Big Heavy Sailboats Are Bad - Ep 255 - Lady K Sailing

[@FENGYIandME]

Wife and I bought our 1999 island Packet 45 about 3 years ago and have been spending 3-4 months a year sailing the Caribbean since. Crossing back to Florida last year, the weather changes on us mid Gulf Stream and wow, “Beauty” handled it like she was born for it. Cause she was… at first, my wife was always reluctant to sail with me but I came up after her watch and she has full Genoa and most of the main up in 25 knots…. I’m a little surprised but she’s surfing the waves and relaxing with a book… we got her pre COVID for under $170k and she was in perfect shape for age. They can be found if you look hard enough and definitely worth the stretch in your budget!!!!😃 and fully loaded she is like 40,000 lbs +

[@IanAlexanderMusicCo]

Sounds amazing - hope all is well.

[@Robisme]

That’s an amazing deal😮

[@Morrisfactor]

A brand newJenneau DS44 was dropped six inches while unloading here at Annapolis last year - popped the keel off the grid - they had an expert come up to repair it, and I got to talk to him. He said it takes lots of grinding and 35 layers of glass to redo the grid - and he shook his head at the fragility of newer boats if they should hit a reef. He did think his repair job made the boat stronger than factory built. The older, full keel or long keel boats might be slower and harder to turn, but they can often survive a good bump with a reef - and like you say, Tim - cruisers always hit something, sometime.

[@sweisbrod6109]

Our 1976 Pearson 365 was dropped about a foot when a hydraulic hose fitting failed on the boat-mover. There was no structural damage at all.

[@JP-lz3vk]

That's exactly the sort of repair that @ExpeditionEvans did to their Beneteau 50 and there was weeks of grinding that had to be done.

[@redneckpirates8478]

Another great no nonsense informative video, keep them coming! We bought a battle axe, an '85 Belliure 50, we've poured a good deal of $$ and time into her (due to previous owner neglect) and she's once again proper ocean blaster, which is exactly what we will do with her when all the work is done. 😅😁😁

[@Morrisfactor]

I always liked those Pearson 365s! @@sweisbrod6109

[@davidBarrel]

What about the schooners those old refurbished boats are strong?

[@robertpomeroy9016]

What seems missing from this discussion are: tracking and prop and rudder protection. I had an Allied that had a "cut away" full keel., There was nil chance that I would pick up a line or smash the rudder running aground. In addition, the tracking of a full keel means that if you balance the sails, the boat will practically sail itself. If you are cruising, I would say you had better have a skeg at minimum. The slick Benateau's. have a rudder that is completely exposed. Never mind the prop. Also the architecture of these slick rudders. They are completely dependent upon a single rod whose structural degradation may be completely hidden from view. A keel hung rudder has support from above and below. Why maybe sugar scoops are a bad idea? If you want an auto helm, try installing one on a sugar scoop transom.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

And there you have it. Fully agree.

[@SoloSailorDave]

1973 Tartan 30 here (Carina). I am a solo sailor and I have modified this boat to do serious traveling. I draw 4'11". I wouldn't trade her for any other boat. Yes, she is slower than your typical 42-footer, but the deck, lines, and gear are very manageable. Having run marinas and spent years sailing I have noticed something... people always trade in their smaller sailboat, you know, the one they took out every weekend and had fun with, sailed everywhere, for a bigger one they now make big payments on and enjoy a lot less because it cost so much more to travel. I know some people who end up fearing their new larger sailboat thinking they are going to be safer at sea in it and realize a large sailboat requires more work in high winds with heavier line loads. My good friend Donna Lange set two world records on her 28' Southern Cross and we all know Atom Voyages with his 28-foot Pearson Triton who sailed the world. If a big boat works for you awesome!! But remember, even a 60-foot yacht is nothing but a speck on the big ocean blue... ⛵😊

[@arthurschuler8906]

I was on a 90 foot schooner in a gale in the Bay of Biscay but the ship was dwarfed in the waves....

[@James-ej7yd]

I have owned a Beneteau 411, an Island packet 40, and a 37 Pacific Seacraft. I have to say your choice here depends upon what's more important: how you use the boat at the dock/anchor or how they will handle in uncomfortable weather which will happen to all of us regardless of our preparation.

[@ashtawadros2483]

Your professional expertise and witty delivery are very much appreciated by this Hunter 40.5 Legend… 😉

[@sailingsegundo4644]

I have a heavy displacement ketch rig . Confort rating 44.81 displacement 15 tons. I have sailed on many 36 to 50 foot Boats.all modern designs of equivalent length are faster. 20 knots and under. Above 20 they reef and pound threw the waves at that point I can keep up or pass them. At anchor I'm not swinging all over the place and rolling. I'm giving up a knot or two to cruising boats that's a given. To me, I'll put safety before speed Off shore.

