We did SoCal and SoPac in a W32 that we built from a bare
hull. They aren't as slow as people like to say unless going to
Weather in light air. Still won't win any races in the typical
wind patterns you'll see in Alaska in the summer or the inside
passage. Would want a Code Zero or Asym. Chute for offhand
work in light air or at least a
Perkins 4-107/8 or equivalent
diesel. Boats will sail quickly and comfortably in tradewind conditions. Did a number of 170nm days and a few near
single digits with a 118nm day average for over 10,000 miles with almost no
engine usage. For a solo sailor, the
Aries vane steered the boat if it would sail which made open ocean sailing a breeze. They are not fun boats to sail. The heavy
displacement makes them react slowly but also makes them comfortable to live on under sail.
The boats are roomy, will store a couple tons of goods, have plenty of
water tankage and
fuel capacity. We lived aboard and cruised for 4 years and were very comfortable. A little short on
storage for large bulky items like bicycles but plenty of nooks and crannies for almost everything else.
The
bowsprit and boom kin chain plates from the factory were undersized with punched holes that are prone to developing cracks and should be replaced with beefier fittings. There are also
rot issues with the
bowsprit and boomkin that need to be looked out for. Original
fuel tanks were
steel and
water tanks stainless in the
bilge. Both would develop pinhole
corrosion over time so look at them closely. Factory went to plastic water tanks later which should be long lasting. Changing the fuel involves pulling the
engine. Fortunately, that's a relatively painless operation as the
cockpit sole is removable and the engine a pull straight up.
Good luck in your search for a boat.
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