Posted by Bert on 2/3/2009, 9:53:06

You have the chance to work with an N/A. The only restriction is that the boat MUST be trailerable with the average tow vehicle. Keeping this in mind, what would you, the weekend sailor, like to see in this boat?

 Post a Response

Posted by Michel on 2/3/2009, 14:09:32, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

Good question!... When I close my eyes, I see something with chine runners, like matt layden's designs, for the shallows. I like the cat ketch rig like the Sea Pearl 21. It should have a nice cabin, confortable for two. It should also be very good going upwind because I sail in a constant current. Is it possible that such a boat could exist?

 Post a Response

Posted by Scott Widmier on 2/7/2009, 20:17:59, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

Interesting question but I just know the answers are going to vary across the board. On blessing of sailboat is that there isn't one design out there that does everthing well. Otherwise, our waters would be a lot less interesting. I like a lot of old-world charm. Something that sails with the trailing sounds of cameras going off. Something that, when you round the corner hiking back to your boat, takes your breath away. There are a number of these boats out there in plans like Welsford's Penguin which would make a wonderful production boat if possible. Another fun boat would be Atkin's Bluestone (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/gavin/bluestone/index.htm) which flies in the face of traditional trailerables by emphasizing sailing functionality over boxy accomodation. The cat ketch sprit rig is extraordinarily versatile giving a boat that could be sailed into dock with ease. A few pulls on the oars would finish the job should the wind die and being able to try upright on legs!

 Post a Response

Posted by Mike on 2/7/2009, 20:54:06, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

I've been sailing for about 40 years (since childhood). I spent 22 years in the U. S. Coast Guard and have seen many small boats in many different weather conditions all over the world. I am a great admirer of Webb Chiles who sailed around the world in Drascombe open boats. They are truly amazing boats and prove that a highly experienced person can accomplish great things. My personal favorite boat for a family that is quite capable of open water transits, or weekends with the family is the Catalina 22. We were a family of five and the Catalina 22 sleeps 5 full-sized people fairly comfortably. LIVING with 5 people in a 22' boat for a week at a time (we did this at least once every summer for many years) is an experience one is not likely to forget, however... I think the Catalina 22 is the best boat you can get for your money. They're trailerable by a medium-sized car and also beachable. We "found the bottom" many times all over the Chesapeake Bay and our usual remedy was to crank up the centerboard and swing the kick-up rudder and find deeper water. I have many fond memories aboard that boat and plan to get one of my own in the near future.

 Post a Response

Posted by Mike on 2/7/2009, 20:57:08, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Scott: Those are both beautiful boats! Where might I find one? I'm completely incapable of building one, so that is definitely OUT. Are there any around the U. S. East Coast for sale?

 Post a Response

Posted by Dave Combs on 2/8/2009, 5:43:02, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

Bert, I live in the Fl Keys but sail into the Atlantic and Gulf so for me Shallow draft is a must but sea worthiness is paramount. I've had 3 trimarans with the current one being an F-31 and the best of the bunch, the only problem being sometimes it's just too fast. My Sea Pearl 21 is also a good boat but a cabin with standing headroom and true offshore capability is wonderful. F-27's seem to be a bargain these days are are certainly proven designs and trailerable behind modest vehicles. Dave

 Post a Response

Posted by Carl on 2/8/2009, 8:52:31, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

We spend a lot of time "living" on our 19' boat for 2-3 weeks at a time so let's see... 22' to 23'... a mast that is easy for 1 to raise....a smaller cockpit, allowing more room in the cabin (it's only the 2 of us)...an open transom would be easier to reboard after swimming...i like the overhead arches and c/b swing keels on the Compacs...a private head that doesn't have to be pulled out of somewhere is all the wife wants...enough headroom to allow comfortable movement (pop top?)...maybe a cutter rig...round opening ports of bronze so they don't break...an on deck anchor locker...a bow pulpit for an anchor roller...and i like the older trunk cabin styles. Too much to ask for? How about a boat with the interior bare for the owner to finish themselves? I'd also like to see all the deck hardware to be installed by the owner to lower cost on a new boat. A sort of kit that you would finish yourself.