[@carinya18]

Lived aboard and cruised a heavy displacement yacht for seven years 43 feet 18 ton I have often been glad of the extra displacement especially in heavy weather

[@hesedken]

I admire your knowledge.

[@LadyKSailing]

thanks for watching!

[@Chestusvestus]

I like that you mentioned having an encapsulated keel. I've had my Rival 32 since 2011 and feel very safe in heavy weather.

[@amandafisher6713]

This was a really thoughtful and entertaining take on this classic problem of dialing in the right size boat for our actual sailing mission. Thanks for the video, have a like and sub!

[@billycarter1430]

My 1973 C&C 39 that I owned for 28 years, survived an SORC, one Transpac, 4 Vic Maui, one Pacific Cup (division winner), countless races in Puget Sound and then we lived aboard for 5 years adventuring between Olympia Washington State and Nanaimo British Columbia. Have sailed her in 70 knot winds, And the new owners sailed her from Tacoma Washington to her new home in Valdez Alaska. Rebedded the keel and replaced keel boat backing plates in 1994. Still solid. Tough fast comfortable boat. I'd do it again if I could. Great boat.

[@_r_ma_]

Great anecdote. All the newbie cruisers think big and heavy will make up for their lack of experience. In reality, safety comes from speed and manueverability.

[@severthindakari]

​@_r_ma_ safety comes from strength and stability, not speed. Your monohull isn't out running weather, having a boat that handles those conditions is much much safer. Everyone will hit bad weather, being on a boat with deck stepped mast, sail drive, exposed rudder and bolted on keel is the cheaper option for a reason.

[@towguy9557]

I just acquired a '74 Morgan out island. It needs a bit of work but it's everything I wanted. It's a full keel center cockpit aft cabin boat that seems very well built and has a ton of support since they built so many of them. I love the visibility of the center cockpit. I can literally lay back in the cockpit and see EVERYTHING rather than having to strain to peer over the cabin to see what's in front of me. I love the peace of mind of having a full encased keel. I know that their performance is akin to sailing a brick but I kinda don't care. My attitude towards sailing is that it's more about the journey than the destination.

[@svsalserenity4375]

Encapsulated or intregal keels are definitely the way to go if you want a real bluewater boat , just make sure the ballast is lead and not iron , if water get in there you got big trouble . It dosen't have to be a full keel , it can be a long keel with a cutawy between the keel and rudder. They are faster turn better and are easer to get off that last reef you just hit. And as you said . YOU WILL RUN AGROUND. Make sure that rudder has a skeg on it as well , this is really old school stuff . They just dont build like that anymore because there damn expensive to build compared to gluing in a liner and bolting on a keel . Dont let anyone tell you any different , its your saftey and possibly your life your betting on.

[@douglasblunck5198]

Encapsulated type keels have great benefits except maybe for very minor or purposeful groundings (tide). In addition, not all bolt on keel shapes handle groundings equally. One only has to compare the dimensions of the bolt on keel and fasteners to understand there is a wide range of risk. Many performance oriented boats have a ridiculously exposed bolt on keel configurations and many cruising oriented boats (think Hallberg-Rassy, Hinckley, Gozzard) have shallow modified fin type bolt on keels that are not only lengthy with many more fasteners but are wide where they attach to the hull / bilge and have leading edges that are not aggressive / not vertical. Yes, all bolt on keels need to be checked with age and after any hard grounding but I’ll bet the higher performance bolt on keels have 99% of the critical failures. Thoughts?

[@rolfsvensson5777]

A skeg should be the norm!

[@svsalserenity4375]

@@douglasblunck5198 I agree not all bolt on keels are equal . But to be fare they should all be checked every ten years , I just had a survey done for insurance , must be done every ten years as well. So do I really want to add the expense of dropping the keel at the same time. Have you seen where they put the bolts to the keel in a Hallberg-Rassy ? Some parts of the world have no hull out facilities , I wouldn't want to have to sail a 1000 miles after a hard grounding with a keel that may be compromised. Again, it comes down to what you want the boat for .

[@NibuleChanel]

I like how you provide different point an view on a same subject. Really like you analysises!

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

I have seen quite a few of you videos I believe that this one is one of the most valuable to me Thank you

[@williamstares7542]

The boat never lets you down. Its the skipper that lets the boat down. Sailed around the world for 3yrs in a light bavaria. Enjoyed sailing fast.. She was the.perfect boat for us.

