Thanks again Boatman; getting the skills together is exactly what I've been doing. Been saturating myself with navagation info- coastal/geometry techniques. There's not much sailing where I'm at (mid-west USA), hence get my own. I've got the hands on basics, but need to make that second nature, then do some crewing for "grad school"- this is a long term goal. I had looked at th CDs and other Alberg designs, the only thing is that the through-hull tiller kind of gives me the heebee geebees-How do you repair or rig up what you can't reach? In any event, I'm enjoying these eary steps in, and really appreciate the advice from the old hands-Graciass, K

Oh... look at the CD25's bit roomier than the folk boat but good seaboats also.. seen some going cheap on the net..

Good idea... get the skills mastered in safe water that'll serve you out in the open sea when you get 'The Boat' you need...
Enjoy...

Just the sort of thing I was looking for. I got boat struck for a Folkboat (with the full keel and other heavy duty design features) but could't pull it off in time. I know this one has been on the Great Lakes, but probably in very controlled circumstances, and never in blue water. Just as I read the books out there, and the forums, I see a lot of variety and just don't have the personal experience yet to sort it all out. I think I'll probably make it my first boat and keep it in local lakes, use it as a trainer. Anything serious I do any time soon with be under someone else's command; I'm just getting started. Thanx again for the insight and I'll probaly hit you up again.

Hi Astro...
I'd hesitate to take a 22ft drop keel far ofshore.. especially with a pop top..
My current boat is a 3/4 keel 21 that is very stable but handles like a dinghy... and thats the difference between a 27 and what your looking at.. more weight, more storeage etc... In the past I carried 5litre jugs of water and restricted myself to 1/2 jug a day... with food and water I've stayed at sea for 3 weeks a time before needing to top up... maybe you eat and drink more... but should be possible upto 2 weeks a time... unless you go hardcore... oh.. if you do go for the poptop.. rig up a real secure latch down system... and water tight from waves sweeping over...
Rain no problem.. but you'd be amased where a wave can get in...
Good Luck.. hope this was some use...

Hello Boatman! If you could spare a few words for a rookie, I'd like your take on some things- but the main thing is about liveaboard on a very little boat. I'm looking at getting my first this summer, a 22' cabin cruiser with a swing keel and a pop top over the companion way. Anyway, my main question is what difference do you experience between a 22'er and say a 25 or 27'er? Do they handle a lot differently in blue water? Are they just too small to carry the water for long stays away from supplies? I've been pretty good at keeping my essentials to a backpack when necessary, but I'm brand new to sailing. I have a good deal on a good boat from a very good friend's father (she sailed this boat w/family for years), but I don't want to get the wrong boat, even if I got it free. It just seems like a 22'er might have a lot of "personality" to deal with on bigger water. Is there a big change there (between 22 and say 27')? Thanx, Anderson