Question:
I've seen many "best boat" discussions on thewebsite, best cruiser, best bluewater,
best keel and so forth. But I've never seen discussed the best boat for long
distance cruising from the standpoint of the right boat for a mechanical klutz.
In other words, for a guy who neither has skill nor inclination for boat
repairs.
I'm amazed in reading the stories of long distance cruisers how the dominant
issue is less the pleasure of traveling under sail than just keeping the darn
thing going. Maybe you've seen the expression defining long distance cruising
- "boat repairs in exotic places".
Maybe the short answer is that voyaging and constant repairs simply go hand in
hand and cannot be divorced. But I'd like to hear any ideas on this subject
pitched towards a boater like myself who would enjoy long distance cruising but
wants to stack the deck as best he can in advance to avoid repair hassles.
What boats are best with this in mind? What boat systems should be preferred
for dependability?
For example a couple of obvious points come to mind:
l. decide in advance that you want minimal repairs, not maximum comfort, and
choose boat and systems accordingly.
2. simplify the propulsion plan, both sail and auxiliary; maximize power plant
accessibility and carry easily installed redundant spare systems; choose a
dinghy & engine that could be tethered to mother ship to get her reasonable
distances to port in a pinch.
3. build redundancy into all boat systems, or at least as many as possible,
such as windvane/autopilot; power generation via engine, solar, wind generator
4. minimize dependency on repair intensive equipment like refrigeration and
the like.
Answer:
-If you find this boat, I want it! Have you ever heard the expression "Vanity
knows no pain (or whatever)"? Well, I think the same applies to boats. Crusing is a
passion, not a past time. I still think yours is a legitimate question. You'll find
there's as many opinions as there are boats. I'm still looking.
-Take a Captain with. A klutz will not make a long cruise any other way.
Stick to big city elevators & taxis. Travel in your own personal life
boat?