[@Sailin_Knot_Workin]

Hi Tim! Thanks for the consult. We bought that Cabo Rico, BTW. We hope to see you out there soon!.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Thoughtful video. A big part of the reason why I bought a full keel Nauticat motor-sailer is my wife and safety. It it wasn't for her, I probably would have bought a "racer/cruiser" instead, but that big heavy "battleax" makes her feel safe. And we don't intend to just do coastal cruising but rather sail "pole to pole". One important aspect of boat safety is how much time you spend on the water. If you can make make a crossing 30% faster with a "racer/cruiser" than with a "battleax", then that's 30% less time you're exposing yourself to things going bad out on the ocean, which is a big deal. But I want to do sailing that's more like Alluring Artic than Sailing Doodles. Yes, figure out what kind of sailing you want to do and pick a boat that fits that program.

[@Wearyman]

"Keeping the wife happy" is also a BIG part of buying a boat for a married guy. As a general rule (obviously there are exceptions) Women desire a few things above all else, particularly after having kids. If you are married with kids or retired and older, it's a near guarantee that your wife won't give two craps about how fast the boat is. She will want to know: 1. Is it SAFE? 2. Is it SECURE? 3. Is it COMFORTABLE? Beyond that, she generally won't care.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

@@Wearyman That's true in my life. There's a video by the guy who owned and designed the Nauticat motor-sailers. He came right out and said that it's the women who want to buy his boats. I can love any boat, but I've only got one wife to love.

[@3rdWest]

"Pick a boat that picks the kind of sailing you'll be doing." Amen. Good video, thanks. :D

[@Burvedys]

I might rephrase it to pick the boat you are able to handle alone in rough conditions; if the size defines your sailing area, it means you are not prepared to go full scale (so grow to it up). A lot of people overestimate their abilities to pursue their dreams and that leads to disasters. Joshua Slocum was a well-seasoned captain and his boat was kind of too small by current trend, however...

[@claytonrjohnson]

I'm a landlocked Hobie Getaway sailor, dreaming of bluewater adventures, and really hoping for big cat coastal cruising along the West Coast of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, and the San Juan Islands. I like your straightforward view of things. Hoping that I can make some of these dreams come true.

[@timevans8223]

It's interesting that you lump a Cost a Packet with a HR. HRs are not long keel. They point higher and sail better. You talk about "if you want to be Delos and sail around the world'. Er, they are in an Amel. Fin and skeg. I know you are a Yank channel but there are more to good boats than long keel IPs. Nobody else in the world thinks there is a place for long keel boats. A long fin and skeg hung rudder type such as HR, Marlo, Niad, Trintella, Amel will all provide speed and comfort in ocean conditions. They are also numerous examples cruising these sailing the Caribbean. The reality is that any boat can cruise the Caribbean. you can see the next island. Its no challenge. If you want to sail oceans then that boat will still do it, but forget the speed. The heavy cruiser will maintain speed in tough conditions when the crew of the lightweight machine have reefed down due to the miserable boat motion. The tiring motion of a lightweight boat for 3 weeks at sea is not to be under estimated. Good sea berths are a must. Forget the centre line double, open cockpit that provides no protection, steering wheels exposed, 1 ft from the transom, under sized blocks, winches, leaking windows that were glued in instead of through bolting ( think of that twisting grp hull). All of a sudden, the twin furling headsails, twin poles on tracks, sheltered cockpit, large tankage ( without having to lime the rail with numerous cans, that will rip your stanchions off when you take green water over the deck) secure galley that isn't part of the saloon all become super important. How many ocean passages have you done? How many have you done West to East on the Atlantic? That can be a passage that shapes your views on what boat you need. There is nothing better than experience for shaping knowledge

[@BackseatGamingJesus]

Hard agree, from a solo ocean sailor.

[@jim2545]

Couldn’t have said it better!

[@timothyblazer1749]

The Pardeys swore by full keel, but they were a different breed.

[@carryonsailing]

Different time also ​@@timothyblazer1749

[@jeffreybrijohnson]

Hey, thanks for the video at the end of your videos. They’re it sounded like family. Love you too.

[@waltobringer2928]

Always a wealth of information from this guy...

[@stevenscott189]

Thank you for the confirmation, GO SAIL.. Always good to hear someone remind you of why you bought that battle axe in the first place! Getting the Hans Christian 38mkII ready for battle now.

[@Rottingboards]

As someone who lives in Iowa, USA and will never own a sailboat. I love your videos. I learn so much.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Our boat salesman is from Kansas, yet he knows something about any sailboat ever made.

[@CrabbieDaves214]

Great insight. I really enjoy you fairness between brands,

[@josefernandez-d2k]

CRAB POT RESISTANT, another plus for Island Packets is the rail that links the keel and rudder that allows crab pot lines to slide off. It can be challenging avoiding crab pots during the day, almost impossible during a night sail. While most of my comrades have gotten tangled I have not. And as for speed, my IP40 is slow in light winds, but last week had her moving over 8 knots SOG with 18 knots of wind (and yes, the one knot current helped)

[@koborkutya7338]

I love the conclusion Tim. Good talk, thank you, really good one.

