What's a great sailboat for single-handing across the Pacific?

[Dennis Maggard]

I'm thinking of a Pacific Seacraft 37

[Terri]

Crealock 34, Gozzard 31, Westsail 32, Hans Christian 33, Vega 27 My short list

[David Mc Cullough]

I love the Gozzard's!

[Bill R]

How bout a Contessa 26?

[willy wolf]

why not look up a dark hourse try allied /luders 33 willy wolf willyworld

[Ocean Girl]

I owned the little sister to the PS37, a PS25. The PS25 was the design that put the company on the map.. She sailed wonderfully, strong as an ox, great construction quality, and did I mention she sailed wonderfully? she loved 35 knots as much as 10, kinda hard to believe that about a little boat but that is good design for ya. I bet the bigger 37 would be a great cruiser. So two thumbs up for the Pacific Seacraft :-) Check out the Cape Dorys (though not as spacious), the Morgans (though not up to the PS quality), Valliants (though cored hulls). Whatever you choose, have a great adventure. I will be out there by 2014 too.

Cheers,
Erika

[h]

When I was looking for a similar thing, I read somewhere that a single hander should limit the total sail area to around 50 m2 (500 ft2). That is for both, not only the main. You can add this to your criteria. I did.

Once you do that, funny, the size come up as around 30 - 34 ft as the largest boat with that sail area. Just like the sizes Terri mentioned.

But, I think the book was written during the "slab reefing" times. With the furling main and furling jib/genoa, this may not be valid any longer.

Good luck in your search.

[Phil Prater]

IMHO most of the boats suggested would do you fine. But I do believe that anything under 34 feet is really getting below the minimums. I am not suggesting that a smaller boat would not be as safe or capable. I am saying that by the time you add necessary provisions, water and spares for a long range voyage, you are more than likely going to be severely overloading a smaller boat. I currently sail a Seidelman 37, and have raised the waterline on it 2 inches, as I load the boat that heavy when I am heading out for a month or more. Also, the comfort factor is major on long distance voyages. Boat motion, and being cramped up inside will tell on you when out there alone for many days. Last but not least. With modern reefing and roller furling, a larger boat is not a handicap to single handing. I am 72 years old, and can easily single hand the 37.

[h]

Lately, I have been sailing catamarans.

A 48 ft cat does not seemed that big from sail handling point of view. Although a much smaller cat would have a lot less forces on the sheets and hallyards.

Cats seemed the way to go for space and speed.

Considered now, so in 10 years you may benefit from the consideration.

h

[David Mc Cullough]

I like the Gozzard 31, and 36. So functional. Clean, and uncluttered. More horse power than needed. Well constructed. Sexy lines. My dream boats. Check them out. They have a unique V berth design, and aft step platform. Very open!

[John Shasteen]

There are a myriad of stong blue water boats, and the Gozzards are laterworld Bayfields. The real question, is how about you - are your sailing skills up to it?

[Ed]

I have a book around here (somewhere, cant find it today...) "Twenty small boats to take you anywhere" It rates every thing from the expected to the not so expected. It explains the ratings. You could probably get it used for a few bucks now. For what your asking it's a good read. Also, read some of the Pardy's writings. Me, I think "pocket cruiser" is an oxymoron.

http://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Small-Sailboats-Take-Anywhere/dp/09398...