Question:
It's pouring rain in Seattle and we haven't had a sailing "fix" in
several weekends so ...... out come all the old boat show glossies and
the dreams begin.
Current train of thought is moving up from our current Newport 33 to a
"livaboardable" 38' sail boat with reasonable sail area for two older
sailors to handle but still moves well in the light winds of the Pacific
NW summers. Another big question is -- does the various costs really
double moving up the 5 extra feet and are the benefits worth it.
The Ericson 38 currently built by Pacific Seacraft and the Tartan 3800
reviewed in the current issue of Cruising World seem to incorporate most
of the features we want but we've never seen either one physically.
Amazing how reality and glossies can differ on little items like tables
that won't let you into the settee without lifting the table 8-12". Are
there any owners of the Ericson or Tartan out there that would email me a
reality check on the boats. Would also be interested in reviews of the
Sabre 38 or other boats of similar character that we may not be aware of
particularly builders from Canada, the East Coast or European boats that
are known to be imported into the US.
Oh yes, major requirement is that it sails well in a following sea, we
tend to "run" from trouble. The beamy sterns on so many of the newer
"Eurocruisers" seem very questionable in that regard.
If there is general interest in the info -- I'll summarize the replies I
receive for the net.
Answer:
I'd think that a wide stern is exaclty what you want if the storm tactic
is to run downwind. It allows the boat to go fast and retain control, and
speed is your best friend when you're running in front of a storm. Stay
away from the heavy IOR designs with the pinched-in sterns, and crusing
variants made from those old molds.
