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Jim,
That is a great article and is extremely true. I suppose that keel type is like hair style, some are glad that 80's are over with, and others want to keep with there perms.
SailingFool,
The boat you mention if a great boat, I hear nothing but good things about the CS 36. Especially with the equpment and new rigging offered it would be a great deal.
Simaril,
I'm afraid my budget won't quite allow a Valiant 42, though I have seen a Valiant 40 in need of repair that does. My price is really anywhere between free to around 90,000. The boats I list as examples are in my range.
The term 'time is money' has never held so true for me. The more expensive the boat, or more work I must do to get it in shape means that I must spend more time in the states working a job and preparing. I'm young enough where that is not an issue for me. I will do all work myself, so if I find a a boat that needs some work but is in overall solid shape I'll take my time and do it right, and saves lots of money not hiring anyone to do it for me. If i find a boat equipped with most things I need, perhaps someone that planned on cruising then things changed, and I have to spend quite a bit more for it that's fine too, I'll take out a boat loan, pay it off as quickly as possible, and then wave goodbye.
Hope that clears up what you may have been wondering.
Jack,
I understand what you are saying completely, and while I agree on some parts, I am hesitant on others.
I have, IMHO, mostly grasped what I want on or in my boat. From running all lines to the cockpit with winches in good placement. To a small cockpit with excellent drainage, good hand holds down below, wraparound galley, good berths for use while underway, ect, ect.
I wrote this post because if there was only one keel type I would take my money right now and go pick up which boat I felt was designed the best above the waterline.
My struggle comes, however, when I dive beneath that lovely waterline stripe and see whats underneath. For each and every hull type I can list its good points and its bad.
I want fast passages and to avoid storms, but what happens when the forecasting is wrong, or my weatherfax dies, and my SSB? What if I'm dimasted? What if, what if, what if. If that were to happen I'd give my left arm for that Tayana 37, or that Valiant 42. But again when the storm is off my port quarter and coming in fast I'd like to give up the Tayana for a nice fast multi-hull and avoid it all completely.
Perhaps I just said the same thing again. I've gone through all those factors of choosing a boat like you have suggested. I know almost exactly what I want in every category, I know what fits my budget.
What I lack is experience in major offshore cruising. I love remote places so careening does have a rather high placement on my list of concerns, but perhaps that is unfounded.
Anyway I'm rambling and should probably get back to work. Thank you so much for your time.
Best regards,
George
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