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Deep Blue Blues · 09-03-2016, 13:09

I'm a loner but I love people. Or rather, meeting people. Im a do it myself type. I want to be free from people and their issues after too long and experience a need to get back to nature. Trying to find a boat that will help me escape rather than tie me down to human necessity.

Are there particular designs for monohulls that make cruising the deep blue more reasonable with less crew or no crew? Something that's strong in high seas. If you could just share the terminology to search for, that would be greatly appreciated.

**skipmac** · 09-03-2016, 13:29

In general almost any boat can be configured for single handed sailing. Not really an inherent function of the boat design but how things are set up. Like asking what vehicle is suitable for a handicapped driver. Answer, any vehicle by installing the proper equipment. Same for a sailboat. Install and setup up the proper equipment.

On a sailboat first and most essential will be some form of self steering. An electric autopilot is the most flexible and functional but some go for wind vane systems.

Then just have the proper winches, lead the sheets and other lines to the spot convenient for your method of sailing. So in other words, buy the boat you like/want/need and you set it up for single handing instead of trying to buy a boat made just for single handing.

Lizzy Belle · 09-03-2016, 13:41

What Skipmac said, basically.

Without knowing more then "solo sailing" it's hard to say more. My boat is easy to sail single handed and she'll take me wherever I let her take me. I'm more worried about my seaworthiness then hers

tbodine88 · 09-03-2016, 13:45

My West Wight Potter is easy to sail alone, not much accommodations, others have sailed similar boats across the ocean. I hope I have the gumption to do so myself.

The Ericson I once owned could easily be single handed, but I carried crew when I could.

Deep Blue Blues · 09-03-2016, 13:49

You're the man Skipmac. I don't even know why I posted this now that you so eloquently reminded me that every venture I've ever been on I was sailing them solo. Sometimes theyd tighten up the main or loose the jib but mostly I was doing the sailing. Competency from confidence.

I'm new to the wind vane world. It uses the apparent wind, without electricity, to steer the boat over the swells while holding a good line? That's preferred right?

Deep Blue Blues · 09-03-2016, 13:52

Lizzy that's solid. You go girl.

Tbodine, I'm liking those Ericsons more and more. Tell me, did you feel like a Viking whilst at it's helm?

**skipmac** · 09-03-2016, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep Blue Blues

I'm new to the wind vane world. It uses the apparent wind, without electricity, to steer the boat over the swells while holding a good line? That's preferred right?

Exactly. A paddle or sail like piece is adjusted to keep the boat on a set course. Problem is generally don't work well in light air or downwind. Autopilots work under almost any conditions but use a lot of power.

Deep Blue Blues · 09-03-2016, 17:49

I'm anxious to learn more about the new technologies and green energy systems available to sailors now. Seems like they've got an answer for everything. Especially the water makers.

**Bulawayo** · 10-03-2016, 07:28

You can also often add a small tiller pilot to a wind vane for an economical pilot arrangement. You'll find heaps of info on how to do this on-line. The choice of boats is huge as are the number of options for self steering, power generation etc etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Exactly. A paddle or sail like piece is adjusted to keep the boat on a set course. Problem is generally don't work well in light air or downwind. Autopilots work under almost any conditions but use a lot of power.

sammyo · 10-03-2016, 07:28

On this forum you will find controversy reviewing "single handed sailing" but there are many single handers that made port. The term "blue water sailboat" has also inspired vigorous discussion, much of which is well worth reading and there seem to be many right answers, not a few seemingly contradictory. Size matters but boats shorter than me have crossed oceans. Learning a lot about weather is perhaps the single most important topic.

Sdwcheney · 10-03-2016, 07:28

I would suggest a heavy full keel boat like a Vaga 26 with a simple autopilot.

Rustic Charm · 10-03-2016, 07:28

He's asking 'what makes a blue water boat'?

Lizzy Belle · 10-03-2016, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyo

Size matters but boats shorter than me have crossed oceans

Smaller then your boat, I assume

This recent topic might be interesting: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...at-162531.html

Generally speaking tho, all well build and maintained boats will get you where ever you want to go, and most can be adapted to single handing.

Whatever the best boat is, depends for 90% on the crew and their wants, needs, experience etc. etc. As we've learned from abandoned ships found adrift, plenty do fine without their crew

Some people want a keel stepped mast (*innocent look*), some will only go with a full keel (or what they consider to be one) etc. etc. So many people and even more opinions!