[@WorkhardHDLBTC]

Hi! I grew up sailing opti’s sunfish and the likes in Florida. Love your videos! Every episode makes me want to quit my job sell my house and get cruise the world. Keep up the good work.

[@dc8man2]

Thanks. Im just a wannabe saylor but I enjoy your presentations. Well done.

[@stephenburchett8263]

First time watching the channel. Really informative video. We are in the process of researching boats for a purchase in two years time. Happy days 😊

[@MavericAvi8or]

Oh boy, you made me chuckle several times at this video “sidewalk and elephant”😂. Seriously I really appreciated your insights. I’m always looking at the absolute strongest solution so I’m aligned with the “battle axe”, and given that they have minimal depreciation, I see few downsides. Thanks again Tim 🙏👏👏👏

[@mememe5231]

Have to say. I’m kinda stuck on a boat that won’t split or stress. When I or someone else does something wrong or drags etc.. I like the fact that the plug pulled to put in the the bow thruster on the we like is a rock solid inch thick, It’s going to be our home! Just my way of thinking 😅

[@bryanbarwick5108]

Another amazing video my man, been following you for 4 years now and love your work .

[@LadyKSailing]

THANK YOU!

[@Monkeywrenchmotorcycles]

I like your videos, you always try to give opposing viewpoints. My Baba 30 is a relatively hard hitter at 30ft and 13k lbs. it’s what’s going to take me to the Caribbean next season. As Larry Pardey so famously said “go small, go simple, go now”

[@SirCharles12357]

Love your channel keep it up. Those tanks are nice but way out of my price range. Plus, I'd prefer to be a smart patient sailor and go when the weather window allows rather than bounce through rough seas.

[@lght5548]

Advice that's pragmatic and useful. Another great video 👍

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

One of my all time favorite boats was a ferro cement Flicka 20. It was a full keel weighed 7,870 lbs. And could take everything Lake Erie could dish out. If we're only ten feet longer I probably would have been sailing to distant ports. But there wasn't enough storage for my tastes. Although they have cruised the world. I'm just not that attuned to port hopping to resupply. But it's someone's perfect boat. It really boils down to what you actually do and what level of comfort you are looking for.

[@boathemian7694]

I had a ferro schooner design by Benford. She was a great boat, many who banged into me at 0130 in the anchorage cursed her lol.

[@Harrosan]

I read somewhere the reason IP’s are yellow is to help cut the glare and make it a little more comfortable for the crew. As apposed to a bright white deck.

[@Matt-e4x]

Bought an IP 420 as my first sailboat, as a new sailor. I was sold the moment my 250 lbs stepped aboard and the boat didn’t move.

[@84Rabbitz]

We got ourselves a Catalina 30. Its perfect for us sailing the inside passage of Vancouver Island. Ive had to do a ton of work though. But when ive done all the work myself i know everything about the whole boat. Over the last week ive pulled the engine and rebuilt the transmission on the kitchen table.

[@danmisener7875]

Respectfully disagree with some of the characterizations of "Battle Axes" There is another category that was missing in your assessment. Point in case our boat. Kalik 44. She is fast, fin keel, comfortable, well appointed. Sailboatdata has it at 25,000 lbs. However, fitted out as ours is with Generator, Water Maker, furling boom, and all our live aboard stuff, we are closer to 30,000. As you know, all boats are a compromise. Ours does not have a sugar scoop, and we draw over 6'6". So it's not perfect. But, in the $100K price range, i think they are a bargain.

[@tiochio8476]

Good discussion!! I’m an Island Packet enthusiast!!

[@lewis7315]

Remembering my crewing the classic 70ft ocean racer Wakeva chartering one summer abt 1972 whose keel drew 9ft with her centerboard UP!!! Had a "wonderful time" trying to keep her off the sandbars in Nantucket Sound. Very shoal in many places!

[@mariuszkijowski2180]

As always great video! Thank you Tim!

[@220shamrock]

I love my 1986 Mason 33! She's a beast and the build quality is top notch - and beautiful! However, to your point, she's way over built for the way I use it. For me, I love the beauty and I like keeping it looking good, so the work doesn't bother me. I'll likely never go anywhere that will challenge this boat, but I like knowing I can!

[@mansoornodjoumi5979]

Just bought an IP 380 for the very reasons. It is beautifully designed and built sailboat that is very comfortable and forgiving. I don’t have any plans at the moment for a long passage crossing and I don’t mind it being a slower boat in local waters. I know I can take family and friends out in safety and comfort. You pay a bit more, but you get a lot more for that extra.