 Post a Response

Posted by jack b :-) on 2/8/2009, 13:23:46, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

yep, that's it. carl has it absolutely nailed. so why isn't somebody building it for the masses? give it a very competitive base price, with packages going up from there. sorta like the pc world. start simple and go up. where is the 'dell' of trailer-sailers? we already have enough (apple) mac type boats, like the rhodes 22, and the newer ones don't have much charm. the rv world is in exactly the same malaise. high-end gets all the attention, since the profit's there. jack b :-)

 Post a Response

Posted by Mark on 2/9/2009, 16:29:29, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Looks like all you need is the TES678 (24' - overall). Mast rising system integral on the boat- single line from cockpit controls, shrouds keep mast stable from swinging sideways at any position. Due to flat bottom sits straight without the water (see picture). Swing keel operated from cockpit(single line)- 12" up, 4'6"down. Open transom allows for very commfortable access - also on the trailer. headroom 5'-8" two double berths (stern, forward), private head (5'-5" inside) - comfortable living all the time, not only with pop-top. Bow pulpit with a seat and anchor roller. She weigths 3500lbs (fixed ballast - no water), but this gives her CE B classification. One will come on trailer from Toronto (fourth winter) to sail off the Keys in March. I don't know how to post pictures (from TES owners site): http://www.tes-przyjaciele.pl/galeria/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=136

 Post a Response

Posted by Eric on 2/10/2009, 8:47:50, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Guys; I have a Ensenada 20 design by Lyle Hess that for us has been a perfect shallow draft boat...she is very nimble makes great head way against the wind and currents clips along at about 6 knots at full speed and is perfect for two on weekends or even week long trips...we rescued ours from a certain death as it was completely rotten inside from neglect and I don’t believe the deck fittings had been recaulked since it was sent out from the factory in the 70s but with is pop top high waterboards swing keel and rudder and trailerable design it may be what you are looking for...they can usually be had for around 1000 bucks if you are willing to add some elbow grease to "make it your own"... Fair winds to you all...

 Post a Response

Posted by Ron on 2/10/2009, 10:59:44, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

I've been searching for a boat as you describe for about two years. I have finally settled on the Bayraider by Swallow boats (www.swallowboats.com). It is 19'10" overall with generous beam. With the dodger you have a small cuddy-type cabin. It is water-ballasted so it is light for trailering and has shallow draft but tremendous stability when ballasted. Also, it is a classic ketch with character. There are so many cookie-cutter boats out there. I haven't gotten the boat yet. A man in Oregon purchased one of the first ones built and gives it high marks. Mine is due for delivery in May -the builder is in England.

 Post a Response

Posted by Sean on 2/13/2009, 8:52:15, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

For the trips where my wife Jo and I are a "cruising couple" we've been very happy with our Montgomery 23. It has standing headroom (for her), some privacy for the head, a large cabin for a 23 foot boat, 6 opening ports, I can step and lower the mast myself with a raising rig,it's lapstrake hull gives it a traditional look and exceptional stength, It handles a blow with confidence and (in my opinion) looks great doing it. It has a shoal draft ballasted keel with a quadrant shaped swing keel that drops out of it that makes the draft anywhere from 24" to about 5'. While there are only 20 of these "original" versions built in the 80's, Montgomery Boats (Norsea) is reproducing them with a modified deck mold, an inboard diesel, and a cutter rig. In fact, there is a used one of those for sale in the Tucson area now. Not a cheap boat by any means, but a serious trailer sailor for sure, and one that a couple can cruise for a couple of weeks fairly comfortably. While she's not a "beachable" cruiser like a Sea Pearl type of boat, we feel that her design really is a standout for a couple that wants a relatively comfortable way to to do some serious trailersailing. The boat was reviewed in Good Ol Boat May/June 03 issue. Over the last three years we have sailed her to Catalina Island, The Channel Islands, The San Juan Islands, and out of numerous Southern California harbors. I have trailered her from Florida to Washington state (close to 10,000 miles in the 3 years). We are planning on another juant to the Pacific Northwest again this summer and expect she'll take as good of care of us as she has on every other trip. More pics an info are avaiable on my site at www.havasumontgomerys.piczo.com Havasu Montgomerys

