Set up for Singlehanding

[patprice]

I am sure you will find she is a steel hull vessel.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by patprice

I am sure you will find she is a steel hull vessel.

Nope,
Ad says GRP... I was guilty of making a bold assumption...

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Nadezhda

As a minimum I would want a sexy companion who would do all the maintenance, cooking, steering and reefing duties.

So, in short, you want a husband?

[Vipe6]

The boat would also need storage space for a bike helmet.

[sailray]

I've done lots of single handing. Prefer sloop rig with easy main reefing(always. feel before sundown) At least 2 autopilots plus vane or ability to self steebr wiith shock cord simpler t he better.These days AIS and radar necessary .

[reed1v]

We prefer ketch rigs for over 35 feet. The split rig gives many combinations for the sails and the jib and jigger rig allows easy sailing through about 35-40 knots of wind. On real light days can set up forward and amidships spinnakers or drifters and really move along. With a triatic stay, you will get an extremely strong rig and much more lightening protection. Finally, the sails can be cut smaller but keeping the total sail area the same, thus reducing effort required to set, reef, and change sails.

[patprice]

I think you might find the ad is wrong !

[secrabtree]

From reading some of the comments I think that some of the commenters forgot to read the description of the boat and equipment in the link. The it already has a furling jib. There is nothing that even indicates the possibility that the main can't be trimmed from the cockpit. It already has an anchor windlass (called an "anchor winch" in equipment list.I have extensively singlehanded my Catalina 22 and my Cal 39. I prefer that the halyards NOT be led to the cockpit because I want to be able to catch the jib as it comes down (my C22 didn't have a roller furling jib, on my Cal 39 the only time the halyard is used is when the jib is raised or lowered). The added friction in the lines for reefing the main from the cockpit makes it very difficult for this 80 year old to get the proper tension. Besides, if there's any problem I usually have to be at the mast anyway to fix it. I have mast mounted winches for the halyards, and I'd like to have a boom mounted winch for reefing (but I use one of the mast winches for reefing). With crew, leading halyards to the cockpit is fine as one person can be by the mast or at the forestay while another pulls the halyard for the cockpit. But that can NOT be done when singlehanding. For singlehanding lead all lines to wherever they can be used when the skipper is where he/she will need to be when there is a problem - because it when there is a problem that you'll need to be at a particular place, and THAT is where the lines should be available.
An autopilot is a VERY handy addition when singlehanding, not absolutely necessary, but makes things simpler. And a remote is nice, but isn't necessary.
A remote for the windlass is also nice, but really isn't necessary.
By the way, the Cal is much easier to singlehand than the C22 because the heavier boat doesn't change course as much, almost not at all, when my weight moves around. My C22 can almost be steered by moving around. I could actually steer my O'Day Day Sailer, when I still owned it, without touching the tiller. I still had to trim the sails for any performance.

[Juho]

One more viewpoint to singlehanding.
1) Autopilot is a must to free your hands and eyes for something else.
2) Furling sails and remote windlass are the easiest approach to avoid jumping between the foredeck and cockpit (or not to go there at all). Ability to reef quickly (from the cockpit if possible) is important.
3) Jacklines and harness to keep you in the boat.
4) Communication devices to get assistance (if needed) when coming to a marina.
5) Radar and AIS with alerts to wake you up at night.

[reed1v]

roller furling systems are good, but better are those that furl and reef. Big difference.

[Tikka]

Did you mention, preferable just East Coast Aus hopping.
This is really bay-island hopping, just basic is perfectly OK,
Sure autopilot is a must, but I would not be to fussy about the rest.
23 footers can circumnavigate Aus.
If you consider the boat inspection, take special care of the deck.
Fiberglas on ply is big trouble. Have a good look in corners for signs.

[jheldatksuedu]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Nope,
Ad says GRP... I was guilty of making a bold assumption...

when you go to the ad and look at the cockpit picture I also think the add might be wrong, most of the Roberts 36 are steel or aluminum, could be built out of flat fiberglass panels but I doubt it.

Used Roberts 36 Grp Ketch "foxy Lady" for Sale | Yachts For Sale | Yachthub

can't tell for sure, my magnet I carry in my pocket to analyse stainless won't reach that far.

[Juho]

Originally Posted by Tikka

Sure autopilot is a must, but I would not be to fussy about the rest.

I support this. Without an autopilot life would be a pain (in modern sailboats that do not sail alone very well). All the rest depends on your personal preferences and needs.

[patprice]

"Hull Material Fibreglass (C-Flex) approx 17 mm thick"
Hmmm....I have known this yacht for years though never been on board. Always assumed she was steel.
Maybe I am wrong ? Eat humble pie maybe ?

[Boxertwinjeff]

Thanks heaps guys for your knowledgable comments, and sharing your experience...keep them coming...
The hull was built using C-Flex GRP, it has an anchor winch with controls forehead & in Cockpit, an emergency tiller, headsail furling, good access to sail & anchor lockers via forehead deck hatch, spreader mounted deck lighting, Heaps of storage below, 5 good size berths, a relatively high clear deck which I'm thinking is a good thing, and I believe a well maintained Yanmar 38hp. Survey Ok. Any improvements for ease & safety in sailing would be done overtime as funds permit, She has quite an outdated fitout, no refrigeration and a micro gallery, don't like either so money to be spent there over time as well, I live in Cairns North Queensland, which has a large sailing fraternity so I would be seeking education on boat handling, sailing etc from well experienced sailors. Plenty of coastal islands along the coast inside the Great Barrier Reef affording day hopping & practice / learning.
Seemed to have fallen for this Ketch having looked at many boats, though my budget is considerably less than asking price, boats aren't selling here so I may get lucky on price. I'm working away on the ice for atleast 12 months, so theres a chance it will be sold before I get back to Tas....