[@jackchamberlain5993]

Another great video. Again voicing a consideration most vloggers leave unmentioned. Every once in a while you produce a real gem and you got another one here today. I focus on the sailboatData numbers on comfort ratio and S# because even with my limited open water experience in the Carolinas comfort and some speed matter to me. Honestly, I have no idea how those numbers are calculated, but sitting around uncomfortable and getting nowhere is something I like to avoid.. Being heavy has a few more cons than you mentioned, one of them is sitting around getting nowhere in llght air.

[@Singlehander1]

Hi Tim, I wish you had mentioned that most heavy boats have bigger tanks and they are lower down in the hull. As you know, bigger tanks make a big diffference if you are out for a while.

[@yxxtower]

Sail the boat you brought, or got. In the Caribbean the criteria is totally different than world cruiser. Here it is beam reaches and a bit of pointing. World cruisers are mostly downwind sailors. Bigger heavier boats are great at flying a bit of a chute and not changing the trim for three days. They are less twitchy and pound less. However, the Caribbean still gives problems to all types of boats. Our first boat was a Catalina built Morgan 41. Sailed around Cuba, down to Haiti and followed the islands to Grenada. Wonderful boat at i think 32,000 pounds, comfortable but sailed marginally well into winds. Ore second a Beneteau 393 at 18,000 pounds would sail well on a breathe but if between islands it was over 9 foot seas, she would pound at the bow. It was too light for any weather necessitating turning off wind and obviously not pointing towards the destination. Our present boat, a Freedom 45 aft cockpit, we bought strictly because of price. It has very classic lines, sugar scoop transom, carbon fibre self supporting mast and weighs in at 32,000. It points, rides swells well, never pounds, is roomy and comfortable but, because of it’s age, it takes a bit more of boat money and labour to bring her back. There are compromises on all boats. If your sailing the Caribbean, you’ll be at anchor or the marina 96% of the time, so buy a boat you know you can live in. One word of caution, research “issues (and then the brand of boat you are buying)’ because after the recession of 2008, ALL manufacturers cut corners. Especially in fibre layup, rigging and bulkheads. My advice, in a Cat the pre 2008 Lagoon 42 is worth the money as are junneaus and Beneteaus pre 2008 in a 39 to 42 foot model . Twin helm is a bonus, not for helming but for a nice flow through open cockpit. My opinion only. 10:54

[@russellneville7145]

Hi.... haha. Yes I love the island packet, very nice boat. I also like the full keel. Not for everyone I know, but I think they give you peace of mind. Keep up the good work. SV Kiwi Lady Opua Bay of islands New Zealand 👍🏿

[@alainmercier-eq9cc]

Great video ,it helps my reflexion on the boat weight . I have sailed 20,000 # boats and trying this year a rental sailboat at 15,000 # . 'looking forward to see the difference. Thanks for your great work!!

[@porterandmjyoung4599]

just a 20 yr veteran's thot. if freedom while sailing is what you want, you need a genset, watermaker, fuel tankage and a lot of freezer. that suggests 47 plus range. we ranged from maine to lesser antiles, all pnts inbetween incl burmuda and nearly every bahama islands incl those most bahamians have not seen (like hog sty reef). far less time scrunging for food, water, supplies. and the weather changes its mind. heavy saves. loved our C&C 48, Mason 54 but for the drafts of 6'6 (which is 6'8 plus leaving port). Enjoyed our Lagoon 47's speed, draft but wud never want to get caught in bad weather or bad crossing in that cat. i fully support your excellent sharing in the smaller boat range and they are considerations in every length.

[@kenerfourth5317]

Good discussion. I'm glad to see I am one of the 10% he is NOT talking about. Want to go all around North America. Looking for an Island Packet 38 (for all the reasons he mentioned). BTW, you can get a grounded boat off a bar by heeling it over with the Mainsail (wind permitting) or a spare anchor attached to the Main halyard. Even a full keel can be pulled off that way, especially off a sand or mudbar, which are the most common places to ground.

[@charleswasserfall8973]

Lady K is ignorant of this simple effective maneuver or chooses to not mention it for some unknown reason. Just square the boom out and get some crew to crawl out to the end of the boom and if that does not heel the boat enough then fill the dinghy with water and use that tied to the boom end to force the boat to heel.

[@scottburch100]

We sail a 18,000lb 37 foot shoal full keel boat. We get tossed around in the bigger waves quite a bit which is uncomfortable, but on those light wind days, put up the whisker pole and we are very happy we can sail.

[@TroyaE117]

When tied to a pontoon, if the wind arrives astern, beware of overhangs. They wave slap like crazy and they will keep you awake all night.

