Skookum 53 Question

[Jonathans]

Hi,
I am a brand new registeree on this forum (after having lurked for a loong time). I am a very experienced seaman, having been a licensed 500ton Master, steamed coast to coast a few times, and ran a vessel in Alaska for a long time. Not bragging. Just want to let you know my experience level.

I have not yet sailed, other than sunfishes and Hobies, but have a hankering for a long time to get a Skookum 53.

I have no doubt that I can pick up sailing rather quickly, but as I am not yet retired, time is still a great asset for me. I need the ability to have a vessel with some capability of speed when I need to get somewhere.

I know I can live with 10 knots, but 6-8, would be tough, unless I'm just chilling under sail and enjoying the breeze. I would really like the vessel to be able to do better than 10 under power within reason fuel wise. 12-15 would be great, and in those instances I would just have to eat the cost of fuel pushing the boat beyond its hull speed.

Does anyone know what I could expect from a Skookum 53, with more than 120hp?

If I could afford a multihull, I know that it might be a bette match for me, but I have not found one with a decent cockpit that would serve for the fishing, crabbing, and shrimping that I tend to do as well.

Any input would be helpful

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Jonathans.
I'm no expert but I don't believe you'll be getting 10+ knots under typical conditions under power with a 120hp in a 51ft displacement hull that's gotta be pushing 60,000 lbs.
There are some folks around here that can, no doubt, give a more accurate assessment..

[captain58sailin]

Welcome to the forum.
You are looking at 9 knots max, 7 knots is a consistent speed day in and day out . if you are in a hurry then I wouldn't bother with a sail boat. Seriously consider the Cats. and not many of them will consistently deliver the performance you are looking for. Everything is a trade off. I opt for comfort and livability + the ability to make a living with out going ashore for a job. And I can set up a really nice sound system to enjoy when sporting around.

[minaret]

"I know I can live with 10 knots, but 6-8, would be tough, unless I'm just chilling under sail and enjoying the breeze. I would really like the vessel to be able to do better than 10 under power within reason fuel wise. 12-15 would be great, and in those instances I would just have to eat the cost of fuel pushing the boat beyond its hull speed."


Pushing the boat beyond hull speed is not possible in a displacement non planing hull. Therefore hull speed, determined by lwl, is the limiting factor for a displacement hull. To get the speeds you want you need a fast cat or tri, or a very large boat. And even then you would only get those speeds under ideal conditions, ie relatively flat water.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard CF

Go by your own quote,, 6-8 knots enjoying the breeze
That's whu we have SAILBOATS. wanted to listen to an engine, I would have bought a power trawler..

[Jonathans]

I worked for 30 years on full displacement hulls that I pushed beyond hull speed on a regular basis. It is not fuel efficient, but is done a lot.

I don't accept that I can't have both worlds. Sailing when I want to, and powering when I need to. If you want to be a purist, build your own boat out of wood, and fab your own sails and rigging. No electrical on board either!

[Unicorn Dreams]

Go ahead and push yout boat all you want, it's yours. Just because burning your own fuel ay 1-1 1/4 GPH isn't enough, you can run it all the way up and burn 3-4 GPH or more to gain 1 kt or so.

After all, it'a your fuel, not your employers.
Do what you want.

[Jonathans]

Thank you. That was very constructive.

[Mountainview42]

Old Chinese proverb say: You always get back, that which you give out.
Hint: One might try a, shall we say less agressive approach when asking a new (to you) group for their help and advice.
Now that might be constructive...

[sywindsong]

windsong is for sale, let me know if interested, sywindsong at live.com, you can see pics on yachtworld, skookum 53 FOR SALE BY CHARLOTTE SCHMIDT YACHT SALES.

[SV.Maverick]

By this point a guy has to ask himself if he is a power boat guy or a sailboat guy. You sound like a power boat guy,,,not that there is anything wrong with that.