 Post a Response

Posted by jack b :-) on 2/13/2009, 20:46:27, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

sean, where i don't really see the monty as towable by the 'average tow vehicle,' it's more like an ultimate boat to me. that and the bluewater blackwatch 18 (which i sailed on 25 years ago). i've lusted after both of them for a while, since they're about the same size, very high quality and are both pretty rare birds. i'll have one or the other soon, since i've gone through the 'first boat(s)' phase, pretty much. btw - have you already been, or thought about going down to san carlos and sailing the sea of cortez yet? i've been watching your site for quite a while now, and it's fun to see the updates... jack b :-) in midland, tx usa

 Post a Response

Posted by Sean on 2/13/2009, 21:46:58, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Jack, With respect to towing Dauntless: You don't have to have a dually 1-ton like I do. I towed her all the way from Florida to AZ with Jo's Chevy Tahoe, but you are right...you are not going to tow her with a Toyota Tacoma, that's for sure! Yes, we've sailed out of San Carlos twice but not on Dauntless. I'd like to go back and take her down there, but honestly, I'm just not that comfortable getting down there. Towing through the border towns does not excite me at all. That being said, sooner or later I'll get brave enough, again, maybe tagging along with a group like the Tucson Yacht Club of Lake Pleasant Sailing Club out of Phoenix. San Carlos is a beautiful area and I'd love to sail across and spend some time on Baja. Thanks for the commments on the website! Sean M23 "Dauntless"

 Post a Response

Posted by Scott Widmier on 2/21/2009, 6:33:19, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Ray Frechette of Great Falls Boat Works (http://www.greatfallsboatworks.com/) can build a Penguin. He builts beautiful boats and would probably give you a great deal. Let him know I refered you! There are some other boatbuilders out there as well but having a one-off boat built will be more expensive than buying one of the production plastic boats regardless of who you choose. I think you will end up with a much better boat and definitely one that will stand out at the launch ramp. Before you discount your skills, btw, you should try building a small simple boat like Mikalaki's Mayfly 14. Great little flat bottom dingy with enough room and open space to be a nice little camp cruiser. May people with zero woodworking experience have built boats and enjoyed the experience. I wouldn't recommend jumping into something like the Penguin or Bluestone until you have cut your teeth on something smaller and simpler.

 Post a Response

Posted by Paul SIbek on 2/22/2009, 12:44:49, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

It used to be a 50' ketch, now its a Columbia 22. Maybe its old age...

 Post a Response

Posted by Paul SIbek on 2/22/2009, 12:54:38, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

After I sold the Force 50 Ketch I sailed a Catalina 22 on San Francisco Bay for a couple of years and this seems an ideal boat. I was looking for one when I discovered the Columbia 22. This is a BIG 22' with plenty of freeboard, beamy and well layed out. I sail off Channel Islands Harbor in the Pacific and the C22 handles all conditions well. It is dry and stable thanks to the nearly 50% ballast to weight ratio and it is ideal for 3 days/2 nights at Santa Cruz Island. Last fathers day we went out in 20k winds and 4' seas and it as well behaved, although my wife and one son were a little queasy. Because of a smart design and terrific construction quality I recommend this boat, although it does not have the charm of an Ensign or some other more classic boat it is quite a boat.

 Post a Response

Posted by Michel on 2/22/2009, 22:50:14, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Funny because many of the guys I know blame their big boat fever on age!... They pretext some lack of agility or things like that to get a bigger boat. They should say "cabin"! I think the opposite makes better sense. A small boat is so easier to sail and the small cabin helps you in not losing the agility you have. A small boat keep you young in fact!

 Post a Response

Posted by jack b :-) on 2/23/2009, 13:20:14, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

michel, couldn't agree more. in fact this is what happens in the rv world as well. we did the class b to class c to class a motorhome progression over about 8 years, and now we find we're back to the smaller coaches (we kept all of them) for our main usage (miles over the road), even though the mpg is just about exactly the same since the 'a' has an overdrive and we drive it slower, plus the smaller units don't have an o/d. that said, they're easier, simpler, more agile and just more 'fun' than the big boat winnebago 'a' we have. it's use is now just primarily as a base camp for extended stays. the h18.5 sailboat we have, though we might get a 22' to add to it, will be our mainstay due to our m/h knowledge/history. the only reason we are looking at one just slightly larger than what we have is that we have a total of four kids, and one or more of them might join us from time to time. if all four show up, then we'd have to have a bigger boat, period. staying with the smaller 18.5 for our main usage just makes good sense to us, as a couple who prefers to travel and sail on different water whenever possible. jack b :-)

 Post a Response

Posted by Michel on 2/23/2009, 14:32:32, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Jack, I hear you! I think a 18.5 boat is nice for two at the most. More than that, you get into the masochist range! My boat is 18.5, a Sandpiper made by C&L boats in Ontario. I really like that size category.

