Suggestions for a stiff boat

[newuser]

We are looking for some suggestions on buying a new boat. Our experience level would probably fall somewhere around the intermediate level. The use of the boat would be east coast sailing with much of that being Florida and the gulf so shoal draft or centerboards would be important. We would be living aboard at least 6-9 months of the year. Our budget would be around $150,000 maximum. Now for the deal breaker, my partner has a maximum tolerance of about 12 degrees of heeling. Beyond that it becomes very uncomfortable for her. This is an issue that we are working on however our search is to look at the stiffest boats possible that would come the closest to our other needs. I realize that keeping her flat will not always be possible but in an effort towards compromise I am looking for suggestions. We have discussed catamarans and will most likely look in that direction but I am more comfortable with the idea of a monohull. Getting a new sailing partner is not an option. :-) Thanks for the help.

[mikehoyt]

Why not consider a Catamaran or Trimaran?

[Tom3]

I have a Quoddy Pilot sloop that is very stiff. Cannel Paige and Paine have a Ketch version of the same boat on thier web site, it may be called an Eastport Pinky. I am not suggesting you buy it one but it does fit your requirement for stiffness. Some Catboat designs are stiff as well, you might give them a look too.

There are a number of traditional designs that are stiff. Also gaff or lug rigs will put less healing arm on your boat and you should look closely at the advantage they provide to some one who does not want to heel.

Look at them and read up on the subject, Ted Brewer has written some interesting material on comfort and the MacNaughton Group has good material on thier web site. In design terms you are looking for a boat with high initial stability. Of course multihulls have the highest initial stability of all and if its really important you should give them a close look.