Is This Boat Safe?

[engine1218]

Here you go.

SailBoat

I might have to go look at this!

[Tbrad]

Originally Posted by dogbert4pres

If I recall correctly, Wiley E planned on catching that roadrunner too.

Yeah, anyone know how to contact the Acme rocketpowered rowboat company? I have a plan!

[boatman61]

Go for the Longbow <3 ....
I owned one that I sailed down to and around the Med as a live aboard for 4yrs in the 90's... below the waterline they are thick and tough as boots.. they were hand laid.. and the storage space under the berths in the saloon etc is the best I've come across in most boats I've owned up to 37ft..
They may look like a VW camper topsides but the Laurent Giles designed hull is beautiful.. she's a real sail boat and easy as anything to handle. I used to keep the tiller between my legs to steer and a genny sheet in each hand for tight space quick tacking.
I can honestly say she was the best boat I ever had.. the Bene's were nice but my Longbow was a whole different class..

[weavis]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I used to keep the tiller between my legs to steer and a genny sheet in each hand for tight space quick tacking.

That just ruined my dinner........

[Don55]

Thanks for everybody's responses. I've looked at other boats but unfortunately the Westerly has gotten under my skin. I've climbed all over her and yes she does need some TLC and she's is older than I like but she seems solid enough and she is just the most beautiful boat I have ever seen just don't tell the current owner! Anyway I'm putting in an offer...

[DeftxM]

Originally Posted by youngson

I'm pretty sure a guy circumnavigated in a 14 foot boat, and there is a 73 year old man planning on doing it in a 10 footer!

sven is such a badass. haha

[hellosailor]

Or to quote Wm. Shedd, who was speaking of ships 200+ years ago, but could equally be applied to boats:
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.”

[DaveC]

If the Westerly doesn't work out I have my Cape Dory 28 for sale. She would definitely be a great boat for the Bahamas.

$10,500. Located in Melbourne, Florida.

Used 1978 Cape Dory Cape Dory 28, Melbourne, Fl - 32935 - BoatTrader.com


Regards,
Dave

[roverhi]

The Bristol is a center board boat, not a swing keel. The board does virtually nothing for righting moment and is there to give increased lift going to weather. Boat will sail just fine without the center board though will have more leeway than a deeper keel boat going to weather. Not enough to make a difference except to the anal racer types. Off the wind, the boat will sail faster not having to drag around the extra depth of the keel. Have owned two centerboard boats and used the boards very sparingly. Then mostly because it was there, figured I might as well drop it.

The boards are pretty reliable and maintenance is minimal. If you do damage the board, they are quite expensive to buy new. Seem to remember a new board for my Pearson 35 is something around $3,500 plus shipping from the Right Coast. Since it sees so little use, would probably remove it and glass in the well if it should ever become unrepairably damaged.