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Boats with cabin space for tall peopleI'm looking for recommendations here. I'm a smidge under 6'4" barefooted. I'm looking for ideas in boats that have sufficient overhead and berth length that I can spend time aboard in comfort. In my search I keep finding myself looking at boats in the fifty foot range to get this. Any suggestions for boats in the 40 to 45 range that fit the bill. The Catalina 350 (35 feet) has 6'4" head room in the main cabin. I imagine that the 387, 400, 42, and 440 would be similar. I suggest you buy any boat you like....and watch this movie Being John Malkovich Hylas44...Catalina42 worked for me at 6'4". My Irwin 44 was also great if you are looking for an older boat. Personally, I found the center cockpit boats more suitable for my size...especially the aft cabin berths which to me were more important than headroom since I spent more time in the sack than standing up in the cabin. I think it would be more important to get a boat that has enough room in the berths that you can sleep comfortably... head room can be often done without, as many of the things you do on a boat don't require all that much headroom, since you'll be sitting for a lot of it. SD...wish I'd thought about that! <g> (see 2 posts above) camaraderie said: SD...wish I'd thought about that! <g> (see 2 posts above) Click to expand... Alberg 37 might work - thay have a fair amount of headroom. If you're looking for something affordable, perhaps you could get one of the boats with a "pop-top" and just lengthen the supports. I know that there are Catalina 25's with that feature (not sure if it was an option or standard)... take a look at deck saloons this came earlier i believe but have you looked at deck saloons -- i sail a jeanneau ds40 and have 6'8" of head room 0 i think most deck saloons have added head room -- and by the way i single had her so she is easy to sail too just my thoughts chuck and s/v soulmates The Catalina 35 actually has 6'7" headroom I think. Huge for it's size. Took a look at a Bristol 45.5 with a center cockpit yesterday. It's got good room, I can't wander through it without ducking, but it's tall enough that it would be comfortable. All of the Catalinas have been designed specifically for NBA players, unfortunately they forgot hand holds so the players will bounce around the cabin like ping pong balls.... i'm 6'4'' and went to see a colvic sailor 26 today.In Dunfermline very disappointed with the 6'2'' liong.2.5feet narrow double bed [ 6'9'' diagonaly]. it had been sitting for 2 year in a welders yard and had developed an inch of rain water under the floor, the bloke said " it's cause the hatch on the cockpit floor's lacking a seal, all boats have a bit of water under the floor.''? Is it just me? or do we british make very badly designed boats. The bloke said '' I cant fit past the hatch leading to the V berth as it's so narrow'' He wasn't that fat ! i'm 6'4'' and went to see a colvic sailor 26 today.In Dunfermline very disappointed with the 6'2'' narrow double bed [ 6'9'' diagonaly]. it had been sitting for 2 year in a welders yard and had developed an inch of rain water under the floor, the bloke said " it's cause the hatch on the cockpit floor's lacking a seal, all boats have a bit of water under the floor.''? The designers of the the colvic sailor should have made the cockpit six '' smaller and added that to the interior. Ted Hood, being a tall guy, tended to design boats with lots of head room. Pacific Seacraft 34and. 37 have 6/4 headroom. Not sure of sleeping spots but you could google the manufacture site. The cockpit is fairly long also. I am not really sure about berth size but here is a few I have found information on. I am 6'2" and dont want to have to crouch while cooking so I am looking for something with a little headroom too. my findings are all from internet searches so might be the model always has this headroom or there is one for sale that has it im not deep enough in my research to know yet I know you said your looking at 40-45 ive been looking at a touch shorter say 30-35 although several 37's made the list too 6'4" Baba 30 Fuji 35 Niagara 35 Pearson Vanguard 33(32) Tayana 37(top of my list) Vancouver 27/28 Columbia 36 6'5" Grampion 34 Mariner 31/32 Morgan out island 33 Mirah 31 (Pacific seacraft) Downeaster 32 at 6'6" CSY 33 at 6'7" hope this helps with your search gives you some more to look at. Top Contributors this Month- New Sailboats
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Dufour 44 Used Boat ReviewBlue Jacket 40 Used Boat ReviewCatalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-UpEricson 41 Used Boat ReviewHow to Create a Bullet-Proof VHF/SSB BackupTips From A First “Sail” on the ICWTillerpilot Tips and Safety CautionsBest Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical ConnectorsSolving the Dodger DilemmaPolyester vs. Nylon RodeGetting the Most Out of Older SailsHow (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a DockFuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and RepairEnsuring Safe ShorepowerSinking? Check Your Stuffing BoxWhy Choose the Wharram Design?Winterizing: Make It Easy With ChecklistsBoat Improvements for the Technically IlliterateWhat Do You Do With Old Fiberglass Boats?Stopping Holding-tank OdorsGiving Bugs the Big GoodbyeGalley Gadgets for the Cruising SailorThe Rain Catcher’s GuideSailing Gear for KidsWhat’s the Best Sunscreen?UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?Preparing Yourself for Solo SailingR. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Youth VoyageOn Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…On Watch: America’s CupOn Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail RacingDear ReadersPractical Sailor Reviews Seven Performance-Sailing DinghiesAgile, fun boats like the classic sunfish and new hobie bravo keep the smile in summer sailing.. Photos by Ralph Naranjo Messing around in small boats is a global theme-one thats embraced by pond-bound pram sailors, river riders, lake voyagers, and all of us who call salt water home. The purpose of this sailing dinghy profile is to highlight seven very interesting little sailboats. Some are new designs, and others have stood the test of time, but all are currently being manufactured, and each drives home just how much fun sailing close to the water can be. This isn’t a shootout among anorexic speedsters or a report on the best tender that doubles as a sailing dinghy. Its a look at perennials like the Optimist, Sunfish, and Laser-legendary competitors that have helped spawn some of the best sailors in the world. But its also a look at three of the newest entries in the dinghy-sailing circle: Bics Open, Hobies Bravo, and Laser Performances Bug. These agile, new sailing dinghies are chock full of fun and boat-handling features to inspire kids of all ages to go sailing. Well also take a look at Chesapeake Light Crafts kit approach to getting started-one that offers meaningful lessons and tangible rewards well before the boat ever hits the water. Scale down an Open 60, add sail technology long favored by windsurfers, and put it into play in a tough thermo-formed hull, and you have the makings for a new