Hi all, future liveaboard, single-handed sailor

[Capt Len]

Just got back to the thread and would add that I said 48 ft ML's usually have crew. I sailed all over the Salish Sea on a 42 ML . Easy boat and fun to sail. The owner was older so I was the muscle. Could have been a single hander . My experience in the same vessel to San Diego in really nasty stuff was the basis of my earlier comments. If we'd the sense to hove to or ride to an anchor it would have been more gentle but at no time did I worry about the vessels sea worthiness . As a cruising platform, it's a bit more than you need but what the hell,you need what you want. Now I'm also older and if I were starting out I'd probably look for an older Grand Bank, single engine about38/40 ft, square rig it and wait for favorable breeze. Engine's a backup.

[3TBeep]

All comments have helped and led me to do alot of reading over the past few days about single hand sailing. (You guys really have done this before!
Everyone thread I've read on a variety of forums talk about bigger is not necessarily better. Actually, more trouble. So I've searched in the 30s, opinions/reviews on boats and when you take into account the idea you want to sail vs just living on a big boat, trimming down is a high likelyhood. As I've read, rigging is what makes any sailboat manageable for single hand. This much I knew, though I don't know all of the rigging you can employ which makes a boat manageable. A larger boat will start to require electric winches =ing costs. So, let's say I look at 33-42 as a top end. (i.e, CSY 33 to M.Leaf 42.) Both seem to have good storage and honestly, I just like the big windows for West/NW area and don't have around the world trips on my mind. Any opinions on possible need/desire for bow thrusters and electric winches on those sizes? (33 I'm guessing not.) I've reviewed retractable bow thrusters, but those have to go somewhere and I'm guessing that might take in some storage area. Nor can they be put as far forward. Plus, it would be a major moving part and if jammed, a serious pain and $ I would think. What about an exnternal electric motor on the bow available at the ready for heavier winds when docking? I'll put forth an answer to my own question on one part; If you're not able to handle a 33 ft boat most of the time without a bow thruster, you have issues to address. (Enjoying the reading your giving me.)

[vega1860]

Bow thrusters are for lubbers unless the vessel is big enough to otherwise need a tug. (In my opinion)

Nothing more entertaining than watching some "Captain" grinding away on the thrusters in a forty footer because he never bothered to learn how to handle his boat. Visit Friday Harbor in the summertime and watch the fun.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by vega1860

Bow thrusters are for lubbers unless the vessel is big enough to otherwise need a tug. (In my opinion)

Nothing more entertaining than watching some "Captain" grinding away on the thrusters in a forty footer because he never bothered to learn how to handle his boat. Visit Friday Harbor in the summertime and watch the fun.

I quite liked having a bow thruster trying to dock stern-to in a spot half my boat length in Blind Channel with a strong current and a strong cross wind.

[3TBeep]

LOL vega1860. I thought I might get a comment like that. Having the convenience would be nice for certain circumstances like a Blind Channel situation would be great or even advisable, but by enlarge I would think most situations you best be able to handle that length. Thanks all for the comments. I think I've gotten all I can out of this thread. More research to do and other topics to cover later.