[@gregorywillard7827]

New subscriber here. I've been binging your content for about 2 months now. I'm 42 and plan on retiring at 50 and spending the rest of my life cruising the oceans and although I've been piloting small speed boats and larger pontoon boats my entire life I've never even stepped aboard a sailboat. I'm an adept river cruiser and know how to deal with that type of water but I'm nervous and excited to try the big blue life. I have alot to learn about sailing and I'm finding it hard to find anyone near me who's even been on one. I'm relying alot on KZbin. I'm attempting to find some training and hands on experience but it's not really easy where I live. Thanks for your great videos as everytime I start second guessing my choice your vids always rekindle my hope.

[@danaveye3977]

Sailing is hours and hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror. Just start with small trips and ask anybody and everybody for advice to mitigate those bowel loosening moments.

[@charonstyxferryman]

@@danaveye3977 I would like to say that one should become crew on a boat with an experienced skipper. The knowledge one will get from those old salts is like gold.

[@charonstyxferryman]

The sea is a totally different beast. Costal sailing is the place to become good at sailing. It's the most difficult place to sail, and - most of the time - give you amble time to seek refuge in a nearby marina, harbour, or protected waters. In weather forecasts you should pay attention to wave height, the wave frequency (one per X second, e.g. 6 s), wind speed and wind gust, and the wind direction. ... and then there's the currents and their direction. An unlucky mix of directions, and strength of those forces can be lethal.

[@DamienDon-xx1er]

Love this video, and your others. Building my knowledge on most appropriate boats as I will be around the Mediterranean second half of next year - might be calling for your services then! :)

[@dmytrogroza545]

Hi, great Info as well as intertaining to watch. Would be very interesting to see your pros and cons on a circumnavigation in a motorsailer, such as a cheoy lee 43 Ms. Keep up your videos and fair winds!

[@AMERICANPATRIOT1945]

I couldn't agree more with this video. A long, heavy, high ballast ratio boat with moderate or even narrow beam, slack bilges, fine bow, moderate draft, with very solid construction is the way to go for ocean cruising. Steel is an overlooked material and is much more impact resistant than any composite. So is aluminum. Also, even in an ultimate boat, never leave port in bad or deteriorating weather for any reason. Even on a clear day, bad weather can set in. There is no reason to leave port in already bad or deteriorating weather which can turn horrendously dangerous. Even commercial captains hesitate to leave port in their huge ships when bad weather threatens. Why would any pleasure boater want to take a chance? A great boat is no substitute for poor judgement. There are old sailors. There are bold sailors. But, there are no old bold sailors.

[@SailingwithDrMarCo]

Another great episode. I was hoping you would mention my battle axe a Westsail 32 but the Island Packet is bad....bad to the bone. I currently live on Grand Bahama getting ready to head south in about a year. I crossed in 2022 in my Mac 26M and then got my WS32 for exactly the reasons you mention in this video. Keep up the great work.

[@SailingwithDrMarCo]

If you get a chance check out my KZbin channel Sailing with Dr. MarCo to see the cruising I did around the northern Bahamas in my MacGregor before I crossed over to the Blue side. @SailingwithDrMarCo

[@RussOcean]

Good presentation, logically laid out

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

Thank you for everything you do for us.

[@LadyKSailing]

So nice of you 💜

[@christopheranscombe]

I bought bought a Ted Brewer 36 foot cutter . I am a novice so i went on my gut instinct No survey and i didn't even try the engine (it works ... I want to try and restore it to a good standard and hopefully sail in it next year

[@geofftt7925]

LOL, My Dad and I built and sailed a 30' Gaff rigged Schooner. Yellow cedar planked, steamed and corked. Full keel, lead ballast. She was launched in 1974 and still afloat today. We've NEVER hit ground... Just sayin. Great scope and info on some of the plastic out there. Happy heeling folks!

[@ArturZagaj-Izraelita]

Czy siedmiometrowa łódka (chyba najlepiej z kaczym dziobem) wystarczy do całorocznego mieszkania i opływania ziemi od południa?

[@WisdomSpeak1]

I think you need to make a distinction between what you call a heavy boat (or battle axe) and a fin keel versus full keel boat. There are several boats that are fin or modified fin that are heavy. Many 80s boats are heavy by today's standards. (Rival 38, Valiant, Bristol, Tartan, Swan 48, Swan 47, Cambria, Kaufman 47, HC Christina, - The list goes on-and-on and while some of these boats boats were not produced in mass quantities, there are still out there) Safety at sea means more than the ability to possess heft. How does Heave-to? Can it go to weather and claw off of a lee shore? Speed is a safety factor too. It's important to find the proper balance. My boat, 46' in length, tips the Travel Lift scale at 34,000 lbs. It has 13,000 lbs of ballast, is capable of 10+ knts, can sail inside of 30 degrees and has a motion comfort index of around 35. Those numbers are added safety features in my mind. I work in a boat yard on the SF bay and am also a broker. As a home on the water, I see the value in IPs. As true sailboats, these things have many compromises that would-be owners need to be aware of.