 Post a Response

Posted by Ol Bill on 3/14/2009, 5:43:12, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

I think the ideal boat varies, according to a great variety of factors: one's sailing environment, personal past history & interest & skill level, access, money and etc. Bottom line is the best boat is one that: you can easily tow with your vehicle, that is safe & appropriate for your conditions and abilities, one that you really like, and importantly that you will actually sail. A boat that is perfect, but that you spend all your time off working to pay for and can't get loose to go out to sail, is not as good as a still fit and secure but a a tad eye worn old soul that you will really sail frequently. Speaking only for myself of course, but others might fine it so as well. I have thus far resisted the urge to try and put a sport car slick paint job on our boat, though she doesn't presently look the least bit frumpy. I just don't want to have to start sweating when beaching her (rocky/sand shore line), and begin worrying about scratching her then 'mirror finish'. I like sticking with the gel coat, a nice vintage robin egg blue patina. I do try to keep her brightwork slick, and that reminds me, I have some touching up to do this spring. Personally, I have a Siren 17 Micro Cruiser. A roomy (for a mini-cruiser) & light to tow boat; we have sure had a load of fun with her. And of course (as is oligatory sooner or later with all sailboats) a few momnets of sheer terror. Our highland lake can be quite windy, and suddenly so, we got caught out last weekend in some lower thirties mph gusts last weekend in her (vai me trusty Dyer wind meter) and in spite of her extra sand bags ballast killed her canvas & quick beat it for a cove. We don't hesitate to think about taking her out for a week or better, but usually just weekend sail her. Preferably, a long weekend on our highland TVA lake. Cheers then, Ol Bill The above information is NOT advice, it is only informal web chat; completely at your own sole risk.

 Post a Response

Posted by BBQ Jerry on 3/19/2009, 16:50:10, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

I love my little 1977 San Juan 21 built by the Clark Boat Co. It will sleep 3 or 4 people, tacks and sails great, and I pull it with a 4 cly. Neon. It only weighs about 1400 pounds and has a 420 pound swing keel. The keel goes up inside of the boat and does not stick out like a Catalina 22. Draft: Keel up 12"s-Keel down 41/2'. It is nimble and fast for a cabin boat. If you ever have a chance to sail one, I think you will love it too! I am taking it in May to do the Fla120 and in June the B.E.E.R. Cruise. Next year the Texas200. In between I'll be sailing on Kentucky Lake, Stockton Lake, MO, Carlyle Lake,IL, and hopefully Lake Michigan. I tried to post a picture, but not successful. You can see some at:www.sanjuan21.net. You can see them in action on youtube.com. Anything that sails and does not sink is an ideal boat! BBQ Jerry

 Post a Response

Posted by John on 4/5/2009, 11:58:37, in reply to "Your Ideal Boat"

Great topic! I currently sail a Hunter 170. In many ways this IS my ideal boat. It is very easy to rig and launch, sails like a dream and packs a ton of fun. For the small inland lake near my home this boat is perfect . . . . But, I have been suffering from 3footitis for a couple years now. Having grown up on Lake Huron I can't help taking my 170 to the Great Lakes where the wind and waves often are too much for it. My current dream boat is the Compac Eclipse. It seems to offer the stability my wife craves (the 170 is to "tippy"for her taste), with the ease and fun that I crave. I guess I would like a slightly larger boat to take me on slightly larger adventures. john

 Post a Response

Posted by Dave on 4/5/2009, 15:11:11, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

