[northoceanbeach]

I know Ive,mentioned this before. But...it's fast approaching time to launch, and upgrades are being made. I just thought I would double check with the good people of sailnet before I put on new standing rigging that this boat can make the trip.

Assuming the operator is up to the challenge.

I've got the new sails coming. For a 26 foot boat I've got 7.2 oz cloth which I think is heavy for high winds. I'll replace the standing rigging. Most everything else is new. I'm really wanting this boat to be able to withstand 40-60 mph winds if it has to, reefed down to a hanky main. The second reef leaves only about 25% sail area. I'm crazy, I know. On and on about high winds and I'll probably be in nice seas. Like last summer. But I wouldn't mind a repeat of that! I'm just trying to be a Boy Scout and all that. Make the boat up to snuff, then I don't have to be a competent sailor....

But there isn't any information online about the 26. Just a couple basic things. The 27 is supposed to be capable of just about anything. I do have a different design. Maybe not too different?

So can this boat do it or will I be wasting money trying to make a jeep a Ferrari?

(Just tell me what I want to hear and I'll not post for a couple days...)

 

[Barquito]

I don't know about making a Jeep a Farrari. I wouldn't want to go offshore in either one. If the winds are light, you will be kicking yourself if you don't have some light air sails aboard. Maybe a big drifter.

Make the boat up to snuff, then I don't have to be a competent sailor....

I know you were kidding on that one.

 

[krisscross]

Dude, spending on your boat is like spending on your woman. The return on such spending is very unpredictable, but if you can afford it, why the heck not go all out?

 

[christian.hess]

jajaja

 

[JonEisberg]

I'm not familiar with the Bristol 26, but such boats typically have pretty large cockpits relative to their overall size. Which makes them vulnerable to a pooping, and poses one of their principal liabilities for offshore use... One thing I would definitely want to do with that boat before attempting such a trip, would be to lessen the vulnerability of the companionway to downflooding...

Perhaps not necessary to build a proper bridgedeck, but you definitely want to configure a heavy, bulletproof dropboard that can be bolted on and sealed outboard of the normal dropboard channels, and that will raise the sill of that companionway considerably...

 

[northoceanbeach]

Thanks. I will do that. Where did you get that picture? I can hardly find any of my boat.

I do have newish lexan drop boards, I think they literally are bulletproof. I could come up with a way to latch the lower. And I will make sure I can latch all the lazerette sand the front hatch tight.

 

[Barquito]

I thought this was a good write-up of preparing a small boat for a long trip:

Bill Teplow's Voyage to Hawaii in a Potter 19

 

[ericb760]

Thanks. I will do that. Where did you get that picture? I can hardly find any of my boat.

I do have newish lexan drop boards, I think they literally are bulletproof. I could come up with a way to latch the lower. And I will make sure I can latch all the lazerette sand the front hatch tight.

The Russian sailing his San Juan 24 around the Pacific had this setup to lessen water intrusion in heavy seas. Definitely something I would consider on your boat as well.

 

[northoceanbeach]

Thanks and thanks. Although I am going to try for a less permanent solution than the Russians. Although he is cool.