size minimum for East Coast off-shore cruising

1974 O'day 22 for sale in Southold, NY: Daysailor/weekender - SailboatTraderOnline.com

would u lads have some thoughts on what size vessel you may feel comfortable in for an east coast southern trip? here's one that is available at a reasonable rate

obviously a passioned weather navigator on-board would take many precautions and then there is the ICW...

please expound

[nigsbaby]

Here in East Coast UK I have on several occasions crossed the North Sea in 26-34 ft family cruisers. Latest is a based in Ipswich which is in owner-membership within the SailTime programme.

[MoonSailer]

Off shore or coastal??? There is a lot of protected water on the east coast where you can sail almost anything if you wait for the right weather. But offshore is another matter.
My wife and I plan to cruise the area in our Pearson 323. It has a 4.5' draft and a 45' mast. It also weighs 12,500#s. The P323 has a reputation as a sturdy coastal cruiser and had made many offshore trips.

[tommays]

Much bigger than that as its pretty normal to take a beating in the ocean off the NYC area

thanks for those replies, helps within a lot of reflective & studied planning
I had guessed that the more northern section of the route is by far the most challenging

regards,

-JD

[Valiente]

There's a big difference in "able to endure" and "willing to endure". Sometimes economics dictates our boat choices, but you're generally going to be happier on passage figuring out the biggest boat you can personally handle in 40 knots.

Then subtract two feet. Why stress out?