Benefits of a bigger boat?

[Emoyeni]

Hello Everyone,


I have been looking at getting a boat in the 35-45 foot range and something I'm noticing is that a lot of companies like Ericson and Islander will make almost the same design - a V birth, salon, and aft cabin that can sleep 6-7 people for almost all their boats this length. My question is, what does one gain, other than higher maintenance costs and slip fees, for a bigger boat? Won't most time be spent on deck anyways? At the 15k-30k price points I'm looking at, it seems that the boats are actually the same condition, same price, just different lengths...

[Zanshin]

For me there have been 2 reasons to go for a bigger boat:

1. Hull Speed. On passage, a bigger (longer) boat will generally go much further per day than a smaller boat. Suddenly in the Caribbean passages can be done fully during daylight rather than overnight.
2. Cockpit room. Bigger boats boats tend to have more generously sized cockpits, and at anchor 90% '(or more) of my waking time is spent in the cockpit.

[siamese]

V Berth, unless you're having some sort of emergency.

[Cheechako]

Hull speed and comfort mostly. There's a saying that from 35 to 40+ feet all you really get is another head. Pretty much reality, although things are more spacious.

[Emoyeni]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

For me there have been 2 reasons to go for a bigger boat:

1. Hull Speed. On passage, a bigger (longer) boat will generally go much further per day than a smaller boat. Suddenly in the Caribbean passages can be done fully during daylight rather than overnight.
2. Cockpit room. Bigger boats boats tend to have more generously sized cockpits, and at anchor 90% '(or more) of my waking time is spent in the cockpit.

We're talking like a 1 knot difference then for a 35 vs 40 foot boat based on this formula then, right?

https://www.boats.com/reviews/crunch...d-boat-length/

[Zanshin]

Yep - but one knot in terms of percentage is pretty much. Plus, in heavier weather, it will be more due to the additional mass. And more comfortable.

[lars]

Haul more of your boat **** too

[psk125]

Good to remember that boats get bigger from the middle out. When you add length, the ends stay the same and space midships increases. Layouts from different builders are similar because the layouts work. Look at SUV’s from the different manufacturers -- they all look pretty much the same too.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by psk125

Good to remember that boats get bigger from the middle out. When you add length, the ends stay the same and space midships increases. Layouts from different builders are similar because the layouts work. Look at SUV’s from the different manufacturers -- they all look pretty much the same too.

A SUV is a minivan with enhanced ground clearance.


Yeah, OT....

[sailon46]

Do recall the movie Jaws when the skipper said we’ll need a bigger boat. I have been out in the Carib in passages ie Martinique sailing north to Dominica where my 51 ft Beneteau was too small for the maelstrom I was in. I wished then I was in an aircraft carrier. That’s why I love bigger boats. If you are coastline cruiser then a dinghy will do.
Ernie on the Mary Jane

[Wallaby]

I've owned and sailed 28ft, 40ft and 50ft. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages with each, depending on the situation. I'm currently considering downsizing from 50ft to a 45-ft sailboat that can safely use the ICW, yet can go offshore if I want--the situation, again. All three can be sailed and docked single-handed, and have the basic components for cruising and life aboard.



One word of advice, when buying the 40-ft boat, my boat-building brother said to buy the biggest boat that could do what I wanted, and I could afford. He suggested a French-built Feeling--very few in the USA. Looking back, I think he was right.


My advice is figure out what your situation is, if it is likely to change in the foreseeable future, and what 'functionality' best fits. Good luck.

[bailsout]

None.

[bailsout]

And the older you get the smaller you will want.

[DEAN2140]

The question is: what will you use the boat for? I have owned boats from a 17' Day Sailer to a Norseman 447 and am currently the owner of an Alerion Express 28. In between I owned a couple of racing boats. The Norseman served me well when I spent a year cruising in Mexico and the South Seas and the Alerion is perfect for my frequent single handed sailing in SF Bay. The positives of a larger boat are obvious: more speed, more comfort, more "prestige". The downside: more expense, more crew. To find the right balance depends on your sailing style and pocketbook.

[Chotu]

Speed

Payload

Stability/ability to deal with larger seas better.

These 3 things are almost priceless to have.