Getting older, is 45 foot too big?

[snowleopard]

One good thing in the Caribbean is that once you get to the Windward/Leeward chain there is not much tacking. Just a close reach between Islands. Our likely sailchange problem will be taking in a mainsail reef if required on passage.

When sailing between islands in the Windwards you will often find you need to take a reef as you come out of the lee of an island unless you are a very conservative sailor.

I manage fine alone with the 650 sq rig on my 40 footer. I helped a friend with a passage on his 55 foot version of the same thing and his rig was so powerful that two of us struggled with it even in moderate winds. Remember the sail area and power of a rig is proportional to the square of the length and the weight of gear proportional to the cube.

I would recommend doing a passage on a boat of the size you are planning to buy so you can get an idea of how hard it is to work in real conditions rather than a sunny afternoon test sail.

 

[oldsaltoz]

66 and counting, been sailing all my life, have been sailing a 42 cat for the last 5 years, have done some single handed trips but only coastal hops and not without problems.

Now I know you said a cat of reasonable size was too expensive. What kenght would you consider 'reasonable'?

Look a few of the real advantages, shallow draft, huge cockpit often with table and chairs, a good hard top for protection from sun or rain, super stable at anchor, very easy to manoeuvre with twin engines can be turned in it's own length, easy to get back on board after a swim, will take to ground without damage and provides a shady cool area between the hulls, vast saloon area, a proper bathroom, storage space galore.

I prefer the galley up and nav table located in the aft of the saloon and the rest dedicated to a small table and lounge extending right across the forward end curving back to the hull access steps.

Electric anchor winch, lazy jacks or stack pack, two speed winches with self tailers, all stainless side an bow rails with no wire and at least 800 mm high, 2 small fridge/freezers rather than one large one, and the list goes on.

Avagoodweekend......