Directional stability expectations...

[snaggletooth]

Keep your preconceived notions and everything will be wonderful. There has been no advance in naval architecture since Bob Perry drew the Valiant 40.

He would never say that. He is very modest.

[Incentive]

Originally Posted by Dutch

No such thing on my Grampian 26.
With a 135 jib and main trimmed it just about sails itself on Georgian Bay.

Thanks for this info. I will try this next spring as the boat didn't sell and I've grown fund memories with it, she deserve a second chance

[perchance]

Have to agree with you on the G 26 and sail trim. Mine does the same thing and I thought it was just me. I have often wondered if the rudder on the 26 was undersized.

[ozskipper]

Sailboats are like women. They cost a fortune in expensive jewelry, will turn on you when you when you think you have done nothing wrong. We chose them based on looks and make emotional decisions about them. The only difference is that sailboats dont get jealous of each other.

Misogynistic comments aside, pick the one you like best. The one that gives you the most pleasure. Its not always about practicalities.

[cwyckham]

I wouldn't choose a sailboat based on whether I can raise and drop sails with nobody at the tiller and the tiller swinging free. Tie the tiller or buy a cheap used tiller pilot to do that job.

Having a maneuverable boat is a good thing, as is having a powerful rudder. A small adjustment in how you sail a boat solo will open up many wonderful boats for you to use. Why restrict yourself unnecessarily?

[JPA Cate]

Incentive, here's something to think about: a grandmother with few sailing skills at the outset (an Australian woman) circumnavigated on a Folkboat. From this I infer that the FB is a pretty forgiving boat, not unsuited to a singlehander, except there's no standing headroom, if that's important to you.

Ann

[Incentive]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Incentive, here's something to think about: a grandmother with few sailing skills at the outset (an Australian woman) circumnavigated on a Folkboat. From this I infer that the FB is a pretty forgiving boat, not unsuited to a singlehander, except there's no standing headroom, if that's important to you.

Ann

No headroom isn't a problem, my only problem with this folk boat is to keep it from hobby horsing at anchor... Otherwise she would be my one and only for sure.... At the time I didn't know much and over loaded the stern, she sailed perfect but when anchored she violently hobbyhorsed.... If this problem can be solved id be the happiest sailor this spring...

[sealubber]

A spade is always going to need constant attention. Skeg hung or not the simple option is not run aground or hit ****. I know it makes some people feel better to say everyone hits something but if your doing your job you don't need a skeg hung rudder. I solo'd a boat across several ponds without all the insane things people think they need today. My stove in my first boat was not even gimbled and I spent over 70 days at sea alone cooking on her.

[ElGatoGordo]

Originally Posted by sealubber

A spade is always going to need constant attention. Skeg hung or not the simple option is not run aground or hit ****. I know it makes some people feel better to say everyone hits something but if your doing your job you don't need a skeg hung rudder. I solo'd a boat across several ponds without all the insane things people think they need today. My stove in my first boat was not even gimbled and I spent over 70 days at sea alone cooking on her.

So full of yourself...and it shows