Sailboat for Pacific Northwest

[rms]

I would welcome suggestions/recommendations regarding choice of suitable small sailboats (preferably considerably less than 30 feet LOA) for extended coastal cruising (May-September) in the Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound to Glacier Bay). Emphasis on sailing (often single-handed), reasonably basic cabin/accommodation for two individuals, used/second-hand boat budget upto 60K USD.
Thanks.

[westsail42]

I always liked the Nor'sea 27. Older used ones are within your budget.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, RMS.

Gulf 29 ➥ GULF 29 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

➥ Review Gulf 29 From an owner

[s/v Beth]

Tell us more about yourself. How much creature comforts do you require? What do you have to have? How much sailing experience do you have? Makes a difference.

[CharlieCobra]

I have one coming available in a month, fully refreshed to a new owner's specs for considerably less than that, Two in fact. I would PM you but you lack the post count to answer. Matter of fact, you could get both and still have money to cruise...

[cal40john]

You said emphasis on sailing. There's a lot of light wind around here. If you're the type that has to make a certain number of miles per day you'll probably wind up doing a fair bit of motoring no matter what boat you buy. If you like to sail more than making predefined destinations then you want a boat with a high SA/D.

I have been on trips with friends where I sailed most of the day and they motored. Those were my friends with OI 41, CT 41, and Gulfstar Sailmaster. Other trips have been with an Olson 30 and J33. In light air they are faster than I. The first group has SA./D of 15 or under, second group greater than 20. Mine is 18.

[rms]

Thanks for the feedback regarding boat choice. You have opened my eyes to boats that I would have otherwise failed to consider.
The Norsea27 is high on my list, as it would be a substantial improvement over my former sailboat (a PS Flicka, which I found a bit too small, sluggish and unresponsive, and no inboard engine). I particularly appreciate the "go/anchor anywhere" convenience of it's shallow draft. Not sure if the Norsea may be a bit too sluggish in light air.
Given that I/we will be living on-board for 4-5 months, a sailing-oriented pilothouse, like the Gulf 29, would be a logical choice, particularly after what I have read about weather north of Vancouver Island. I will have to find out more about performance under sail and in choppy seas.
Although I love full-keel cutter-rigged classics, the J33 seems to offer high-end sailing performance with a decent/comfortable cabin. I will definitely take a much closer look at the J30 and 33.
On a sunny day on the Puget sound, something like a J-boat would be just the ticket. But I also remember enviously eyeing a comfortable looking Pilothouse after some cold and wet days up Princess Louisa Inlet in October.

[delmarrey]

You'll want something with a good size dodger or even a bimini to keep you out of the rain and sun on the hot days. The direct sun light up here can get pretty hot on those June and July days, and drop 20º in the shade.
And something that motors well also for the passes with swirling winds and fast currents.

Also learn to sail/motor with the tides. Schedule your trips around the tides for faster, fuel saving trips.

July 9, 2012 temp in the sun.

[Cavalier MK2]

Multuhulls are great in the NW, 2nd for me would be a ULDB but we sail when everyone else motors. Lots of light winds in the summer and inside passage but plenty of wind at times so the boat has to be prepped for it. There are also strong currents, rapids and overfalls in places, here a cat or tri really shines . For a mid displacement pilot house also check out the larger Tanzer.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Might try Rawson pilothouse 30.
kind regards,

[rms]

Thanks. I have added the Rawson Pilothouse to my list of contenders.

[Livia]

Totally off topic but consider trying to leave in April when you can still ride some of the SE wind Northward if you are committed to sailing. We were able to sail the inside from Victoria through Desolation before we motored N in Johnstone and then afterwards were able to sail to the Haida Gwaii considerably later in the season in very light SE wind.

[Gadabout]

Rawsons are great boats, i had one for almost 15 years.. But that keel and rudder can grab the current more then you can think in high current areas. (mine had a tiller and i snapped the pin off the autopilot more then once)

Check out the fischer 25.. I've fallen
ln love with this little pilothouse over the last few years, and am considering it for my next pocket cruiser..

S

[MikeinLA]

Originally Posted by rms

a sailing-oriented pilothouse, like the Gulf 29, would be a logical choice

That Gulf is a handsome boat, there's one down the way from me and it always catches my eye.

Mike