beam vs length

pmills42255 · #1 08-07-2002

I am looking at a boat with an 11'' beam and over all length is 45''. the mast is 5o + feet tall, she draws 6.5''. 11'' is not the usual beam width on boats of this size, and seems narrow. what sort of handling issues are there? How about safety, and healing I am not sure but it seems the water line is maybe 40''.
Paul

Jeff_H · #2 08-08-2002

11 foot beam is quite narrow for a boat that long with a beam over 12'' being more normal for a boat this length. This sounds like an older design or a down wind sled. Narrow beam, especially when coupled with comparatively shallow draft for a boat that long suggests a tender boat, one that would not stand well to a reasonable sail plan up wind or in heavier winds. The extremely short rig suggests that this is infact the case.

Jeff