{ CRUISINGLIFE }
CRUISING BOAT DESIGN
How to evaluate cruising boats based on design, rig and mechanical systems By John Neal and Amanda Swan
IF POSSIBLE, CONTACT THE DESIGNER before purchasing a cruising boat. Often the broker may be unaware or unwilling to share knowledge of problems that have occurred with sisterships. The designer can tell you if the builder accurately followed the construction plans and may be able to tell you of any issues that have arisen, including problems with blisters, mast step, rudder, keel, etc. Some designs have structural issues that only appear after a period of time and ocean sailing. When first approaching a designer offer to pay a consultation fee out of courtesy for their time.
design with attached rudder was optimum for ocean voyaging. I have cruised on four different modern full-keel boats, plus on a boat with a longish keel and separate full-skeg and rudder. Our current boat has a semi-balanced rudder with partial skeg and for me the trade off of less protection is worth the ease of steering and added maneuverability. 10 TYPES OF CRUISING BOATS: AN EVOLUTION
1. Heavy Displacement Full-Keeled Double-Enders based on Tahiti ketch or Norwegian lifeboat lines used to be a nearly automatic choice for long disUnderbody Design tance voyaging. However, yacht design In the past, cruisers assumed a full-keel has made great advances in the past 60 20
BLUE WATER SAILING
