Smaller vs Larger

[oldman66]

This is my thinking also.It helps at great deal to hear it from others that have more refined instincts.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

I politely disagree. They certainly feel more gentle and provide more dryer-comfy rides. But there are many times when you need to "fight" the boat or one of its systems, that make a smaller boat easier. Flogging sails, carrying sails, Hoisting sails, fighting broaches, Kite sets/drops, carrying anchors (oh my back) and chain around. You are 100% right about the winches.

Yeah.... as I said they are more work strength wise. But seem less figety and more forgiving. You stand up and move to one side on a 26 footer and you may cause a jibe (Duck!) On a 40 footer you wont do that and the boom is likely high enough it wouldnt hit you anyway etc. Hauling up sails on a 40-50 footer is a big task though.... you're right about that!

[oldman66]

You must have missed to part where I made my case about the boom. It is a self-furling Schaeffer. The sheet furls into the boom. You can reef it at any lenght on the tack. You don't have to come up and luff your sheet.All lines go aft into the cockpit for Solo handling.Autohelm,gps,chartplotter,seperate full shower stall.

[oldman66]

I through in the part about shower stall because saying she also has a furling jib seemed a bit much.

[David M]

When you double the length of a boat, you cube its weight, momentum and forces.

[oldman66]

Extrapolate that into the benefits for larger and easier Solo. Thanks.

[David M]

More length is not necessarily better or worse, just different.

Some things get better with length such as hull speed, creature comforts and ride quality. Some things get worse with length such as expenses, draft requirements and crewing requirements.

[rgscpat]

The focus so far of this thread has been upon the boat and the sailors, which is all good. But maybe some mention should be made of the voyage itself. Will it be really simple navigation, or will there be lots of "hard bits" that demand lots of precise navigation and very attentive watchkeeping that might fatigue a crew of two? Will the voyage be enough near coastal that it would have some good all-weather ports of refuge? Presumably it should be possible to look up weather records to get a rough idea of how much boisterous or boring stuff to expect.

[Zoomer]

The thing that occurred to me after reading this thread, is that since you and your crew are not 100%, why not take a third person? The boat is plenty big and for a longer passage you will appreciate the relief. I'm sure an experienced sailor can be found on this forum.

[oldman66]

Zoomer you came along and read my mind. My trouble has been finding just the single one that wants to have this adventure. I still looking really hard. Thanks

[oldman66]

Navigation will be almost entirely by sight. Keeping the coast line in view. Being conservative in all matters.

[oldman66]

David M...I like your monikor...Moderator...You must have come from a large and happy/active family. I translated into this...At 5mph you get a wind force of X. At 10 mph you get a wind force of X4. The wind doubles but the pound of pressure on the sheets increases four fold. You the same ?

[oldman66]

Hopefully the voyage will be so smooth it will be boring.

[Cormorant]

Originally Posted by oldman66

... The sheet furls into the boom. You can reef it at any lenght on the tack. You don't have to come up and luff your sheet....

Just so you have your terms right, it sounds like you're calling the sail the sheet here. Even though sails look like (bed)sheets, the sheets on a sailboat are ropes. . . .

[oldman66]

I call ropes lines