Is a 52 foot boat too big for world cruising

[CarlF]

Slips for 50+ boats can be harder to find and more expensive. Fortunately, Marcus's plan was to anchor out a lot which is what I generally do.

The bigger problem is that 50+ boats usually require more air draft (bridge height) and deeper draft. This is probably the biggest adjustment of a bigger boat. When you sail a smaller boat you don't spend nearly as much time checking bridge height or harbor depth. A 50' ft boat usually requires more than 65' clearance and 6ft draft - this can be quite limiting on the East Coast of the US. This problem has a silver lining - you will know that you are entertaining folks ashore as you try to enter a shallow harbor.

On boat size. I currently own a 23ft and a 53ft sailboat. I love both. Despite the claims of a lot of email spam, I haven't found that size matters.

Carl

[Samadhi V]

Originally Posted by CarlF

A 50' ft boat usually requires more than 65' clearance and 6ft draft - this can be quite limiting on the East Coast of the US. l

With a 7.5' draft and an 80' bridge clearance obviously these are factors that effect us. Here in the Pacific, this is not much of an issue, however if our intentions were to head over to the the East Coast of the US it would be a different situation.

Certainly something to think about.

[jackiepitts]

We are on a 54' (62 LOA) boat and have not had any real problems finding a slip but find that we are quite a bit more comfortable on anchor than we were on our 30 footer. As for handling there are only two of us and find it easier than we had thought it would be.
Regards,
Jackie

s/v Chrokeva

[harryrezz]

I essentially agree with everything above ... with the exception of needing the thruster. Barbara and I handle La Nostra with no problems, including anchoring and occasionally docking. Big and heavy is definitely easier, and slower, than small and light. Puts everything into slow motion. At 44" and 36K pounds empty we are not "big-big", just about right for the two of us. Keep in mind, however, that, as has been pointed out, maintenance and docking costs also increase with size.
BTW - Nauticat makes a very solid boat - and, for a motor-sailer, they seem to go quite well.

[Joli]

Originally Posted by marcus hayward

We are trying to also get a rough idea of budget for a year

Marcus

Figure 1~2% of new replacement cost. If a new sister costs $500k then figure $5 to 10k per year average. Note the word average, maybe 3 years of $3k then a year of $19k.

[Samadhi V]

Figure the maximum you can afford per year, double to triple this amount... there is your budget

Trust me, it's worth it!

[jerrymar]

I would have to agree that bigger is better.... easier , smoother in weather... i have a 64 ft john alden steel ketch..... last boat i had was a 28 ft columbia..... she weights in at 41 ton without provisions....... i say go for the gusto.... i is more to maintain..... jerry