Can somebody pro/con a full vs. fin keel for a newbie (will learn to sail on said boat) and taking it thru the Caribbean? All I can seem to come up with so far is fin keel is better to the wind, and a full keel will protect your rudder.
". . . I'm considering going to all-chain (rode). Also, because my boat is pretty light with a fin keel and bulb, the rode wraps around the bulb when the current is stronger than the wind, requiring diving to free the mess. This is manageable in July, not so fun in October."
Very true, yes.. thank you..Yes a full keel with heavy displacement will by it's nature have a better "comfort ratio" , but the whole point of this thread is to discuss the comparative points of fin and full keel. As far as I am concerned for an ocean cruiser the better motion and tracking abilities are extremely important attributes at sea.
That is not very different than Phillipe Poupon boat. That is what the French call a centerboarder and it is their most common choice in what regards a voyage boat (aluminum centerboarder). However Poupon boat centerboard is a lot more deep and I believe will give the boat a better tracking upwind.I like this keel / rudder design:
Pelagic Expeditions Fleet Overview
Pelagic Expeditions Fleet Overview
I would try to stay away from buying a boat in Hawaii if you can (unless you find the perfect boat in perfect condition). Not too many good deals in Hawaii (not many boats for sale) and if your boat needs work, it is very expensive. Even doing the work yourself you are looking at $70 per day dry storage while you work (there are not any options as no marinas have a place to put your boat while you work on it).I am a bit shy to make my first post, though reading this and many other threads for some time, I would like your consideration. Now I am planning a voyage from Hawaii to Japan (my home), and I will purchase a boat in Hon. or NA West Coast, of 34' or under, due to budget.
You can only be jocking. Halberg Hassy, Oyster, Malo, Najad, Hinckley, Morris, all well know cruiser-racers trying to emulate racing boats!!!!The main purpose of the fin keeled cruising boat, sometimes called a "racer/cruiser" is to emulate the high performance of the racing boats.......
Finally something I can agree with you. Yes in what regards Classic boats you are right.... The "classic bluewater boat" is a heavy displacement full keel....