Looking at these 6 Blue Water Cruisers

[Jeff_H]

I can't speak for the others but I would suggest that the hull form and rig proportions of the IP 380 plus its construction details make it a better live-aboard than long range cruiser expecially as compared to boats that are designed for serious offshore use.

Jeff

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by mrybas

We bought a Tashiba 40! We just returned from sailing her back from Duxbury , MA (to Philadelphia). The boat sailed beautifully (not that I have much to compare it too...this is my first boat!). We had a couple days of 20-30 knot winds and choppy seas and she felt very solid and safe. We are very happy with our purchase!

Mrybas,

I missed your announcement previously. Congratulations!

[scarolinasailor]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

I can't speak for the others but I would suggest that the hull form and rig proportions of the IP 380 plus its construction details make it a better live-aboard than long range cruiser expecially as compared to boats that are designed for serious offshore use.

Jeff

Could you be a little more precise? I assume you mean you've found some construction details lacking or weak - such as? I'm not trying to be picky, it's just that I've heard these types of generalized comments before (about IP's and others), and am really trying to get specifics, particularly from people who have spent a lot of time aboard or studying the boats.

[bubb2]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

a better live-aboard than long range cruiser expecially as compared to boats that are designed for serious offshore use. Jeff

[Jeff_H]

Without getting into the hull form issues (high drag, shallow draft, beamy with beam carried to the ends of the boat) or rig proportion (a cutter rig that depends heavily on large over lapping headsails and for which the staysail is too small to balance the main except in in extreme conditions but which is necessary for the sailing ability of the boat in moderate conditions) which have been covered in other places, there are a wide variety of details on the IP and design features that I think make them less than ideal as an offshore cruiser. These would include:
-The IP 38 post hung rudder that is as deep as the keel bottom fully exposing the rudder post to damage.
-The propane locker in the side deck where the drains/vents are underwater when sailing heeled.
-The use of the Hoyt boom which tends to leak around its swivel in heavy going.
-The ballroom sized cabin decks without footholds.
-The general lack of sea berths and the layout of the double berths on the boat.
-or even small goofy thing like the use of the cheapest Ronstan solid sheeve blocks.

Jeff

[kwaltersmi]

Originally Posted by mrybas

We bought a Tashiba 40!

Awesome choice! I wouldn't mind owning one of her little siblings someday (Baba 30/35 or Tashiba 31). Perry double-enders are some of my favorite yachts of all time.

[tthomson]

The Passport is great. As a Caliber 40 sailor, I would recommend your taking a look at them. They are made for the sort of thing you are talking about. The Tayana 37 might also be a good bet.

[sailordave]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

Without getting into the hull form issues (high drag, shallow draft, beamy with beam carried to the ends of the boat) or rig proportion (a cutter rig that depends heavily on large over lapping headsails and for which the staysail is too small to balance the main except in in extreme conditions but which is necessary for the sailing ability of the boat in moderate conditions) which have been covered in other places, there are a wide variety of details on the IP and design features that I think make them less than ideal as an offshore cruiser. These would include:
-The IP 38 post hung rudder that is as deep as the keel bottom fully exposing the rudder post to damage.
-The propane locker in the side deck where the drains/vents are underwater when sailing heeled.
-The use of the Hoyt boom which tends to leak around its swivel in heavy going.
-The ballroom sized cabin decks without footholds.
-The general lack of sea berths and the layout of the double berths on the boat.
-or even small goofy thing like the use of the cheapest Ronstan solid sheeve blocks.

Jeff

Let's not forget they don't Point worth squat, the winches are located for comfort not for trimming ease and they're BUTT UGLY! (my experience on a 445) But that's just my .02

[hellosailor]

"-The IP 38 post hung rudder that is as deep as the keel bottom fully exposing the rudder post to damage."
One of the BendyToy First38-series is set up that same way. Some years ago there were some efforts to look into steering control by means of plates or bladders that "bulged out" from the hull, changing the hull symmetry right up at the bow and forcing a turn with no conventional rudder movement. But as I recall that entire area of exploration was banned by racing rules, one of the many things banned because experimenting with it could become a very expensive thing, and "expensive" is supposed to discourage racing participation.

On the other hand, I think it is the Laser28 that has such a shallow rudder that it loses steering very easily once heeled over too far. Horses for courses and all that good stuff.

[elkscout]

This is a really informative thread, even with the tangent of furling systems, which did add valuable insight, re: blue water capables. I really appreciate JeffH's list of [U]specifics[U] on the IP, enabling novices better understanding of the differences and what to look for in purchasing a boat. I must say, I think there's more pertinent criteria involved when shopping for a sailboat than when searching/purchasing a house, which I did for the first time this time last year.