kind of watercraft. The result is a very interesting blend of performance and reliability that targets adolescent interest. When all is said and done, Bics boat is more akin to a sit-down windsurfer than a traditional Blue Jay. And like all good boats, its vying for attention not just based on performance, construction quality, and style, but just as importantly, on the price tag stuck to the hull. The Open Bics light weight and wide, flat stern section means that even small chop can be surfed; and bursts of planing on a reach add a zing factor to dinghy sailing. The Open Bic is already an International Sailing Federation (ISAF)-sanctioned class, and fleets are developing around the US. Another bonus: Its an easily portable boat that can be carried like a windsurfer, adding excitement to a Sunday picnic at the beach. The thermo-formed polyethylene hull is a modified hard-chine design with lots of beam aft. Sailed flat, the boat is agile enough to surf wavelets, and with a shape thats ergonomically friendly to hiking, the ensuing heel on the upwind leg puts just the right amount of chine into the water. In light air, careful control of heel can significantly reduce wetted surface. The design team that developed the Open Bic saw it as a transition bridge from Optimist sailing to a more performance-oriented dinghy. An interesting innovation is that the Open Bic can be sailed with an Optimists rig and blades. This buy the hull only approach can be a significant incentive for parents with children outgrowing their Opti as fast as their boat shoes. However it wont be long before the kids want the fully turbo-charged feel delivered with the Open Bics well-shaped 4.5-square-meters rig, sail, and nicely foiled blades. Bottom line: The Open Bic is fast, agile, and buckets of fun for kids uninspired by sailing in the slow lane. Just when you think that Hobie Cat Co. has covered whats possible in beach-cat innovation, their design/engineering crew comes up with a new twist that reinvents the wheel. The Hobie Bravo is a good case in point. In a recent visit to Backyard Boats ( www.backyardboats.com ) in Annapolis, Md., we got a good look at the Bravo. Nearly as narrow as a monohull but still quite stable, this quick-to-launch beach cat packs plenty of get-up-and-go. Its a simple to sail, entry-level boat that fast tracks learning the steer, sheet, and hike trilogy. The boat features a single, midline rudder and roto-molded hulls. The shape of the hulls provides enough lateral plane to allow a crew to make headway to windward. The narrow (4 feet), 12-foot Bravo uses crew weight and hiking straps to add to the righting moment once the breeze is up. Whats done with webbing on larger cats has been converted to a shallow, rigid deck well on the Bravo. It does raise the weight of the boat to 195 pounds, but it offers comfortable seating plus room for cushions and a cooler. Kids or grown ups can have a Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn type of adventure aboard this fun little sailing machine. Or the family on a beach picnic can set it up and take turns speed reaching along a sandy shoreline. The furling mast supports a roachy sail with slightly slanted vertical battens, helping to shape the boomless mainsail. The result is convenient sail handling, decent performance, and superior safety. Theres no boom to clobber the crew, and the roller-furled sail and mast are easily stepped in the tripod-like receiver. This interesting set of struts raises the top bearing point of the mast step and spreads rig loads out to the hulls. The furling mainsail offers the ability to reef, a big plus in a building breeze or when teaching children to sail. Like all of the boats in the Hobie lineup, theres a wide range of specialty parts and fittings that make the boats fast to rig and easy to handle. The kick-up rudder is hung on gudgeons mounted in the center of stern, and just as rig loads have been effectively spread via the tripod step, the energy radiating from the large rudder is spread athwartships via a contoured deck element. Bottom line: The boat is quick to rig, easy to launch, and responsive to beginners-more experienced sailors will have just as much fun power reaching when the breeze is up. A pocket-sized club trainer, the Bug is an evolution of the kids trainer/club racer that leverages lessons learned in Optis, Dyers, and Sabots. It pulls together the logic of a stable hull shape and simple-to-sail rig, and puts it all in a cost-effective package. Lending to its success is designer Jo Richardss ergonomic, roto-molded hull, a fabrication that is as close to zero maintenance as a boat can get. The straight out-of-the-mold polyethylene skin gets a few decals, and theres no wood to refinish or gelcoat to wax. These tough, abrasion-resistant hulls have a bumper boat tolerance thats a big plus when it comes to kids learning to sail. Best of all, owners can start with a learn-to-sail rig and upgrade to a more performance-oriented mast and sail package (41 or 56 square feet) that kicks performance into the fast lane. Oars and an outboard motor bracket can be added to turn the little sailboat into a dual-purpose dinghy. Even the bow painters means of attachment makes sense-no projecting hardware ready to knick the topsides of unintended contacts. Instead, theres a recessed hole in the stem allowing a line to be lead through and a knot used to keep the painter in place. Bottom line: Aimed at club programs and families look for boats that can be transported on the car top, the Bug is easy to rig and definitely kid friendly. The fact that its manufacturer, Laser Performance, is an international interest and a major player in the performance dinghy industry means that this boat and its parts will be around for a while. Photo courtesy of Hobie Cat Co. Eastport PramChesapeake Light Craft expedites boatbuilding for do-it-yourselfers looking to take their garage-built boats for a sail. The company pre-cuts parts, packs kits with all the materials, epoxy, and paint youll need, and leads homebuilders through a thoroughly detailed stitch-and-glue approach to assembly. Kits are available in various stages of completeness, ranging from plans only to the full package, including sail, hardware, running rigging, and paint. The Eastport Pram is just shy of 8 feet, and the marine plywood and epoxy construction delivers a boat that weighs in, sans sailing rig, at just 62 pounds. Lighter than the comparatively sized Bug, this stiff, durable dinghy, rows like a real boat and sails comfortably with one or two aboard. In keeping with other good tender attributes, the Pram behaves under tow and is equally amicable when propelled by a small outboard or tacked up an estuary under sail. Kit boatbuilding continues to have a niche following. Theres also an added-value feature worth noting: On one hand, the builder receives a box of pieces and the result of his or her endeavor leads to an aesthetic and utilitarian dinghy. In addition, the DIY skills the builder develops will be useful in other epoxy bonding, brightwork, or mono-urethane application projects. Such talents will benefit many other boat maintenance endeavors. Whats hard to quantify is the sense of accomplishment derived