How Small Is Too Small?

[grovernors]

Hello:

Im new, first post see <----. Ill cut right to the chase I have about .01% experience sailing, my friend took me out on a small 10 ft sail boat once. We managed to capsize the sailboat and were unable to right it. We then swam about 1/2 mile back to the beach towing this anchor with the sail still open shoreward.

I however have a passion to circumnavigate the globe and explore. Whilst being ignorant of sailing I am adept at learning.

As such here are my questions, and initial thoughts.

I have been looking into used vessels that I could bring home and fix up as a medium term project. Hands on experience doing maintenance on the vessel I feel is very important to understanding the fundamentals of sailing and an absolute requirement for solo sailing.

What size, style and composition sailing vessel will best accommodate a single passenger for circumnavigation and day to day living activities? I would prefer a wider hulled craft as the speedy arrival at the final destination is not my objective, rather Im in it for the journey.

What size and type of power plant (IE engine) is needed if any?

What are some things that I should absolutely look for or out for?

Is there an old sailboat "graveyard" that unwanted vessels goto that I may be able to find a bargin from?

Thank you for your time.

[hpeer]

I too am new here but I have a couple of suggestions.

Read all about Lyn and Larry Pardy.

Visit this site
http://www.meder.hu/meder_en.htm

Last week he was in Thailand.

Nuts - link is temp down.

Google "carina and me" Keep the quotes.

[shadow]

Well I'm new as well and I'm looking for my first boat to live on and circumnavigate as well. I've posted a while back that I saw a single man living on and sailing around New Zealand, TAS and nearby islands with a boat that was no more then 20 feet, if that. He had just enough room to lay down and cook. The boat was VERY old and falling apart, but he was doing it and had no problems cruising where ever he wanted.

So, his standards are nowhere near mine so you really have to work out what level of comfort and safety makes you happy. I guess it's all different for everyone.

[sabray]

I think hereshoff said He had never met a man who ate ot slept standing up.
For me anything les then 28 woulld be to small and even then Id be looking into the 30's.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by sabray

I think hereshoff said He had never met a man who ate ot slept standing up.

I like it! When I first went looking for a liveaboard my criteria were 33' long, 6'2" headroom and a shower. I ended up with a 1938 Seabird yawl, 25' on deck with 4'6" headroom and a hand pump for fresh water, no sink. I lived on the boat for 10 years, during which time my motto was "there's nothing you can do on your feet that can't be done on your knees"

Mike

[sabray]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

I like it! When I first went looking for a liveaboard my criteria were 33' long, 6'2" headroom and a shower. I ended up with a 1938 Seabird yawl, 25' on deck with 4'6" headroom and a hand pump for fresh water, no sink. I lived on the boat for 10 years, during which time my motto was "there's nothing you can do on your feet that can't be done on your knees"

Mike

Classic Neat design The sea bird certainly enabled people to face some challenges they would not have been a position otherwise achieve.

[pjbsailing]

Go BIG, or Go Home!

Kidding. You have to learn how to sail, then decide on a size that you're comfortable with. I went from 23, to 25, to 34, and now 44 feet. We've peaked at 44. I'm starting to shrink now, so the boat's getting larger.

I started day sailing, racing, weekend cruising, weekly cruising, now four yrs away from live aboard. You could just dive into a larger boat. I know people who have, and have gone cruising for years. If I had the opportunity to leave years ago, I'd probably be out there in the 34 footer, having an adventure. However, there are advantages to gaining some experience first. Either route will be fun, so enjoy, and best of luck.

PJ

[Waterborn]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

I like it! When I first went looking for a liveaboard my criteria were 33' long, 6'2" headroom and a shower. I ended up with a 1938 Seabird yawl, 25' on deck with 4'6" headroom and a hand pump for fresh water, no sink. I lived on the boat for 10 years, during which time my motto was "there's nothing you can do on your feet that can't be done on your knees"

Mike

You're right, but hopscotch would be rather painful.

[cosmosmariner]

Originally Posted by sabray

I think hereshoff said He had never met a man who ate ot slept standing up.
For me anything les then 28 woulld be to small and even then Id be looking into the 30's.

You gotta go with what fulfills the requirements. I'm 5' 8" and my wife is 5' 5". Wu-Hsin at 25' on deck has 5' 10" headroom with 6' in the galley area...works for us. Your boat's not too small...you're too tall! Next problem? (just kidding...just kidding........sorta')

[DeepFrz]

Keep in mind that Lin and Larry Pardey are both "little" people. I happened to talk to a naval architect in Vancouver when they were in town. He had just visited with them on their boat. He suggested that he or I (at 6'1") would need at least a 32' to be equivalent to their 24' (I believe it was Serafyn(sp?)) boat. So a lot depends on your physical size. Bunk length and width, headroom, etc. I remember at one boat show being very impressed with one traditionally styled boat but found that I got a nasty bump on the head when I sat in the settee. I could not sit up straight on the settee.

IMHO, I would suggest you look at as many different boats as you can before getting serious about buying. Lie in the berth, sit in the seats, pretend you are washing your face in the basin with the door closed, sit on the head, etc. Now imagine trying to move around when you are standing on one ear. Better yet is to try to get invited out for sails on different boats or to join a cruising club that has different boats for charter.

[DeepFrz]

Many marinas and boat yards have derelect boats. There are web sites that advertise boats that have been storm damaged etc. Just haunt the waterfront and talk to people. But don't be in a rush. Choose wisely. A boat that will safely take you around the world will be built differently than one made for Sunday cruises. You will soon learn to spot well built boats with strong rigging and "may" actually find a good boat to restore. You may actually find one in better shape for not much more money, but it wont be advertised by a broker. For that you need to meet and talk with people who are active in sailing.

[Tempest245]

Hi Grovernors,

I'm not one to discourage someone from dreaming. That said, I'm curious how you came to your dream. There are many ways to explore this world, without sailing your own boat ...singlehanded?? around it. I'm interested in mental the journey that you've taken from one...unsuccessful sail ..to sailing singlehanded around the world.

However, if that's your goal....I'd learn how to sail without having to swim back to shore. What does that mean? I might take lessons from a sailing school, rent a few of their practice boats and learn the " art and craft" of sailing.

Impatiient? buy a small sailboat..18-22 footer...read books, find other sailors, play with it....learn how to sail it....sell it...

Learning....you will need to know, Navigation, Weather, Communications, Storm Tactics, Engine Repair, Rigging Repair..First Aid..Regulations....etc. etc. You also, just can't show up in a foreign port without some knowledge of the regulations of that country.

Have people done it without years of experience and study? sure a few? are you one who will ? I can't say...

What size boat? a Dana 26 has done it....a Westsail 32...among others..

What will you do for money? Suppose you get to a foreign port and need repairs? do you have skills to trade? Income? Lots to think about.

But, I think the 1st place to start is to learn how to sail...however you can do that.

Best wishes

[permagrin]

no one needs a negative Nancy

[mikereed100]

Hello Grovenors,

Boat size is very subjective, but for comfort on a circumnavigation with 2 people I would probably be looking in the 32' plus range. There are a plethora of older, production fiberglass boats that could be had for cheap that would fill the bill. Look in Yachtworld and your local sailing rag, walk the marinas etc. and you will see what I mean. Learn all you can as you look and you will find your search narrowing. Forums such as this are a great place to start and many books have been written on the subject. Best of luck, have fun and welcome to the forum!

Mike

[Squeaks]

It's so easy to want lots but best to keep it small and simple until you know what you really need.