sailing monohull choice

[Aravind]

Hi

I am currently in the market for a new sailboat.

I intend to sail in the mediterranean and the carribean, with family (3kids) and friends, as well as do some atlantic crossings.

Currently I have to make a choice:
- 54footer typical sailboat
...fast...grp...new engine, paint, etc etc in 2021...only 3 huts...

- 70footer gullet
...slower...wood...needs more yearly hull maintenance... TONS of space...

- 57footer converted scandinavian fishing boat
...slower...wood...in good shape and built tough... fair amount of space...

Is there an obvious choice? Or is it just a personal preference?

I like the 54footer sailboat because it's been redone recently and in very good condition
I like the gullet for its easy living and many huts, there's a place for everyone and the kids won't be on top of eachother. Space gives peace.
The scandinavian fishing boat is so... charming

[Aravind]

[Ballsnall]

Which one does your wife like?

[goboatingnow]

Neither the last two are sailing boats. They are motor boats with poles stuck on. gullets in particular were often poorly constructed and not designed for long passages.

And unless you are a shipwright with plenty of time and money , I’d wouldn’t touch wood with a barge pole.

I presume you have plenty of money for diesel if you pick the last two. Also getting those boats into marinas will be “ fun “

[psk125]

Heartily agree with gbn. There are reasons Gulets only seem to exist in Turkey. North Sea fishing boats designed to handle heavy winds do not fare well in Mediterranean calms. Doing "some Atlantic crossings" calls for a much more careful and informed search than you appear to be prepared for at this time. A 54' performance-oriented boat will need a well-experienced, full crew to make safe Atlantic passages. The sails and forces involved are too big to be easily handled.

[Aravind]

ty for the reactions.

The fast sailboat is a bit harder to make a fulltime liveaboard for a family. But I'm sure I'll find a place to install a waching machine and an extra fridge, which is kind'a necessity.

I also have a decent water maker, battery system and solar panels from my previous vessel.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Ballsnall

Which one does your wife like?

That's the right question!

[Aravind]

Originally Posted by Don C L

That's the right question!

probably
Luckily we're both practical people and on the same level about these things.

The main thing is to make life sustainable : independent power, water, washing, cooking,...
some say a gulet is more comfortable in heavy weather, but my personal preference is probably the real sailboat as well, also for the obvious economic reasons.

[psk125]

A gulet is more comfortable in heavy weather because that is when they stay tied up to the dock and plugged in to shore power. One wave hitting the windows (they're certainly not ports) will stove them in and perhaps remove the superstructure as well. Are they shatterproof glass, or will the shards cut everything and everyone they explode against? The high freeboard and large cabin structures can make maneuvering difficult in windy conditions. Besides these design issues, gulets have a reputation for construction issues: green wood that warps after a season, or rots. Fastenings that pull out. Leaks that require hauling to fix. A choice that your family's life might depend on should be better informed.

[Don C L]

Just what is that "54 foot typical sailboat?" The pic is so small, is it a Swan? Wait, is that schooner rigged? Of course I am going to prefer that one, though the fishing boat will be roomier. Wood often needs constant attention and eventually costly repairs, but I know of folks who consider them worth it. Depends on wood choice and construction quality of course. What is your list of must-haves?

[Aravind]

the decision has been made, it will be a real sailboat !