from sailing a boat that you have built yourself. When the project is tackled in tandem with a child, spouse, or friend, the memories and the boat will last. Bottom line: With neither sidedecks or a sealed hull, this is not a boat thats easy to recover from a capsize. So once the kids favor on-the-edge sailing in a building breeze, a non swamping, easier-righting boat is probably a better option. The Pram can then be put to use by their appreciative parents or grandparents. Never in their wildest dreams did Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce imagine that the Weekender (the Lasers original name) was destined to become an Olympic class sailboat and one of the most popular springboards for top-tier sailors in the world today. Originally envisioned as a car-topper for weekend campers, the cat-rigged, low freeboard sailing dinghy morphed from its original roots into a boat favored by college competitors and revered by generations of agile sailors of all ages. Even frostbiting winter sailors have locked onto the Laser. Designed in 1969, the Lasers first few years were anything but smooth sailing. Popularity grew quickly, but along with the limelight came plenty of consternation. Dubbed a surfboard not a sailboat by a growing cross-section of the yachting elite-many parents warned junior sailors to steer as clear of Lasers as they did sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. The campaign failed, and junior sailors in yacht club programs around the country fell into the grip of the new one-design dinghy-discovering the sailboats proclivity to plane. Dyer Dhows languished in boat sheds across the country as a new theme in sailing took hold. Dubbed fast is fun by sailor/engineer Bill Lee, the young Merlin of Santa Cruz, Calif., took the theme to big-boat sailing, merging California culture with the Laser logic of light displacement and planing hull shapes. Best of all, the Laser embraced the ideal of a tightly controlled one-design class that put people on the water in identical boats and left winning and losing races up to sailing skill and tactics rather than a boats performance edge. For decades, the boat has been the single-handed sailors choice among junior sailing programs, and with the addition of the Radial, 4.7 and M rigs, smaller competitors have also found the boat to be a great sailing platform. Today, theres some lawyer saber-rattling over the sale of the design rights, but the boat remains more popular than ever. The sleeved sail, two-part spar, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder make the boat a quick-to-rig and fast-to-get underway dinghy. Light-air efficiency is good for a one-design sailboat, but this means that as the breeze builds, the non-reefable sail can become a handful in a hurry. In fact, the boats Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde demeanor is what builds talent among Laser practitioners. The big boys block the mainsail and blast off for the layline, while lighter sailors heavy-weather tactics include more nuanced de-powering and feathering. In light air, the tables turn, and the winner is often the sailor who planes quickest on the reaches. The old guards surfboard slam may have held some credence after all. Bottom line: The Laser is a timeless classic thats easily transported and is built for performance. Its well suited to adrenaline-seeking teens as well as the more fit adult crowd. Designed in 1947 by Floridian Clark Mills, the utilitarian Optimist could be made out of two sheets of plywood-and from its inception, the Optimist was meant to link kids with the water. Slipping into obscurity in the U.S., the little pram found fertile ground to grow in northern Europe. With just a few tweaks, the Scandinavians took Millss lines and parlayed them into whats become the favored junior sailing trainer for kids from Detroit to Timbuktu. Statistics show that there are about 30 builders worldwide putting out approximately 4,000 boats each year. With about 130,000 boats class registered and an estimated 300,000 total hulls built (amateur and pro), theres plenty of reasons to get excited about an Opti. The example weve chosen is the USA-built McLaughlin boat, both a demonstration of high-quality FRP construction and modern manufacturing techniques. Its also a boat that can be purchased in a range of performance-inducing iterations-upgrades designated as club, intermediate, advanced, and professional versions. Like all performance sailboats, stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio is important. But class rules include a minimum weight, so the most competitive hulls meet the mandatory lower limit but use good engineering and building technique to reinforce the daggerboard slot and mast step and produce overall stiffness. The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become. Light-air performance is all about minimizing wetted surface and maximizing sail area projection. When the breeze starts to kick up, the sailor becomes the ballast, and the art of hiking, sheet handling, and tiller wiggling come into play. Under careful adult supervision, two 6- to 8-year-olds can double-hand the friendly little dinghy, or one more-confident child can solo sail it. In fact, introducing kids to sailing with similar proportioned small prams has been a right of passage around for decades. A set of oarlock gudgeons can turn the pram into a functional dinghy thats also adaptable to the smaller Torqeedo outboard (www.torqeedo.com). McLaughlin also markets a Roto-molded polyethylene version of the Opti and sells DIY kits for those who want to create their own wood version. Bottom line: The Opti is like a first bicycle without the need for training wheels. The fact that at the last Olympics, over 80 percent of the winning sailors had gotten their start in an Optimist speaks well to the value of messing around in this particular dinghy. Designed in 1951 by ice boaters Alexander Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, the hard chine Sunfish was the prototype board boat. In 1959, it made the transition into fiberglass, and over the following half-century, more than a quarter-million hulls would hit the water. Simplicity and decent sailing attributes combined with an attractive price to make the Sunfish the most popular one-design dinghy ever raced. Far more than a platform for racers, these boats are an excellent training tool for sailors of all ages. Also built by Laser Performance, they reflect the fun of summer and put sailors in close contact with the water on which they sail. Its no surprise that the larger fleets coincide with warm water and many see going for a swim to be part and parcel of the low-freeboard experience. The lateen rig is in keeping with the overall design concept and simplifies rigging. A short stub of a mast is stepped and a single halyard hoists the sail along with tilting V-shaped upper and lower booms. The total sail area is nearly the same as the Laser, but the halyard hoist versatility of the lateen rig make it a handy beach boat and a little less daunting when the wind begins to build. The clean sail shape on one tack and deformation caused by the mast on the other tack are a slight drawback. The Laser rig is