The Good Old Boats List

[atomvoyager]

I recently posted a page on my site listing 60 plus sailboats up to 32' that are capable or can be easily modified for offshore voyaging. I thought some of you here might like to comment, offer corrections or additions to the list. Not every good boat is on the list. It's not meant to imply that other boats are not suitable, or that those on the list are necessarily "better" than others - just boats falling within my personal criteria as spelled out in the article.  I have a separate list for boats I consider more trailerable primarily for coastal cruising which I'm still working on. Thanks.

http://atomvoyages.com/articles/boatlist.htm

James
s/v Atom

[roybaots]

Hi James, I like your list. One question though, the cape dory 25 you mentioned reduceing cockpit volume. Would you mind clerifying that for me a little. Id appreciate your input.

[AdriftAtSea]

The reason he mentions reducing cockpit volume is to reduce the amount of seawater that can sit in the cockpit when the boat is pooped. 

In the case of my boat, I installed a bridgedeck, which did two things that made the boat significantly more seaworthy.  First, it reduced the chance of downflooding by raising the companionway entrance level to slightly higher than the transom and cockpit seats—which greatly prevents water from getting from the cockpit into the cabin.  It also reduced the cockpit volume by FIVE CUBIC FEET—which translates into 320 lbs. of seawater which can't fill the cockpit any longer.  This means that the cockpit will drain faster, and the stern of the boat will be depressed less after the boat gets pooped by a wave.  I also added a third cockpit drain. 

[AdriftAtSea]

James-

That's an excellent list... I'd also suggest a few others that might be worthy of consideration for inclusion.

I'm rather surprised the Hallberg Rassy Monsun isn't on the list.  It's 31' LOA IIRC.  904 were made, and it can often be found for sale. 

The Elizabethan series of boats also comes to mind as some that might be suitable for the list—particularly, the Elizabethan 29, 30 and 31.

Another boat that comes to mind is the Golden Hind 31.  They also made a Golden Hind 26 IIRC.

[TJim]

Excellent list... I particularly liked some of your personal comments....The amazing thing to me is that I'm
so in agreement with someone elses "opinions".....I don't like gas on my boat.....I have a diesel but if it
wasn't paid for and I had to replace it I'd go electric.  I mean do I really need the cost and wasted space of a diesel and a 25 gal tank?   After all I've used a grand total of 8 gal of diesel fuel in in 2 and a half years.  Does that justify the cost and space requirements....I'll probably never replace my diesel because it will probably never wear out.  Most of it's running time is idling and starting just to make sure it will.  The only boat on your list that I "might" take over my WC Triton ( one of the 2 heavy hulls with 4519# of lead in the keel & weighs 9460#, not a lite air boat)) would be the Bristol Channel Cutter.  I don't think that's gonna be a problem though as I don't think Ill hit the lottery. Good dope for us low
end sailors.  Way to go..TJ

[CharlieJ]

I was pleased to see our Rhodes Meridian made your list- and DELIGHTED at the comment on the beautiful sheer lines. Lines shared by the Pearson Vangard. I happen to be working on a Vanguard for a customer and when I showed a picture of the boat to my wife, she immediately said- "that may be a Pearson, but Alberg didn't draw it- that's a RHODES design" ;D

All the info we find though, shows the ballast on the Meridian to be 2300 pounds with a total disp of 5300.

Ours is extensively modified, having the companionway narrowed to 24 inches and shortened the same, with a seahood added, and the entry way changed to straight sided, so the drop boards are interchangeable. The fore cabin was totally modified also, to add considerable storage space. And I added settee back storage, which the original Meridian lacked.

If you'd like, I'll send you some pictures of the changes.

[dnice]

great list!

Of the arguments i've read about tiller vs. wheel, I don't think anyone has ever mentioned being able to see the rudder angle at a glance. Thats something I probably would never have thought of until I gained some experience. And it makes enough sense for me to get over the 'yacht look' of a wheel :)

[CharlieJ]

And that's probably the LEAST of the advantages of a tiller. The BIGGEST advantages are simplicity- less to break ( and it WILL break),  more room in the cockpit when anchored and simpler self steering.

