Light or heavy boat for cruising

[Aussie Monty]

There is some science in the decision making process but, in the end its subjective.

There's an old saying "make the decision the right decision rather than trying to make the right decision" otherwise you will never move forward.

But research of course!

Aussie Monty

[David_Old_Jersey]

Cut out the extremes on both ends and the answer is......whatever "you" are comfortable with.

[Dockhead]

The average cruising boat has become quite a bit longer, while staying the same weight and cost, or even somewhat cheaper.

In my opinion this is real progress, as the longer boat will be a lot faster, and no less or even more seaworthy.

So my advice would be lighter and bigger. Speed is life, and a boat which sails well is much, much more fun, and safer, too.

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[findrichard]

True enough, most sailing weather favors lighter and lower wetted area designs. Here is a real world example I came across in my boat search that illustrates another safety factor to consider:
It is reported, that while sailing into the channel, the keel hit a submerged rock. The boat was then motored to its port. The impact stressed the grid system, and there is a crack where the keel meets the hull. The deck, rigging and interior appear to be in good condition for a boat of this year.
Otherwise gotta love those beneteaus though.

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[hpeer]

This post is of no use to the OP at all. But may be to someone else.

I know that I have "over the hill itus". I want to go places and see things. I mean remote places. I've done too much single handed sailing for a relative newbie, but that is what life has handed me.

In any case I've made mistakes and gotten into trouble. On at least one occasion hardly any other boat would have survived unscathed ( if not sunk). But ours did.

I'm not talking big waves and howling winds, I'm talking surviving some Dumb S#%^t behind the wheel, ME!

I think what actually sinks boats are the crew. The boat should be strong, heavy, safe enough to survive what the crew does to it. In my case I'm asking a LOT!

I do think any boat should be able to take a hard grounding in stride. That's life.

[Oceanride007]

Heavy would have advantage of more tankage and storage options, lighter has disavantage of not enough "Vee" at the forefoot ie more pounding, also harder to board as freeboard is more out of the water.
Bigger has advantage of more shade options and solar panels.

[VinnyVincent]

Mac 26 without using the water ballast and 10,000lbs of lead weights lining the floors. Problem solved.

/thread