more efficient, but when caught out in a squall, its nice to be able to ease the halyard and dump the sail. Its also handy to be able to leave the boat tethered to a mooring, and the doused sail and short mast make it possible. Multiple generations of sailors are often found sailing Sunfish, and the boat represents one of the best bargains to be found in the used boat market. When considering a pre owned boat, the potential buyer needs to take a close look at the daggerboard-to-hull junction and mast step, points where previous damage can create hard-to-fix leaks. Bottom line: The Sunfish is a great beach boat that can turn a hot afternoon into a fun-filled water experience. There were no losers in this group, and picking winners and runners-up proved a difficult task. The outcome had to be based on assumptions about how these boats would be used. For example, parents with a competitive 9-year-old who swims like a fish, always sprints for the head of the lunch line, and likes to steal bases in Little League probably have an Opti racer in the making. Less competitive junior sailors-future cruisers in the making-will do better learning aboard a Bug. Many newly formed sailing clubs target the boat as their trainer of choice. The Bravo holds plenty of appeal for those with a lakeside cottage or a favored campground destination. Whether its a solo sail just before sunset or a fun race on Sunday, the quick to set up and put away features are a plus, and for those who feel that two hulls are better-the Bravo will hold plenty of appeal. Serious competitors can campaign a Laser for life, and whether youre headed for a local district regatta or getting ready for the Olympic trials, the hull, rig, and sail remains identical-sort of like the Monaco Grand Prix being raced in a street legal Mustang. Bic Opens new little speedster tickled our fancy, and as a trainer/performance boat crossover, it drew a strong nod of approval. Watching the junior sailors smiles as they sailed their Open Bics endorsed our opinion. And if there is any boat that defines the essence of summer, the Sunfish takes the prize. - The Art of Building with Thermal-setting Plastics
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Trailerable Sailboat Reviews: Small Boats, Big Adventures- By Herb McCormick
- Updated: May 24, 2024
We were approaching the trickiest, most hazardous stretch of the Northwest Passage , high in the Canadian Arctic, when we happened upon a sight more wondrous in its own way than all the ice, polar bears and other assorted wildlife that preceded it. Tucked up against a barren shoreline, its anchor embedded in a handy ice floe, was a nifty little trailer-sailer, what we soon discovered was a NorseBoat 17.5 Classic. Hopping in the dinghy from our rather cushy 64-foot steel cutter, we pulled alongside and were greeted by a pair of strapping Royal Marines named Kevin Oliver and Tony Lancaster. They were on military leave for a busman’s holiday of sorts: sailing, rowing and occasionally dragging their open boat, with a simple cuddy for accommodations, through the notoriously challenging high northern latitudes. One thing was clear: If these dudes were running the British Empire, there’d still be one. Those chaps, and that boat, captured my imagination. I thought about them again late last fall on a road trip from New England to Florida with my daughter as we passed one compact camper after another. We both love camping, and we were debating the merits of one mini Gulf Stream to another tiny Winnebago when she said something profound: “Why not have a trailerable sailboat as your RV? You could sleep in it while traveling, then when you reached your destination, you could go sailing.” Why not indeed? I’ve owned many fully found, systems-rich cruising boats but have always been enamored with the simplicity and versatility of something small and trailerable that you could tow and launch from just about anywhere: the Florida Keys, the coast of Maine, the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Northwest. (The closest I’ve personally come is a J/24, which can be trailered anywhere, but which is more of a dedicated racer than a pocket cruiser.) There’s something seriously appealing about the idea. Which is why, over the years, I’ve kept a short list of the boats I think could fill the bill, having sailed them to test their potential. What follows are a few of my favorites. – TOW LIKE A PRO – Remember to leave extra stopping room when trailering your boat. At the ramp, be considerate of others but take the time you need to launch and recover your boat safely. Always check tie-downs, safety chains, lights – and the drain plug. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard For the Hearty at Heart I’ll always relate to those hardened Brit lads in the Arctic when I think of the NorseBoat 17.5 Classic. (Perhaps to underscore their no-nonsense attitude, they co-authored a book about their adventure entitled—what else?— Blokes Up North. ) The boat’s Canadian builder has an appropriate nickname for its vessels, which include 12.5 and 21.5 models: the “Swiss Army knife of boats.” The 17.5 Classic is one salty-looking craft, with a pronounced bow, sweeping sheerline, lapstrake fiberglass hull, pivoting carbon-fiber gaff-rigged spar, fully battened mainsail, kick-up rudder, and a pair of rowing stations with a set of 9-foot oars. Options include a full-size tent that encapsulates the entire open boat, though the cuddy works well for most outings, and motor mounts for a 2 or 4 hp outboard. Talk about distinctive. NorseBoat says that the boat can be towed by a midsize car, fits in a standard garage, and is ideal for “cruising sailors who want to downsize, sea kayakers who are moving up, and daysailors who want a high-performance boat with lovely traditional lines.” I agree with that assessment. It will also work, ahem, for grizzled soldiers looking for a “relaxing” break from the front lines. norseboat.com The Trailerable “Legend”My lasting memory of the Catalina 22 is a visit I paid to the Southern California plant where they were built some four decades ago. From a balcony overlooking the factory floor, I saw four production lines knocking out the classic little 22-footer, each line producing a boat per day (another facility on the East Coast also churned out one daily). It was the Golden Age of American boatbuilding, and I’ve always considered this compact craft to be the gold standard of trailerables (longtime Catalina designer Gerry Douglas prefers to call it “the Miller Genuine Draft of sailboats: cheap and cheerful”). Seeing that almost 16,000 have been launched over the years, “ubiquitous” also works. The early models were bare bones: no winches, lifelines, nothing. But over the years, Douglas says, “the options grew, and it morphed into a cruiser,” with galleys, heads, holding tanks and other accoutrements. The trouble with all the stuff was that many sailors liked racing their 22s, and the extra gear made the boats heavier and noncompetitive. Douglas eventually went back to the drawing board and designed a lighter version, the Catalina 22 Sport. It was competitive with the older, original boats—and is still produced today. “If you opened up a dictionary