What Boat ?

[dewsnapsmith]

Ok the impossible to answer question : What is the best boat for . . .

I want to return to sail after a few years motor cruising - and I have no idea what boat(s) to concider to meet my 'wish list' which is:

Probably 27 to 32 ft long
Easily managed single-handed
Able to handle rough conditions at sea
Good for French Canals : max 1 meter daught; easy mast up/down.
Able to make 10+ knts under power
Comfortable enough for long term living aboard (luxury not essential)

ie. Something like a MacGregor with +++ modifications so it can handle a trans-atlantic crossing.

I am open to any (polite and physically possible) suggestions to start my search.

[skipmac]

I really cannot think of a boat that would meet all your requirements, mainly 10 kts cruising speed AND transatlantic sailing capability.

Getting 10 kts under power in a 27-32' sailboat would require a large, heavy engine and a semi-planning hull, neither of which I am aware of on a blue water capable sailboat.

There may be such a thing and I look forward to hearing other responses.

[Southern Star]

skipmac is correct - and I can't imagine going transatlantic in a Macgregor! If you can live with 6 knots under power, there are some boats that would suit you needs (although the maximum draft of 1 m. is going to be a significant limitation in a monohull).

Brad

[callmecrazy]

Dragonfly

[dewsnapsmith]

Hi Guys,

thanks for the responses.

Clarification: Some European rivers (eg Rhine and Rhone) have sections where if it is NORMAL the flow can be well in excess of 8 knts.
Avoiding fast flowing rivers seriously impedes roving capacity.

Shallow draght is need to explore more 'less visited' parts of France and Netherlands (which is why a lifting keel is really needed).

[svHannabel]

Hmm...a bluewater capable shallow-draft 27-32 footer able to exceed 10 knots under power...That's a toughy!

Perhaps there's a multi-hull that will meet these needs?

[callmecrazy]

Originally Posted by svHannabel

Hmm...a bluewater capable shallow-draft 27-32 footer able to exceed 10 knots under power...That's a toughy!

Perhaps there's a multi-hull that will meet these needs?

Yes, Dragonfly. The 28 meets all stated requirments.

[Waterway Guide]

Can you fold up the dragonfly to cruise the canals? Just wondering....

[callmecrazy]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Can you fold up the dragonfly to cruise the canals? Just wondering....

Why yes, yes you can... Unlike other folding trimarans, the dragonfly keeps the ama's in the water. It's folds specifically to fit into a slip, as opposed to a trailer. Which also means it will still motor around just fine folded up (not sure how it would sail though, but I suspect it could be done)

Dragonfly 28 - Extra deckspace - YouTube

[Polux]

I love Dragonfly but they are incredibly expensive and have not much space to live aboard. The 35 has the interior space of a 30ft monohull and cost as much as a 50ft Well, he goes faster than the 50ft

Seriously, without having an idea of your budget it makes no sense to talk about boats. The only comfortable 32 ft (to live aboard) that would be moderately adequate to cross oceans are expensive medium weight boats like the Halberg Rassy 310.



If your budget is not in accordance with that I would suggest a boat like the new Delphia 31 that can have a swing keel and a mast lowering kit. The boats are solid not very expensive and sail relatively well, but I would not cross the Atlantic in one.

Delphia 31

Delphia 31

Manuel

[MacG]

Even a Delphia is not a bargain, let's forget about the Dragonflies - I agree with Pollux - they are almost as costly as a megayacht.

@dewsnapsmith

Your basic idea's af draft and currents in Rhine & Rhone are in need of some correction.
The Rhine - for which you need a "patent" to cruise and the Rhone do not have currents exceeding 3-4 knots. Down Avignon, the Rhone gets broader, wider, and current velocity is similar to that of a fast walking pedestrian. (Which is fast enough).

For Holland, a max draft of 1.40 will bring you almost everywhere. Even in Friesland, where they have the most shallow waters of the country.

My boat has a draft of 1.40 and I can come everywhere. The main point is not so much your draft but the capacity to bring the mast down. And that is another story all together.

Edit: for the French canals, a max draft of 1.30 mtr will be more than sufficient for the Canal Lateral/du Midi.
You can go to 1.60 - 1.70 for the remaining main canals.
The North canals are even more giving: there you may go as far as 1.80 mtr.

[hpeer]

I was thinking Presto Sharpie and then stumbled onto this thread....

The Impossible Boat
The Impossible Boat


Then there is the Benford Badger dory design. Think Annie Hill.

Saling Dories - Benford Design Group

The 10 knots will be difficult but may be doable with a flat hull.

I saw a Bolger AS-29 with masts in tabernacles.

http://www.rodgermartindesign.com/portfolio.php?item=82

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharpie_(boat)

http://www.tedbrewer.com/sail_wood/mystic.htm

Enjoy

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by dewsnapsmith

Able to make 10+ knts under power

...I'm just wondering...what's your hurry?

[JJ77]

The Lorelei might be a challenge for you since it always flows very fast there,you might need a towboatservice.
For Dragonflymoney you can probably get one of these;
Hake Yachts 46RK

They also make a 32 and a 26 footer,according to their site you can get them with a mast lowering system.Does everything you want except beating the fast flowing Lorelei.(Lorelei can also be spelled as "Loreley")
Lorelei itself is a rock but it marks a very narrow stretch of the river Rhine,lovely scenery yet difficult to navigate.

NB;That Dragonfly is a kick ass boat!awesome!



Cheers,

JJ

[JJ77]

Hmm misred your post,you're going to France via Holland and not to the Black sea(therefore you will not be going through the Lorelei and you will not need your 10+ knots.),think I mixed you up with someone else.
Sorry!Would be a great journey though,after reaching the Black sea you could start thinking about the Volga...