Advantages to have a small boat

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by hamburking

This discussion of small boats got me thinking of choosing something a bit smaller for my next boat. I'm on Lake Ontario, but thinking of heading south once my kids are both launched soon (a couple years).

I came across this (local) boat for sale...and it looks really good. I'd appreciate your comments.

I'm thinking of heading down the hudson river, then down the east coast to the bahamas and the caribbean. Or maybe jump from New York to Bermuda? I don't really have anyplace to get to, just like to sail, be on a boat, and not be in a hurry. Sadly, I'll be going alone, and on a tight budget, but hoping to make friends along the way and not opposed to guest crew and visitors.

1980 Bayfield 29 | sailboats | St. Catharines | Kijiji

Nice looking boat..
The only minus for me is the spirit stove but that's just a personal quirk..
Cutter rigs good for windward work and when you need to reef down some.. think she'll do you proud.. I've taken similar sized boats from Ireland to the Med, across the Atlantic (even a Bene.. can you believe it..?) and the Great Oz Bight.. you could even circumnavigate her.. wind some folks up..

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

'Seems to me like most of the small boats being safer zealots have reached their conclusions by anaylizing their research data whilst aboard a bar stool following a few pints.



I'll stick with the big boats.

Instead of arguing, it's probably easier just to wait until they fall off.

[boatman61]

Speak for yourself..

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Nice looking boat..
The only minus for me is the spirit stove but that's just a personal quirk..
Cutter rigs good for windward work and when you need to reef down some.. think she'll do you proud.. I've taken similar sized boats from Ireland to the Med, across the Atlantic (even a Bene.. can you believe it..?) and the Great Oz Bight.. you could even circumnavigate her.. wind some folks up..

You are not alone on 'spirit" stove although they will cook if you don't mind the wait. Not a deal killer but for extended cruising it would be a PITA.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Cadence

You are not alone on 'spirit" stove although they will cook if you don't mind the wait. Not a deal killer but for extended cruising it would be a PITA.

Fortunately, I'm a big fan of the origo/cookmate stove. I see it as a feature.

But stoves are cheap and easy to replace compared to say...the diesel engine! That engine looks brand new! I know you can't tell the internal condition from the appearance, but that appearance does not hurt, and may indicate good care and maintenance.

The shallow draft would be great for the ICW and Bahamas. The full keel should be good for blue water. Its a good name builder with a solid reputation. And the unusual layout below also looks very good to me.

It does seem to lack peripheral gear like a dinghy, liferaft, AIS, chartplotter, autohelm, solar panels, etc.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Cadence

You are not alone on 'spirit" stove although they will cook if you don't mind the wait.

If I was in a hurry, I don't think I'd be on a sailboat...LOL!

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by hamburking

If I was in a hurry, I don't think I'd be on a sailboat...LOL!

But saying, Hell! I don't need a pot of coffee that bad. Now maybe I didn't have one that good? I do remember there was nothing better than my mother doing bacon on one when I was still in the bunk 70 years ago.

[tuffr2]

Nothing beats the smell of mom cooking bacon in the morning...even if it was 50, 60, 70 or 80 years ago.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Nothing beats the smell of mom cooking bacon in the morning...even if it was 50, 60, 70 or 80 years ago.

Ithat and the pot of coffee perking right beside it

[Cadence]

I didn't realizing agreement with boatman 61 on an alcohol stove would create such a clamor. As I said not a deal breaker on that boat. For those that like them great I will agree safer than LPG and fuel is probably easier to get anyplace.

[hamburking]

I'm seeing far too many microwave ovens on boats these days. I guess if you never leave the dock, it makes sense (and popcorn)

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by hamburking

I'm seeing far too many microwave ovens on boats these days. I guess if you never leave the dock, it makes sense (and popcorn)

Doesn't bother my 50KVA genset a bit.

[Jim Cate]

For those that like them great I will agree safer than LPG and fuel is probably easier to get anyplace.

Not so true these days, at least in the South Pacific islands. Alcohol essentially unavailable, LPG everywhere... at least in swap bottles.

Jim

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by hamburking

I'm seeing far too many microwave ovens on boats these days. I guess if you never leave the dock, it makes sense (and popcorn)

Microwaves are even more useful on a boat, than on land.

Mine was built in as part of the original build of my boat, and I use it more than the propane stove.

I would use it even more if it had a convection oven -- some day I'll swap it out.

You don't need to be on the dock. Mine runs off either generator or inverter.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Not so true these days, at least in the South Pacific islands. Alcohol essentially unavailable, LPG everywhere... at least in swap bottles.

Jim

Jim,

That is surprising. What is the reason?