with a picture of a sailboat, it would be the Catalina 22,” Douglas says. “I think it has a place in the history of our sport. It was simple, with no bad habits. It introduced a lot of people to sailing and provided a lot of pleasure over the years.” And continues to do so. I’ll take one anytime. catalinayachts.com Fast and FunMy first exposure to the Seascape line of quick and trim racers/cruisers—a brand built and launched from Slovenia, which is a rather sailing-crazed nation—came from my colleagues at our sister publication Sailing World , a dedicated racing magazine. They raved about the quality of construction and sailing experience. Then, in 2018, Seascape was acquired by Groupe Beneteau, and all previous Seascape models were integrated into the Beneteau First product range. It provided the line with the sort of widespread, mainstream marketing punch that it deserved. I’ve since sailed a pair of larger models produced by their collaborative effort, but if I were inclined to go the trailer-sailer route, my choice would definitely be the Beneteau First 24 SE (the SE standing for Seascape Edition). It’s a high-tech version of the previous First 24 with a serious boost in performance. The SE line’s sweet spot, in the company’s own assessment, is as a dual-threat boat aimed at competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing. I reckon that 24 feet is an ideal size for both, and the 24SE delivers on the promise with a carbon rig; swing keel with lead bulb; laminate sails; and light, high-tech, infused-vinylester construction. With removable crew bags and modular components that can also be stored ashore when racing, the 24 SE can be set up quickly and easily for cruising or competition. beneteau.com – LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard One Sharp SharpieThe late Rodger Martin was a South Africa-born naval architect who is probably best known for the robust round-the-world racers he conceived for solo legend Mike Plant, which is when I first met him. Tellingly, however, when it came to designing his own personal boat, he produced the very cool Presto 30. The 30-footer was an offshoot of the Outward Bound Hurricane Island 30 that he designed for the wilderness program based in Maine, but that was a hybrid sailing/rowing boat. To upgrade it for cruising, Martin basically designed a sharpie, based on the straight-sided 18th-century fishing boats with a hard chine, flat bottom and centerboard for access to shallow water. With a beam of 8 feet, 6 inches, the boat is eminently trailerable, and Martin regularly towed it south from New England in the wintertime for cruising forays across the Gulf Stream and into the Bahamas. Due to that shallow draft and minimal freeboard, the rig required a low center of effort, which Martin addressed with a simple cat-ketch rig. With the addition of a slightly raised cabin top, he was able to insert basic interior accommodations (which were also somewhat compromised by the centerboard trunk). For a couple who can embrace camper-style cruising, however, it fit the bill. In recent years, a couple of Presto fans have tried to put the boat back into production, which has yet to happen. But if you can find a used one, you’ll have a boat with a fine and unusual pedigree. rodgermartindesign.com An Upgraded EnsignA couple of years ago, I got myself a 1963 Pearson Ensign, a venerable daysailer designed by the great Carl Alberg that measures in at a smidgen under 23 feet with a full keel and a spacious cockpit. I quite enjoy my Ensign, but designer Tim Jackett has taken some of the ancient classic’s best features and incorporated them into a thoroughly modern upgrade: the Tartan 245. Conceived as an ideal tool for teaching sailing, the 245 replaces that massive keel with a lifting one that has 900 pounds of ballast, which makes it just as stiff as the old-timer. With the board down, it draws 4 feet, 6 inches, but once raised, the draft is just 1 foot, 8 inches—and with its kick-up rudder, you can nudge into the shallows that the Ensign could only dream about. Like the full-size members of the Tartan clan, the 245 has a carbon-fiber spar that’s stepped on deck and is easily raised and lowered. A retractable bowsprit is ideal for flying off-wind reachers; for working sail, there’s a choice of an overlapping headsail or a self-tacking jib. The little cuddy space forward is another feature reminiscent of the Ensign; it can be employed, along with the handy tiller, for camper-style cruising. You may be able to have more kicks on a little sailboat, but I’m not sure how. tartanyachts.com – LOWER YOUR RATES – Taking a boating safety course won’t just make you a better skipper. It could also help you save big on insurance. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Happy Little GirlAnd now for something completely different: the Pacific Seacraft Flicka (Swedish for “happy little girl”). It’s a 20-foot, heavy-displacement, full-keel pocket cruiser that, yes, you can pop on a trailer and wheel to destinations of your heart’s content. Designed by Bruce Bingham—an illustrator and sailor who, for many years, penned this magazine’s Workbench column—the boat was originally offered in kit form, and then bounced around to a couple of builders before finding a permanent home at Pacific Seacraft, which produced the grand majority of them (reportedly, roughly 400 Flickas were ultimately produced). Bingham loved his, sailing his pretty Sabrina all over creation, which is when I became enamored with the boat. The Flicka certainly fits the definition of a cult boat, and these days, if you look hard enough, you can find one in almost any configuration: sloop, cutter, yawl, schooner, even gaff-rigged. With a startlingly roomy interior, the Flicka is cozy but certainly not the fastest 20-footer you can find. You might not get where you’re going quickly, but you will get there. flicka20.com To the Third PowerTalk about a boat that was ahead of its time. Any list of good trailerable boats has to include a multihull, and few have reached the overall popularity of the Corsair F-27, the prototype for which was originally launched way back in 1985. It’s designed by Kiwi Ian Farrier, based on another little trimaran he’d created a decade earlier. The signature feature of the three-hulled 27-footer is the folding outrigger system—better known as the Farrier Folding System—which reduces the beam from a significant 19 feet to a mere 8 feet, 2 inches, which makes it eminently trailerable. You can still see (and find) F-27s just about everywhere. They have active one-design racing fleets all over the place, and they make for tidy pocket cruisers when they’re not zipping around the racecourse. From a pure sailing point of view, there’s nothing more enjoyable than finding yourself perched out on an ama of an F-27, coursing along at double-digit boatspeeds, with a light touch on a long tiller extension. We’re talking joy, cubed. corsairmarine.com - More: pocket cruiser , print March 2023 , Sailboats , trailerable