[@nononsensenorseman]

@8:22 That was just hilarious. I'll try to remember that next time.

[@faircompetition1203]

We all run aground - yep . That is why I have a close copy of a southerly 110 but better built in Canada and with a sugar scoop they never had and a much better rudder . . The swing keel directly connected to the hydraulic ram works as a shock absorber if you ground so there is less chance of any damage and then you just press a button and the keel swings up and sail off . Compromise is the ram is intrusive in the cabin , there is a factory modification that gets rid of it with a chain but given how well it works I think it will stay . Yes it adds complication , but if it were to fail it just turns into an ordinary sail boat , and it does have two manual back ups for lifting , one hydraulic and one cable with a crank . Plus any tractor mechanic can fix it , it is just hydraulics off the shelf stuff . A sailboat with both 25 inch draft and a 6.5 foot draft for performance . Rudder and prop protected by a skeg and the boat can be beached if you want .Hull to deck joint fully factory glassed in as are the bulkheads and cabinetry . Not bad in a 35 footer production boat . It also has a pilot house and a mast you can step yourself with a factory lifting rig and Phrf's about the same as a CS30 . Pretty decent for a pilothouse , center cockpit , aft cabin lifting keel blue water boat .

[@drewk2748]

We sailed that entire route, and spent some time at Chat n Chill with Lady K, in a boat weighing 12500 lbs. The best boat is the one that you're going to be sailing. Full keel boats are great for remote areas, where you may run aground and don't want to worry about cracking your keel away from your hull. Either way, you don't need a certain number of lbs. You need a boat that is fit well for you and equipped well.

[@ryanhall9877]

Currently getting our lives in order and saving to retire early and go cruising full time. Not putting it off per say, but with kids and pets won't fit, and they whine too much. Your videos give me more insight into the cruising world and different perspectives that I simply don't have access to, thank you!

[@mariuspotgieterproject3437]

love your point of view.

[@sailingtheworldwithgreengh6239]

We bought the 30,000 lbs battle axe. A Vancouver 42 back in 1996. We've sailed her more than 40,000 miles and still love her. Re-powered last year. Repainted twice. Yep, ran aground and hit a couple of rocks - no drama. Ego bruised but after all the offshore sailing it goes with the territory of exploring remote places. And as you said, we ended up sailing to NZ, Australia and Thailand from Vancouver and then Madagascar and then up to the Caribbean and now the Great Lakes. She is tougher than us and when you are deep into a crossing it is very reassuring. You are spot on, many people do a lot of sailing on a lot less boat. Good review. Stop by and say hello to the Green Ghost. Cheers

[@m.wallis8500]

We cruise (& race) a 6000 pound, 34 footer, huge sail area. It's easy (& important) to shorten sail but does require an experienced owner. Light boats are surprisingly capable, if you don't mind taking knock downs.

[@timothyflynn]

Hi. Not even sure if I need a sailboat but the whole idea is fun to think about. Maybe I'll be out there someday.

[@SplendidHorrors]

I'd like video about calculations. Like displacement keel weight ratio, comfort ratio etc. mentioned in sailboatdata or similar services. For me they don't seem much to take in to account as smaller boats can get the same ratios, but they feel different. Or not?

[@circe42]

Loved the Island packet but didn't have Jeff Besos pocketbook I bought a new Endeavour 42 back in 87 I still have it and it's still serving me well Love it...

[@LadyKSailing]

Very cool!

[@rioborzeli147]

Love your info, thank you for doing vids like this. Close to retirement , had a power boat for many years, now wanting to Sail , Retire and spend years out enjoying , but needed information to help plan. Your info given is very much appreciated . Take care 👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@SaleemMalik-o6h]

Love the general commentary, What about Alajuela 38, excellent build quality. Ingrid 38 hull refined by the speed lovers. Best of both words.

[@mikefetterman6782]

I am totally in love with a local IP 370. It haunts my dreams as my perfect boat

[@SailingIndependence]

Go with a 38 (not 380). The layout is much better, especially the Pullman style berth in the forward cabin. The shower forward excellent as well. Ask me how I know 😊

[@mehrschwein7378]

how do you know@@SailingIndependence

[@Captkris24]

@@SailingIndependence But no sugar scoop

[@Captkris24]

We had a 370 and loved it...we went everywhere...great layout and awesome boat! Now I own an IP 320

[@kennethjmcarthur2428]

First time viewing your videos. Quite enjoyed the frankness of your comments, the prctical application and the "just do it" attitude. I know pwoplw with both the factory blue water Sun Odysseys whcih are great except the plumbing etc, and the Hans Christians that can be handed down through generations. Thank you for the straight talk w/o the hype.

