Hi from NY

[ChasD]

Based on the vibes at work, the "maybe we'll cruise sometime" discussion has taken on a new urgency. Which is, of course, not an altogether bad thing. So, after racing dinghys for years and daysailing and weekending on LIS, the thought of joining those who head South in the fall in North in the spring is very enticing.

First order of business will be moving from the Ben 345 we share now to something a bit more suitable for longer trips. Interesting that on this and other sites there is so much discussion of bluewater boats and less on the kind of coastal work that I suspect most of us do. We’d be very happy campers to spend part of the winter in the Bahamas and the summer in Maine (who wouldn’t?). More on this a we progress. Lot’s to learn, lot’s to do.

Chas

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Chas.

Sometimes, the best boat boat is the one you got.
What's wrong with the Bene 345?
Maggie & I lived aboard, and cruised a much smaller C&C29 for a decade.

[Hudson Force]

We regularly do the Maine summer and Bahamas winter as you suggest. Like GordMay, I think the Beneteau 345 is a capable boat for this coastal latitude cruising. I would only wonder about the fouling of the lobster pots in Maine. Does your Beneteau have that free standing rudder well aft of all else and ready to catch trap lines? Ah, but there are fixes for that,- What would you be looking for different that you feel would be better for your cruising plans? 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[ChasD]

She's great to sail but we're hoping for bigger tanks and some additional storage and perhaps a little less draft. But you're right with a some work this boat could do the job.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
I think you have the right size boat even though you may need to expand your tankage a bit.
Good to have you here.
regards,