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02-01-2006, 11:19 | | Boat: 1990 Morgan 41 Classic | to that is in the 38-45 ft range. The challenge I face is that I am 6'3" and need to draw up a short list of models that would accomodate my height. This is not an easy task since the manufacturers do not usually provide this information in their specifications. The use would be a liveabord with my wife and I with occasional visits from my three sons. Our plans could potentially include a . I would appreciate any recommendations all of you generous posters can provide to help me narrow down the list. | | | 02-01-2006, 12:19 | | Boat: Its in French Polynesia now | ..............................................._-/) | | | 02-01-2006, 12:25 | | Boat: Privilege 37 | in the hulls. The problem would be on the bridgedeck. It may not just be a question of overall height. My accomodates my height 6'2" in all places, but you cant stand around the table - here the critical dimension is the length of the back. With your height, the only real way to find out is to look at a lot of different , sort out the type of cat you are after, and then look for the space requirements. A good starting point, is knowing how much you want to invest in the , then better recommendations can be made.! | | | 02-01-2006, 12:40 | | Boat: Voyage/Maxim 380 - Makai | table. The even makes a step down for the so when tall people are dises they don't mash thier . | | | 02-01-2006, 13:22 | | Boat: 2004 Manta 42 - Perseverance | 42 can accommodate people 6'3"-6'4". Take a look at their website at for a picture of the company owner, who is 6'2.5". He clears all of the bridge without a problem. | | | 02-01-2006, 16:29 | | Boat: 1990 Morgan 41 Classic | . I will take this out of the equation because I have found that most of the in the less than 45 foot range fit into my . The more important factor is intended use. In my case I am looking for a that is built to handle a with 2 people on board. Some of you made a comment that anything over 40 feet will . I dont think a global statement like that can be made. This is why I am asking here. I have been on a number of boats and seems to be the issue I struggle with. For example, I could not stand in the of any of the Fontain Pajot boats between 40 and 43 feet. I was on a 410 last week and I can not stand up in half the galley and the headroom in all cabins and heads dont allow me to stand. The tight spots seem to be the galley, cabins and heads. I have not been on a or Voyage yet so I will take a closer look. I thought I was on a at the this fall and ran into a room issue but this is why I am asking here. Getting from the folks who actually own the boats is invaluable. I need to revisit the Manta again as well. If anyone else wants to chime in, I am all ears. | | | 03-01-2006, 04:36 | | Boat: Privilege 37 | | | | 03-01-2006, 09:39 | | Boat: 1990 Morgan 41 Classic | 385? It seems that there is adequate headroom throughout except for the , but a in the eliminates that issue (as long as its not too cold outside) | | | 04-01-2006, 04:15 | | Boat: Privilege 37 | was an apparent 40 kt, and the boat was doing 20kt and feeling absolutely fine. | | | 04-01-2006, 12:57 | | Boat: Balance 526 | and 410's, the new 42 Manta's, (The Headroom was increased in 2005), Voyage 430/440, and the 38' Admiral yacht. We ended up with the Voyage 430. We wanted to go with the but wasn't satisfied with the lack of galley space. I am sure there are others that we never got to. We also checked out the Island spirit's, older Manta's, and some of the older Fountaine Pajot's and found they all lacked sufficient headroom in the salon. Though most of them did have plenty of headroom in the hulls. As you know everything is offs. For us the must's were headroom, galley up, external access, and Yanmar's. If you have any other questions, let me know. Good luck on your search. Dave | | | 04-01-2006, 23:26 | | Boat: Privilege 435 Now Sold | 385 at a boatshow and don't remember any specific height issues. (but I am 5" shorter than you) I'll be on one again at the next Tuesday so will report back then. My own 435 has plenty of room for my 6' 4" brother in law. Headroom everywhere and 6' 7" long beds. Mike | | | 10-01-2006, 11:46 | | Boat: Privilege 435 Now Sold | locker space appeared very small - maybe I missed something. However 2 fore lockers are massive. If you have any other questions... ask soon. Memory will soon start to fade! | | | 10-01-2006, 13:15 | | Boat: 1990 Morgan 41 Classic | next month since it seems like all the likely candidates will be there to walk through including the Broadblue 385. Thanks to everyones help I have the Broadblue, , Manta, Voyage, Lagoon and on the list. There are a few others that will be in as well. I see that you have your nice looking boat at TMM in . I chartered a Lagoon 410 from them a year ago and really liked the TMM folks. Lots of personal attention in a relaxed atmosphere. If it wasnt for my wanting to try someplace else, I would look you up for one of your "special offers" Thanks agin Bruce | | | 10-01-2006, 15:03 | | Boat: Privilege 435 Now Sold | | | | 31-01-2006, 21:57 | | Boat: 27' CSK, Hula Kai | | | | Thread Tools | | Rate This Thread | : | Posting Rules | post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are | Similar Threads | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post | | svstrider | Multihull Sailboats | 15 | 03-07-2015 12:28 | General Info: | Gisle | Fountaine Pajot | 187 | 10-03-2012 19:00 | | Stede | Liveaboard's Forum | 7 | 19-02-2008 19:15 | | james309 | Multihull Sailboats | 11 | 20-07-2004 06:33 | | Karl | Meets & Greets | 1 | 24-07-2003 05:06 | Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. What is The Best Sailing Dinghy for Cruising?Whether you are a seasoned sailor or completely new to sailing, choosing the right dinghy for your escapades is crucially important. If you begin to look at all of the available sailing dinghies on the market, you will likely be overwhelmed with all the options and unsure which one is truly the best. Let’s take an in-depth look and answer the question: What is the best sailing dinghy for cruising? One of the best sailing dinghies for both beginners and experts alike, the Wayfarer is perfect for day cruising and multi-day adventures. Wayfarers are also versatile due to their streamlined and stable design. There are also other great options, including Gull and Enterprise dinghies. In the next few sections, I’ll take a look at some of the most popular and best sailing dinghies so that you can get an idea of what is out there. Let’s get right into it! Looking for a Sailing Dinghy for Cruising?If you are looking to purchase a dinghy, there are a lot of options available to you. A few dinghies rise above the rest in terms of maneuverability, quality, design, functionality, and a thousand other factors; however, it is nearly impossible to pick out a single dinghy as the best due to the varying opinions and needs of individual people. So, while there isn’t a single “best” dinghy that I can recommend to everyone, the ones listed below are absolutely amazing and will work for various crew sizes, needs, and situations. Now, let’s take a closer look at these five great sailing dinghies and address each one’s pros and cons. Wayfarer Sailing DinghyThe Wayfarer is a widely loved dinghy that has quite a reputation as a good and reliable boat. There are many different