[@valeriesorrells]

We got to go on an ipy at Annapolis... love them❤. If we had 600k we would have put an order in that day. We we are ready, about 5 years, ipy is on the top of our list.

[@FM-mb2lu]

Friends were going to buy an Island Packet. They passed after a test sail when they had to furl the genoa to tack.

[@sadiquej]

Your every had got deep insight and boating wisdom. No boring 100 likes

[@douglasblunck5198]

Encapsulated type keels have great benefits except maybe for very minor or purposeful groundings (tide). In addition, not all bolt on keel shapes handle groundings equally. One only has to compare the dimensions of the bolt on keel and fasteners to understand there is a wide range of risk. Many performance oriented boats have a ridiculously exposed bolt on keel configurations and many cruising oriented boats (think Hallberg-Rassy, Hinckley, Gozzard) have shallow modified fin type bolt on keels that are not only lengthy with many more fasteners but are wide where they attach to the hull / bilge and have leading edges that are not aggressive / not vertical. Yes, all bolt on keels need to be checked with age and after any hard grounding but I’ll bet the higher performance bolt on keels have 99% of the critical failures. Thoughts?

[@jefflindner3320]

I think most Gozzard owners - and certainly Mike Gozzard, himself - would wince at the thought of being characterized as having a bolt-on keel. You might want to read up on Gozzards. I just love those boats, but bolt-on keel? Nope.

[@yankeexpress]

Did it. Got it. 25,000 lbs dry as built, 43 foot. Probably 30,000 equipped for cruising. See ya out there.

[@valerieb.4912]

I thought the reason the Island Packet are light yellow is to reduce the heat inside the boat.

[@TroyaE117]

I bought a Union Polaris 36 more than 30 years ago. Modified full keel. I would never sell her. It was the best money I ever spent. Stable, heavy, and undeniably pretty.

[@martymerkler5472]

My "I just want that Hans Christian" factor is great. Patience and talking to a lot of sailors and you will find the right boat. The heavy ocean sailors are more than I need, but they are awesome boats for a coastal cruiser.

[@robertlee8042]

I owned a Ben 461. It was fun. I sailed an Amel Super Maramu between BVIs and St Martin both ways. The Amel sails like a bus. I’ll take the Beneteau.

[@kennethm.pricejr.8921]

Got washed up on a sandy beach in Futuna, a small unknown French island about 100 miles east of Fiji, during a storm. BTW; the "harbor" in Futuna is not a harbor when the winds clock around to the west, so always drop two anchors when there. Anyway, when I gazed at our Tayana 37 lying on her side totally dry, that's when I saw the real beauty of a full keel. She looked magnificent! Inside; totally dry.

[@mrjweate]

Two important points regarding flat-bottomed, fin-keeled boats: 1. Bow pounding in windward chop. 2. Yaw and fish-tailing when running. A full-length keel can reduce these.

[@strongbackmfg15]

Hi! Great video and message as always. I hope you’re doing well buddy.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks! You too!

[@06224kim]

I am not sure if you would call our S&S designed Stevens Custom 47 a battleaxe but this comment is addressed to fellow retirees. I am 67 years old and sail the New Zealand coast. My self imposed limits are 25knots upwind, 30 knots downwind and 3 metre swells. As we get older one of the biggest risks to manage is a falling risk and fracture. Our yacht is such a beautifully stable platform compared to my earlier benetau that we sail much more safely and with confidence. A real consideration when choosing a yacht

[@sailingladyaquitaine]

We have had many challenges on our Hanse 575 in the Caribbean and The Bahamas with our 10' draft 🙄........EXTREMELY limited as to where we can go which sucks but it is what it is 🤷‍♀

[@kylenegus8597]

I have read that Island Packets are yellow because it's easier on your eyes during a sunny day. "It reduces eye fatigue". Also, I think it's more of a beige than yellow.

[@FromTheHeartOfRose]

I love the "Just Do It! motto. We all have an expiration date but none of us have it printed on the package. Go now!

[@johnconsiglio7127]

Hi, Island packets are yellow because it is easier on the eyes. They list the color as one of the many safety features. I have a 1990 island packet 38. I love it and I love your videos. The chain plate issue you taught about in your “Dont buy an island packet “ video does scare me. I will have to do something about that.

[@donskotty4551]

San Diego to Australia in 4 years in Island Packet Estero - La Mer. Certainly agree with comments about robustness of the brand, and I have successfully ungrounded 4 times without damage.

[@reellove6710]

Watched for the 3+ (or more) time. Great video Tim.

[@LadyKSailing]

Awesome, thank you!