Does a boat exist to meet my needs?

[bolinj]

I live in West Cork and am learning to sail. But on good evenings I would like to be able to get to one of our many islands quickly ie. using a 40/50bhp outboard. Is there a boat out there which perform both tasks? Any other suggestions welcome. I'm trying to avoid the need for 2 boats.
Thanks
Colin

 

[BobnLesley]

I've noticed your enquiries regarding the MacGregor soap dishes here too.

The short answer remains No

A Mobo won't sail, but is good for visiting the islands quickly

A Yacht's the thing for learning offshore sailing in, but won't take you quickly to the islands

Having actually once travelled (I really can't describe it as having 'sailed') on a Macgregor (not my own thank God!), I can report that it won't be any good for either of your planned activities.

The best 'compromise' might be a sailing dinghy; you can certainly learn to sail in it and 'in the right conditions' you will occassionally be able to make a fast passage to the offshore islands.

 

[Sixpence]

Don't take the light hearted banter too hard, it's just that when someone starts off with such an open post about the Mcg (shh, I didn't say it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) you'll find a world full of those that love, and those that can't stand them /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
On to your enquiry, basically you can't have your cake and eat it. If you want to get somewhere fast go for a mobo or rib, if you want to learn to sail, get used to going at a more sedate speed. Decide which way you want to go and you'll get loads of help, but ask about one boat that does both and you'll have everyone telling you to go for their own favourite. Mobo or rag boat, it's make your mind up time, but either way you'll get loads of help /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bolinj]

It seems so far nobody has come to their defense. You can see from this thread why I thought the unmentionable might be the answer, but obviously I don't want a pup which does neither job well. RIBs are mad money over here, I guess buying on in the UK is the answer.

 

[Sixpence]

Don't think I need anybody to defend me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
But not being much of a lover of rib's I'll bow out and leave you to it, best of luck with whichever way you go, off sailing now, have fun /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Csail]

Get a nice sailing boat with a rib as a tender with 10-15 hp outbd.

 

[dukes4monny]

Maybe something like a Drascombe Lugger might better suit your needs?
It wouldn't be as fast as you need under power, but probably a better compromise than the [swear word removed].

 

[Searush]

The reason RIBs are pricey in Eire is probaly due to demand exceeding supply, That should tell you something - like they are exactly what you need for fast shortish journeys in sheltered water. And they are easy to trailer sail. That's why Divers like them, and sport boaters, and they are used a lot on island communities. are you starting to see the picture?

Sailing boats go nowhere fast, and they require a fair bit of skill to use efficiently, but they are rewarding when you get it right. McG's sail Ok but don't point upwind that well, but have a whacking great motor if you are in a hurry. They will not be as fuel efficient or as fast as a RIB and require even more setting up than the average sailboat as you need pump water ballast in & out and raise/lower keel when changing mode from sail to motor & back. Horses for courses as usual.

 

[Sixpence]

To be fair, the McG keel is very easy to lift and drop, the ballast tank is simple enough to fill, and setting the sails is an easy enough job, also the cockpit is quite comfortable and secure. They do move quite fast when the need arises, it's just that they're neither a sail or mobo, which means they try to give the best of both and don't quite manage it. Personally don't mind them, but wouldn't want one myself, each to their own though.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

No one has mentioned the most important reason not to have one. Aside from those things the Merkins call 'pontoon boats' they are one of the ugliest boats you could find. There is one on a berth near mine and it definitely 'fell out of the ugly tree striking every branch on its way down' to quote one of the sages.

 

[bolinj]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't think I need anybody to defend me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
:

[/ QUOTE ]

I was referring to Mcgreggor's!

 

[graham]

A father and teenage son sailed two "Tide 28" twenty eight foot lifting keel yachts across the Atlantic recently.

According to the website they can do 18 knots with a big outboard motor.

web page

I think one of these would do exactly what you want.

 

[Noddy]

A good multhull will fulfill your needs.

My understanding is that the only limit on speed with lots of power is the windage of the rig.

I think a multi will do what a McG will, and sail well too.

You don't mention your budget, but at the bottom end you might look at a Telstar trimaran or Iroquois catamaran. I don't research the top end much but I'm sure there is some very capable kit out there.

Paul