versions of the Wayfarer, with slight adjustments and design changes throughout the years. While all of the Wayfarers are considered excellent boats, ones closer to the original Mark I design are ideal for sailing due to their extra storage capacity and added stability. Pros of Cruising in a Wayfarer Sailing DinghyWayfarers are overall great dinghies for a variety of situations and people. They are incredibly versatile, maneuverable, and very enjoyable to sail. Whether you are entirely new to sailing and just looking into getting your first dinghy, or you have been around the block a few times, a Wayfarer is an excellent choice for many people. Due to its extreme versatility, you can take your Wayfarer out on both day trips and multi-day excursions, and they are even great racing dinghies as well! Cons of Cruising in a Wayfarer Sailing DinghyWhen considering the cons of owning a Wayfarer, they are relatively few and far between. One thing to keep in mind is you will usually want a crew of at least two people to sail a Wayfarer. Unless you are very competent and know how to sail solo well, a Wayfarer will most likely be too large and heavy to sail and beach if you are alone. It is also important to note that the newer versions of the Wayfarer are more prone to turtling while sailing than earlier models. If you are just getting into sailing, I would highly suggest that you get a Wayfarer similar to the Mark 1 designed by Ian Proctor. Gull Sailing DinghyFirst designed by Ian Proctor in 1956, the Gull is a reliable and versatile dinghy that is well-loved by many people. The first iteration of the Gull was made of plywood, as most boats of the time were, and since then has gone through many more versions and is now made of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). Pros of Cruising in a Gull Sailing DinghyMuch like the Wayfarer mentioned above, the Gull is a very versatile and excellent dinghy. While the Gull makes a fantastic sailing dinghy, it is a versatile craft that you can fit with an outboard engine or rowlocks for alternate propelling methods. Another significant aspect of the Gull is its sleek and small design. While you lose some onboard space, the Gull’s smaller hull allows this two-person dinghy to be easily sailed solo if you have a little experience and wish to do so. Overall, the Gull is a very sturdy and reliable dinghy bound to meet all of most sailors’ needs. Cons of Cruising in a Gull Sailing DinghyGulls are very sturdy dinghies that don’t have too many downsides to them. The only real offputting aspect of the Gull for many sailors is its small size that sometimes doesn’t have as much room as you might like on a multi-day excursion on a dinghy. The Gull has a pretty small hull, which gives it a lot of maneuverability, but it also results in less space for yourself, crew, passengers, and supplies. The lack of space on the Gull isn’t too big of an issue if you pack lightly, go on excursions that last a few days at a maximum, and have minimal people on board. Enterprise Sailing DinghyDesigned in 1956 by Jack Holt, the Enterprise is one of the oldest dinghy classes, yet remains wildly popular to this day due to its appealing design and beginner-friendly handling. Enterprise dinghies are extremely popular and versatile worldwide, being used for sailing, racing, and nearly everything in between. Pros of Cruising in an Enterprise Sailing DinghyThe Enterprise is seemingly the perfect blend of size, design, power, and weight. This near-perfect combination of elements has been the primary thing that has made this dinghy class have such a strong following and be so popular for many decades. While it may take some adjustments and time, Enterprise dinghies are also relatively easy to sail singlehandedly, even though they are meant to be sailed two-up. Overall, Enterprise dinghies are excellent and reliable boats that are great for sailing adventures, whether you have a friend with you or not. Cons of Cruising in an Enterprise Sailing DinghyEnterprise dinghies are considered one of the best options out of the vast array of sailing dinghies out there. However, there is one major thing that can be quite offputting to many sailors about them. This one flaw of Enterprise dinghies is their stability. While it isn’t too much for an experienced sailor to handle, Enterprise dinghies do have a noticeable lack of stability when out on the water when compared to similar sailboats. By no means is this a fatal flaw of the design, but rather a characteristic unfamiliar to this type of dingy and usually seen on dinghies meant for racing. Wanderer Sailing DinghyAnother design by Ian Proctor that has made this list, the Wanderer is a very light and agile dinghy that is quite popular among new and experienced sailors alike. The Wanderer began as a lighter version of the previously mentioned Wayfarer, but its design has diverged quite a bit and has become unique in its own right since then. Pros of Cruising in an Wanderer Sailing DinghyOne of the Wanderer’s greatest strengths is its weight. It is actually relatively light, with a hull weight of 291 pounds, making it pretty easy to launch and maneuver. Additionally, the Wanderer’s weight, or lack thereof, does not significantly impact its stability because it is quite a stable boat that is not prone to turtling. Overall, the Wanderer is a top-rated and fabulous boat that, while on the lighter side of things, is very stable and reliable. Cons of Cruising in an Wanderer Sailing DinghyWhile the Wanderer is a great boat for sailing, a potential downside to this dinghy is the need to have multiple crew onboard. While sailing a Wanderer can undoubtedly be done solo, for most sailors, having some extra hands on deck will make sailing the 2-3 person Wanderer dinghy much more pleasant. Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a multi-person sailing dinghy – for many it’s the perfect choice – but it does eliminate the possibility of solo sailing, which can be quite relaxing and fun once you are competent and experienced. James Gerard Hi, I'm James! I started sailing at a very early age here in the UK, and have enjoyed so many opportunities to sail all over the world. I created this website to share the many sailing tips I've leaned over the years, so that you can also discover the joy of sailing with safety and confidence. Recent PostsHow to Predict Wind Direction & Speed from a Surface Pressure Chart Learning how to read a surface pressure chart will allow you to predict the wind speed and direction based on the weather chart. This will help you in planning your next sailing trip. What Does a Black & Yellow Buoy Mean? (Cardinal Marks Explained) If you see a black and yellow buoy while you're sailing, don't ignore it. Cardinal Marks are there to help you avoid hidden hazards in the water. This helpful article will help you to identify a... | | | |
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3. Megabyte. The Megabyte is a newer design and class of dinghy, made currently by Zim Sailing. It is similar to the old Finn design in the hull and rig, but it is a much lighter boat and has a more ergonomic layout. For the tall sailor, the attraction will be the large, deep cockpit and the high boom.
