Gushter
New Member
Dears,
Question for the forum. Is it possible to cross the Atlantic, 3,000 nm, in a small, diesel powered cruiser such as the Jeanneau Leader 805 with the proper modifications and an acceptable level of risk? I understand it is an unusual idea, not the typical experience and there are many risks involved. I have plenty of sailing experience, incl. two Newport to Bermuda races (as crew but in the racing class) and I have some RIB experience in heavy seas (in the Bristol channel, RNLI). We are just talking about something we want to do and say we have done it, then go back to our office jobs. It is partly motivated by the experience, partly by the lack of time to sail across.
The basics, we can take care of: single diesel for efficiency, 2nd small outboard for backup, other safety, dry food, shake in of the boat, etc. We believe we can handle slamming the waves for a week but we will do our best to choose a good weather window, say January 2014 from the Azores and we plan to complete the crossing in 8-10 days.
Now, the tough question: We expect to make 2.5 nmpg @ 20 knots (the boat can do in excess of 35 knots) but if there are significant waves, it would be less. On the other hand, there is always the option to drop to hull speed and extend the voyage, food permitting. Still, we estimate we need around 1,200 gallons of diesel or around 8,500 lbs. The boat dry weight is 6,000 lbs and max weight is around 10,000 lbs. Thus, when we start, we expect to be at around 15,000 lbs at least or 50% above the recommended limit. It will look like a semi-submersible in the beginning. I estimate the design waterline will be 7-8" below the water.
The engine power is enough to maintain the target speed but probably not as efficiently. We have found enough storage space to fit the fuel (aft cabin will be a steel tank, windlass area, cockpit, etc.) but it will be quite messy. The other option is just to build a torpedo like steel tank that we tow behind the boat and then just drop in the ocean but it may be tricky to refuel in bad weather. One unexpected benefit of storing the fuel inside is that the boat will become more or less un-sinkable.
Could it be done? Let's discuss how to make it happen and not why the idea is silly... The key parameters important to us are: we want to use the boat as a weekend boat afterwards, so while we are open to getting a bigger boat, it is not justifiable given the intended use; money is not so much of an issue but time is critical, safety is important but we are not looking at Nordhavn level of comfort or safety. We are willing to take reasonable risks.
Thank you,
Gushter
Question for the forum. Is it possible to cross the Atlantic, 3,000 nm, in a small, diesel powered cruiser such as the Jeanneau Leader 805 with the proper modifications and an acceptable level of risk? I understand it is an unusual idea, not the typical experience and there are many risks involved. I have plenty of sailing experience, incl. two Newport to Bermuda races (as crew but in the racing class) and I have some RIB experience in heavy seas (in the Bristol channel, RNLI). We are just talking about something we want to do and say we have done it, then go back to our office jobs. It is partly motivated by the experience, partly by the lack of time to sail across.
The basics, we can take care of: single diesel for efficiency, 2nd small outboard for backup, other safety, dry food, shake in of the boat, etc. We believe we can handle slamming the waves for a week but we will do our best to choose a good weather window, say January 2014 from the Azores and we plan to complete the crossing in 8-10 days.
Now, the tough question: We expect to make 2.5 nmpg @ 20 knots (the boat can do in excess of 35 knots) but if there are significant waves, it would be less. On the other hand, there is always the option to drop to hull speed and extend the voyage, food permitting. Still, we estimate we need around 1,200 gallons of diesel or around 8,500 lbs. The boat dry weight is 6,000 lbs and max weight is around 10,000 lbs. Thus, when we start, we expect to be at around 15,000 lbs at least or 50% above the recommended limit. It will look like a semi-submersible in the beginning. I estimate the design waterline will be 7-8" below the water.
The engine power is enough to maintain the target speed but probably not as efficiently. We have found enough storage space to fit the fuel (aft cabin will be a steel tank, windlass area, cockpit, etc.) but it will be quite messy. The other option is just to build a torpedo like steel tank that we tow behind the boat and then just drop in the ocean but it may be tricky to refuel in bad weather. One unexpected benefit of storing the fuel inside is that the boat will become more or less un-sinkable.
Could it be done? Let's discuss how to make it happen and not why the idea is silly... The key parameters important to us are: we want to use the boat as a weekend boat afterwards, so while we are open to getting a bigger boat, it is not justifiable given the intended use; money is not so much of an issue but time is critical, safety is important but we are not looking at Nordhavn level of comfort or safety. We are willing to take reasonable risks.
Thank you,
Gushter