The last is quite important - there are few things more mind numbing than steering a sailboat, by hand, offshore, on passage. One being steering a sailboat under power, on passage :D

[atomvoyager]

Thanks for the additions to the list. I know I've missed a few that I wanted to include. I added the Monsun 31, Elizabethan 29 and Golden Hind 31.

The comments on cockpit footwell volume are spot on. I can add that I find it equally important to ensure the cockpit lockers are well latched with gaskets and the companionway entrance raised above the footwell.  On my Triton, the companionway was already a few inches above the bridgedeck so I added some removable boards to close off the forward 25% of the footwell which is where I ended up stowing some water jugs. If the cockpit lockers can be made watertight from the bilge, all the better, but is hard to do with an inboard engine that needs access for repairs.

Charlie, I'd like to see your modifications photos if you have a link or want to email them.

JamesB

[chris2998]

Thank you James for adding the list to your site and I like your comments about each boat. I use to want a steering wheel but I see some of these boats you really want a tiller for more room rather then a wheel. I see some boats that have a wheel and there is just no dang room for it but yeah never thought a wheel would be more things to break. I will for sure be giving you a call when I'm ready to buy in a year for some consulting. Thank you so much for the list.

Chris

[AdriftAtSea]

James-

Glad to help. :)

BTW, here's a photo of the bridgedeck that I added to the cockpit of my boat—14" high or so, and slightly taller than the transom of the boat. 



Here is the original cockpit, as seen on a sister ship, which has a very shallow sill, 3" high or so, at the bottom of the companionway.

[newt]

Jim,
I have been looking seriously at the Valiant 32, I know they are raced to Hawaii from San Fran. and seem to do well. One other boat you might want to consider.

[Bill NH]

From a personal bias I was pleased to see the the Cape Dory 26 on your list - note that there were about 20 26D models built with a well-done Westerbeke 10-2 diesel installation instead of the outboard well the straight 26s had.  As there weren't many 26Ds built they are a bit hard to come by, but I think the 26D is a big improvement over the 26 and well worth searching out.

[chris2998]

Jim,
I have been looking seriously at the Valiant 32, I know they are raced to Hawaii from San Fran. and seem to do well. One other boat you might want to consider.

I like the vailant boats but I thought they only made liek from 40ft on up

[roybaots]

Ok thanx for the info. I thought it might be a bridge deck issue. i do have a bridge deck in my boat. I think it was improvement cape dory made in 1976 and later 25s.   As far as your take on the hatch boards go, I absulutely agree. I have a dow pin on each side of my top board. Not high tech but it works.

[newt]

Chris,
A number of "big boat" makers started out with pocket cruisers, some of them very affordable, and others more expensive. The ones that I like are Shannon 28's, Valiant 32's, Island Packet 26-through 32's..etc.
I think smaller boats have their limitations, but if you choose quality and you have experience...you can go far (as this list points out)
Another boat that surprises me with its seaworthiness is a carefully outfitted Catalina 27.
BTW- I currently sail a Compac 23 and as I understand its limitations- I am extremely happy with it.

[Lost Sole]

Fuji  32's have cruised the world.
  The one I had went from CA. to Hawaii back to Ca back to Hawaii to Guam to Japan and is now back in Hawaii.

Very good capable cruiser and easy to handle for 1 or 2 crew.

[AdriftAtSea]

Following up on what Newt said... Compac now makes a 37' boat IIRC.

[TJim]

One of oure Posters from Triton groups has just posted that he is looking for a home for his Triton. He has owned it for 38 years.  He is no longer able to maintain it.  The boat is in Florida and a link to him (You can also check it out on Triton groups) would be TJACMC@aol.com I think he is willing to give it to the right home. He just isn't able to take care of it anymore and can't stand to see go to h.ll TJim

[hearsejr]

 I know someone looking a sturdy boat like Triton. which group is it?  maybe I can go in halves and with Sherri, then sell my half back when things get better with the Economy..lol. it'll give me a buddy boat travel with. lol.

Bill