Where to keep it and what to do with it?

[William_H]

The OP seems set upon his fin keel boat and if that is the case he must try to find suitable mooring arrangements. However I wonder why catamarans are not more popular given the drying mooring difficulties. Certainly a fin keeler will sail better to windward (and I reckon beating to windward one of the real joys of sailing) than a cat or a bilge keeler but advantages are a bit pointless if you can't moor it easily (or in budget). A lift keel boat might be an answer or another option. olewill

 

[H35]

However I wonder why catamarans are not more popular given the drying mooring difficulties. Certainly a fin keeler will sail better to windward (and I reckon beating to windward one of the real joys of sailing) than a cat or a bilge keeler but advantages are a bit pointless if you can't moor it easily (or in budget).

And you are certain this is the truth, the whole thruth, and nothing but the thruth??

Weeeeell...... I had the pleasure of taking part in a huge regatta as mainsail trimmer on a King 40 racing yacht.

http://www.sailingworld.com/sailboats/king-40-2009-overall-boat-year

The first 7 hours of sailing was speeding downwind in 10-15 knots boatspeed out of the Oslofiord. Those "pesky" multihulls were of course keeping up with us, and some even outraced us. But as we were turning at the Færder Lighthouse for a long stretch of tacking upwind, even I (former trimaran sailor) thought to myself those bulky cats we had all around us would be left behind. The King 40 is a fenomenal allround racer. And upwind, with 10 guys riding legs out in strong gusts.... Well, I was certain of it. -Until two gentlemen in their 60's in a 36 foot touring cat passed us upwind with a bang, while sitting down drinking coffee, lifting their cups to salute us.... On a 4 hour tacking stretch, they beat us with one hour. Cats can't go upwind?? Oh indeed they can! :encouragement:

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've always had bilge keelers and don't find the alleged worse performance a handicap. IMO legs are only suitable for occasional drying out in a well researched spot when on board. I wouldn't dream of drying out on them when not on board. There have been many disasters that way.
I've just taken a berth in Pwllheli marina which is pricey but convenient with all tide access to a good cruising area.

 

[duncan99210]

P.S. I checked out your blog. Killing fish with alcohol? Must remember that one! And projecting a movie onto the main? That sounds brilliant. Could also do that in an anchorage if using headphones (to avoid annoying the locals). Movie projectors should be standard equipment on all sailing boats!

Cheers

Glad you liked the blog! The projector we had was mains powered and hammered the batteries running it long enough to show the films. However, smaller ones are now available with their own batteries, looking at getting one for the sheer one upmanship.... Need to win the lottery first though!