Peterson forum

[kms]

Anyone know where I can find a forum about Peterson sailboats? I am looking for information on a Peterson/chita cruiser.

kms

[kms]

Anyone know where there is a Peterson forum?

kms

[Jeff_H]

The Chita was an IOR II era Doug Peterson designed 37 footer. IOR II was not the best period in terms of race boat design. This was the race rule that resulted in the Fastnet Disaster boats. Not good!

Race boats of that era were designed to be sailed with huge crews and lots of weight on the rail. As a result they make pretty poor cruising boats. By the same token, the extreme distortions of IOR II prevent them from being all that competitive race boats under PHRF.

Jeff

[SweetSurrender]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

The Chita was an IOR II era Doug Peterson designed 37 footer. IOR II was not the best period in terms of race boat design. This was the race rule that resulted in the Fastnet Disaster boats. Not good!

Race boats of that era were designed to be sailed with huge crews and lots of weight on the rail. As a result they make pretty poor cruising boats. By the same token, the extreme distortions of IOR II prevent them from being all that competitive race boats under PHRF.

Jeff

I read about the Fastnet Disaster. The storm came in with force 11 winds. I would think that no boat would do well in weather like that. What specifically is it about the Chita/Peterson design that is faulty? Also, are you saying that the Chita Peterson is a boat that should not be handled by only two people?

We have an offer in on one right now and this is the first time we've heard anything but positive remarks about the boat.

[mrwuffles]

SS I see this is your first post so welcome to sailnet and good luck on you offer but this thread is 3 years old...

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by SweetSurrender

I read about the Fastnet Disaster. The storm came in with force 11 winds. I would think that no boat would do well in weather like that. What specifically is it about the Chita/Peterson design that is faulty? Also, are you saying that the Chita Peterson is a boat that should not be handled by only two people?

We have an offer in on one right now and this is the first time we've heard anything but positive remarks about the boat.

You'll find a lot of mis-information on IOR designed boats. Coming from a catalina and owning a Gen 1.5 IOR - I'd take my gen IOR any day. Yes you get a bullish beam - and wine shaped transom - but honestly - if you know how to sail or want to - beats the pants off of other boats in performance both upwind and down... the rest is up to you...

Don't let he hype scare ya...

You have to know the boat - but like all boats once you do - master of whatever domain....

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by SweetSurrender

I read about the Fastnet Disaster. The storm came in with force 11 winds. I would think that no boat would do well in weather like that.

Actually, there were quite a few boats in the race as well as cruisers in the vicinity that weathered the storm with only moderate difficulty. Force 10 is nasty conditions, but a well designed bluewater cruising boat should normally be able to handle it without serious consequences.

I'm not familiar with the Chita. As for the IOR vintage, while it may not be the best choice for venturing off-shore, there are certainly plenty of older IOR era boats out there giving good service to their owners for coastal sailing and racing.

Hopefully Jeff will offer some more specific insight.

[SweetSurrender]

Originally Posted by artbyjody

You'll find a lot of mis-information on IOR designed boats. Coming from a catalina and owning a Gen 1.5 IOR - I'd take my gen IOR any day. Yes you get a bullish beam - and wine shaped transom - but honestly - if you know how to sail or want to - beats the pants off of other boats in performance both upwind and down... the rest is up to you...

Don't let he hype scare ya...

You have to know the boat - but like all boats once you do - master of whatever domain....

I thought so. We're pretty excited about this boat, but I was very surprised to see the opinion here so naturally hoping to get more details on why that opinion was made.

[Boasun]

Peterson?? I thought that was the Deputy Sheriff that had buried three wives and his GF had just moved out because she didn't want to be number Four...

[camaraderie]

I'd think twice before disregarding Jeff's opinions, especially when voiced so strongly. He is perhaps the MOST knowledgeable people about boats on this forum and particularly knows well the characteristics of the IOR boats.
It may be that you love the boat and it will be fine for YOUR cruising plans... but take his opinions about how it will perform at sea seriously.