A small, serene, lightweight boat? - Page 7

poltergeist · #61 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

I wasn't familiar with this boat until I Googled it. Very nice. Intelligent design by Ian Proctor (although that thwart amidships looks like shin bruises waiting to happen), roomy cockpit, less than 400 lbs., so it won't be a killer to launch. And since there seem to be many around you, catching a free ride on one to see if it works for you will be easier. I'd give it a serious look ... seems like a righteous choice to me.

Kurt

JohnRPollard · #62 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

The Wayfarer has a loyal following in the UK, where they take them on some very ambitious voyages. Also, there was an article a decade or two ago in I beleive it was Sail magazine (maybe Cruising World) about a young couple that camp-cruised one up the coast of Newfoundland to the Labrador. As I recall they had equipped it with a sliding seat rowing arrangement for when they were becalmed along that rugged coastline. I think they also carried a rifle for polar bears. [EDIT: Upon further reflection, they may actually have taken an O'Day DaySailor (DS) -- sorry I'm getting old].

There have also been quite a few articles in "Messing About in Boats" over the years concerning Wayfarer meets in the US. Neat, rugged boats -- and if they are popular in your area that certainly says something about them.

drynoc · #63 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

No one seems to have dealt with the American Sail boats, so here goes:

They are used in sail training courses in the marina where I keep my boat, so I spent some decent time in them when I was getting back in the game after 25 years away. The ones that I sailed (14.6 and 18) were older and hadn't been well cared for, but they were simple, not bad sailors, and not too tippy. But you do have to pay some attention to weight distribution, because I saw some of the novices come back from their sailing excursions soaking wet, and it wasn't because of waves over the bow. They handle three to four adults fairly well. I would say that these boats meet your criteria of being small and serene, and they don't cost much, by boat standards.

JohnRPollard · #64 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

By the way, Tenuki, that is a gorgeous photo of the Potters. The colors are amazing. Are they yours?

tenuki · #65 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

By the way, Tenuki, that is a gorgeous photo of the Potters. The colors are amazing. Are they yours?

Nope, off their website. Seems people either hate or love the look of them. One guy took a potter up to Alaska with his dog, so apparently you can use em for cruising too. There's one in the Edmonds marina that has a dinghy sitting in it, the dinghy takes up the whole deck. lol.

sailingdog · #66 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

The guy who designed the Potter, IIRC, sailed one from England to Sweden for a customer delivery... talk about a tough trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenuki

Nope, off their website. Seems people either hate or love the look of them. One guy took a potter up to Alaska with his dog, so apparently you can use em for cruising too. There's one in the Edmonds marina that has a dinghy sitting in it, the dinghy takes up the whole deck. lol.

arbarnhart · #67 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Potters were on my list until I found some of the capsize stories. They turtle and don't self right. Even when righted, they generally need to be towed in and drained. Do some searches and you will find stories. They are at sites about Potters and the people who had the experiences generally still love the boats, so there must be something special about them. They are also one of the few pocket cruisers I should expect to outrun.

Andyman · #68 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by InlandGirl

The Wayfarer gets the nod! I won't actually take possession for a few days yet, but I was able to find a well-maintained, fully updated boat at the right price. It looks like it will not be too unforgiving as I learn, but it should also be a lot of fun when I am ready (spinnaker and all).

Actually, the whole idea of ME owning a boat is a little terrifying, when I think of it. I have never done anything so frivolous in my entire life.

It is, however, a great motivation for not quitting my job.

My first and still my only boat is a 72 Aquarius 23 footer. Never sailed a day in my life and this boat seemed huge to me. But I got it and a dual axle trailer for $3500 and the boat was ready to go in the water. Out on the lake one day with a friend and the next day I was sailing with the mail. I'm no pro by any means but it is a boat that is easily handled. Very sturdy in the water with lots of cabin room and a nice cockpit. there's a good Yahoo group of Aquarius owners and many parts are available if you just look for them...not that much goes wrong. :-) I eventually want to move up past a 34 footer but for now, this is a good boat for me. I love sailing!!!

Andy