The ideal boat would be one which is used often enough to justify its costs both in cash and energy to maintian.I currently own a seaward 25, a Montomery 17, a hobie 16, and a force five. Of the boats I own the seaward sees the most use. I use the seaward most because I keep it in a slip that I have to pay for. The montgomery is far and away my favorite boat and is the one which is used for more extensive cruises to the San Juan Islands and Californias channel islands.The monty can easily handle most any weather conditions, is easily trailered, and with some customizing is an outstanding cruiser. The montgomery would be the most used if I didn't feel I must use the seaward to justify the cost of the slip. This is not to say that the seaward is not a great boat in its own right. To really nail it with boats you have to be truly honest with yourself about what you will use it for 90% of the time. I am inspired by the compac horizon cat. The horizon cat boasts extremly easy setup making it more likely to be used frequently,outstanding accomidations in a twenty foot boat, shallow draft, and easy towing. If you what to gunkhole the horizon cat would be great. The montgomery 17 has many of the same virtues of the compac and sails like a witch. For me the montgomery is the boat to have as long as I have to work for a living and live ashore. If we were looking for perfection, if it exists, I beleive a custom boat would be necessary. Perhaps a cat yawl with a sharpie hull. An off center board would keep the trunk from dominating the cabin. Galley aft across across a large companion way would allow stand up cooking, great ventilation, and the abiliy to mount cupboards above on the aft bulkhead. An enclosed head forward like the horizon cat's would keep my wife happy. Setties down each side with foot boxes extending into the head space would make usable sea berths. Futher a filler board between the setties could make out to an athwartship double for at anchor use. A drop down bulkhead mounted table like the seaward's would allow entry from the cockpit when the dinner bell rings and be easily stowed and out of the way when not in use. All of this probably wouldn't work in the real world but hey, were talking about perfection.

 Post a Response

Posted by Chris on 4/5/2009, 15:17:42, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Ron, I love the lines on the Bayraider, I would love to get one but it seemed a bit impractical to have one shipped over here from England. How has your experience been so far?

 Post a Response

Posted by Ray Frechette on 4/5/2009, 19:36:02, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Check out the B&B Yacht Princess 26. I would be happy to build one for a paltry 69K. http://www.bandbyachtdesigns.com/princess.htm

 Post a Response

Posted by Dave S on 4/7/2009, 8:52:34, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Ray you know your boats. I believe that the princess 22 is closer to the boat thats been sailing around in my head. Wow

 Post a Response

Posted by Ray Frechette on 4/7/2009, 9:38:21, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

If you like the Princess 22, take a gander at the interior layout of the Bellhaven. The Bellhaven in my estimation has a much nicer interior layout than the P-22 and it will fit right in. Truth be told the interiors of both boats are almost exactly the same size. The P-22 has a much bigger cockpit. And it would be possible to opt for a smaller cockpit to modify the cabin of the P22 to make it bigger. I know this line of boat well as my wife and I have been looking them all over in detail to decide on what our ideal boat is going to be. Even looked briefly at what going with a Princess 24 might offer us.( Not completly fleshed out or offered to the public as yet, just a rough draft of interior space ) Basically the p-26 is our ideal except it requires roughly a 5000 lb towing capacity tow vehicle. Boat itself weighs in at 2700 lbs, but once you add a roughly 1000 lb trailer, and allow for 1000 lbs for water, fuel provisions, gear and such... Well, your knocking on the door of 5000 lbs. Present tow vehicle only hauls 3500 lbs... And the fuel consumption of a vehicle that hauls 5000 lbs is more than I would care for. What is starting to tip the scales in balance to the 26 though is finding out that U haul rents pickup trucks by the day with a tow hitch... Decisions decisions. There is no perfect boat, just a set of compromises that makes the best sense for current circumstances....

 Post a Response

Posted by Ron on 6/30/2009, 11:53:42, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

I haven't looked at this thread for a couple of months so you may have forgotten about this. I don't have the boat yet. I ordered it at the end of January and, unfortunately for me, that was just after the London Boat Show at which they recieved a dozen or more orders - that put me at the tail end of the que. In addition, the person just before me ordered a carbon fiber hull which apparently has slowed production. It is a small shop and they can't mass produce like Hunter, etc. The projected shipping date is July 20. There are a couple of issues. I am ordering the trailer and, to ensure I can tow it when it gets here, I mailed a trailer plug to Swallow Boats so it could be installed before shipping. I am still wrestling with the trailer hitch - they are trying to get a 2-inch reciever installed on the trailer instead of the metric 50mm (there's only a fraction of a millimeter difference and I don;t know if it would be significant or not). As far as shipping, I have retained a small customs firm in Charleston, SC where I asked the boat to be delivered. It will cost about $750 to $1000 for all the paperwork. As far as paying, the amount you pay is dependent on the exchange rate. I paid 90% of the cost in Feb. and March when the exchange rate was about 1.3 dollars per pound. It's now up to about 1.65 dollars per pound. I saved a lot of money. I have the found the folks at Swallow Boats to be very cooperative and helpful. If you are interested respond to this thread and I'll update the rest of the experience. Ron