Location: Maryland, USA. Boat: 1988 Taswell 43 & 1972 Laser. Posts: 22. Tall Person's Liveaboard Sailboat? Recommendations for cruisable liveaboard sailboat for 6'4", or taller human (not just salon, but most of living area). Tired of whacking my brain on doorways, handholds, etc. Seems as if we need better than 48'.
Lagoon 450F. 45 feet. 8 to 10 people. $700,000. Bavaria Cruiser 46. 46 feet. 6 to 8 people. $250,000. In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.
Location: East Coast Scotland. Posts: 14. Tall People Friendly Boats. Hi, Just joined the forum but have lurked around for a while. I'm in the process of researching boats in the 27-32 foot range Albin Vega 27, Contessa 26 etc that all come into my price range. I'm looking for a solid boat and I know these 2 have crossed oceans numerous times.
With plenty of places to sleep, there's no need to fold away the galley table to get some rest. The Catalina 38 is another fantastic mid-sized sailboat for living aboard, especially if you aren't quite comfortable inside a Catalina 30. 10. Hunter 33. nortonyachts.
Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48. Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don't expect to find one available cheaply. They're gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.
Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions. At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of ...
Here's How to Choose What Size Sailboat you Need: Consider your needs before buying your boat. If you are a solo sailor or have a huge family, if you cruise or race, or if you want to sail the ocean, your needs and size of the boat will change. Most sailboats range between 15-40 feet. Depending on your needs, you may need 15-25 or 25-40 feet.
The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat's owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside.
There are plenty of options to pick from, which can make the choosing process a bit daunting. So to help you navigate those deep waters (no pun intended), here is an article summarizing the 13 best liveaboard sailboats under 30 and 50 feet. So what are the 13 best liveaboard sailboats? Catalina 30. Nor'Sea 27.
Here is Europe it's still more convenient for us to hop on a boat that has 5'6" headroom and 6'9" berth than the charter boats that have 6'6" headroom and 6'4" berths. It's always a compromise, a modern (flat bottom) boat with 6'7" headroom on 30' boat will look like a floating caravan - and also sail like such.
Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ...
Hi, I just introduced myself in another thread and after being welcomed by 2 kind people I realized the first thing I want to ask the forums. To put it shortly, in 5 years my son and I are intending to become liveaboard sailing enthusiasts. 5 years later +- we intend to sail off into the sunset. So, the thing that has made me the most concerned about when it comes time to select our first boat ...
For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture.
a sail boat ( as cheap and simple as possible and easy to handle). I want to use this as a liveaboard while I will take sail lessons and prep myself for long term cruising to panama. I know I have a lot to learn, but I also know there are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience. So couple of questions for you. 1.
The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form. $19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com.
Any suggestions for boats in the 40 to 45 range that fit the bill. The Catalina 350 (35 feet) has 6'4" head room in the main cabin. I imagine that the 387, 400, 42, and 440 would be similar. I suggest you buy any boat you like....and watch this movie Being John Malkovich. Hylas44...Catalina42 worked for me at 6'4".
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
Location: Eastern Caribbean for the 2020 season then east coast or Panama. Boat: Lagoon 470 cat. Posts: 700. Have a Logoon 470 (cat) and have something like 6'8" in salon, 6'4-6'6" below. Am 6'4" and have no headroom problems except part of head and master shower which is short for me.
The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become.
Updated: May 24, 2024. The NorseBoat 17.5 Classic is an innovative trailer-sailer with a legendary pedigree. David Thoreson. We were approaching the trickiest, most hazardous stretch of the Northwest Passage, high in the Canadian Arctic, when we happened upon a sight more wondrous in its own way than all the ice, polar bears and other assorted ...
Registered User. Join Date: Nov 2005. Location: Full Time Cruising. Boat: 1990 Morgan 41 Classic. Posts: 57. Catamaran's for tall people. I am starting my search for a Catamaran to liveaboard that is in the 38-45 ft range. The challenge I face is that I am 6'3" and need to draw up a short list of boat models that would accomodate my height.
While the Wanderer is a great boat for sailing, a potential downside to this dinghy is the need to have multiple crew onboard. While sailing a Wanderer can undoubtedly be done solo, for most sailors, having some extra hands on deck will make sailing the 2-3 person Wanderer dinghy much more pleasant.