakesailor]

Seems apt

To bring back into practice, notice, or use.

 

[LittleSister]

We normally sail a 23 footer (albeit a fairly chunky one). Even at that size I miss a bit the closeness to the water rushing past - just inches away from the cockpit - of the smaller boats such as a Hurley 22 and a 16 1/2 foot centre-boarder, that I sailed in the past. That feeling is much more pronounced in the larger boats I have sailed.

I would, however live with that for the extra accommodation, etc., of a larger boat. Unfortunately my bank manager wouldn't!

I find that up to about perhaps 30 or 32 foot, a larger boat is easier to single hand than a smaller one - easier to move around the deck because of the extra space/side-deck widths, and the more stable platform of the larger boats. Beyond that the size, weight and distance of things starts getting more challenging.

As size and draught goes up then anchorages and harbour spaces start gradually getting more restricted (I recall reading about some ludicously deep-draughted super yacht that had only a handful of harbours in the Med available to it), but long distance passage-making becomes less of an endurance test.

I don't think that there's an ideal size for me, let alone for everyone. I can't imagine wanting anything much over 40 foot, even if money were no object, but I'm glad that there's such a range of boats, and of people's preferences.

 

[Searush]

Resurrected. Really?

Have you not seen the date of the initial posts?

 

[chinita]

Seems apt

I know.

Certainly clearer than #24.

 

[chinita]

Have you not seen the date of the initial posts?

Whoooosh.

See #24.

 

[Monique]

My ''Sea Witch'' is a 30 year old Barbican 33.She is berthed at Camaret sur mer and I sail single handed. I sometimes think I will change her for something a little bigger and faster but then I watch the bigger boats arriving and see the panic amongst some of the crews when tying up. I think of the extra berthing costs and of trying to find a visitor berth during peak season. No thanks 10m is the perfect size for me. She will go anywhere I want in any weather I want to sail in. And she is easy and cheap to maintain. If I had to change her I might even go for something a little smaller.

New here ???? Welcome and thanks for reviving a thread dead for 13 years...