 Post a Response

Posted by Founder on 7/1/2009, 15:48:09, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

I owned a Columbia 22 for 10 yrs and she was the best boat I have ever owned. 8' cockpit so you can lounge as you sail or sleep outside at night. Solid fiberglass and light she was pretty fast for her size and the dinette inside was a welcome respite from the burning sun. I sailed her out of Catalina island one time into 25' seas and 50knot winds. With a reefed main only I surfed her all t he way into Marina del Rey. When I got her inside the breakwater the Coasties declared they would no go out to rescue me if I went out there. I smugly replied I just came in from out there, all the way from Catalina. A lil wet but a fast ride.

 Post a Response

Posted by David Keith on 7/3/2009, 14:03:56, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Somewhat along your thinking, I have wondered how Matt Layden's chine runners would work on Reuel Parker's evocation of Munroe's "Egret" sharpie...if they would do the job, eliminating the centerboard (or significantly reducing it in height) would make the cabin so much more enjoyable. I like Ted Brewer's idea for outside "ballast bars"ed with his 32 ft. "Mystic" sharpie also. Anyone have any good suggestions?

 Post a Response

Posted by Jim on 7/4/2009, 10:18:24, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

This ideal boat message keeps popping to the top, so if you're still wanting input, I'll be the guy who wants it all. I'd tell the NA that I hate having to choose between cruising offshore and gunkholing. There are offshore boats that can be trailered home or south for the winter, like the Frances 26 or Nor'Sea, but which I wouldn't really call "trailerable." The Montgomery 23 just falls outside the 2.0 capsize screening factor at 2.08, yet still trailerable and a worthy sea boat. The Princess 22 is beautiful, greets me on the screensaver every day, but not a sea boat. I'd like a poor man's cruising boat that can be trailered to local lakes, used in the Keys this winter, and in Portugal next summer after a pond crossing. It should have classic lines that are pleasing to the eye, fall in the 24-25 foot range with tabernacled mast/s/, 8 ft. beam, less than 2.0 CSF and self-righting, 40-45% ballast/displacement ratio, shoal draft, good SA/disp, and enough displacement to carry a months-plus provisions & water, and be towable with a standard pickup. Since something must be sacrificed, being ramp launched would fall near the bottom of the wish list. Rather than a sunset cruise or daysail boat, this would be launched for a couple weeks', month's or season's use.

 Post a Response

Posted by Michel on 7/6/2009, 15:41:12, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

The ideal boat (IMO) is the boat that fits her sailing territory. The pleasure is certain in that condition.

 Post a Response

Posted by Dave S on 7/8/2009, 21:54:11, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

Jim you are right about the boats you mentioned as being sea boats. The thing that really fires my imagination about the princess 22 is its size. If I was truly interested in many days beyond the sight of land I would choose a larger boat than any that have been mentioned in this thread. The princess 22 should fit nicely inside a standard shipping container. I would think it really cool to ship the boat to far off places ahead of my wife and I, then meet up with it. Cruising the French canals say then shipping the boat on to maybe Hong kong. The boat could wait secure in its container until I have the time and funds to rejoin it. I have read articles about people converting shipping containers into homes. I don't know if you could ride the container ship over.If so, buying one's own 40ft. container and converting one end into a small RV type cabin and accompanying the boat might be fun. Does all of this sound nuts?

 Post a Response

Posted by Jim on 7/9/2009, 10:09:24, in reply to "Re: Your Ideal Boat"

With one caveat, no it doesn't sound nuts at all. I've known people that have done just that with tractor-trailers. They extend the tractor chassis and add an "apartment", and then having a shorter trailer just get smaller loads when and where they want to pay their way. However, with the rate at which ships lose containers overboard, I'd have to research the possibility of having the container set on deck separately from general cargo. Many freighters carry a few paying passengers at reasonable rates, which would be a lot more comportable then staying in the container. But, an intriguing idea.

 Post a Response