28ft Bluewater Live aboard recommendations

[Jim Cate]

But I have seem a fair few 1x19 wires that have been successfully done this way.

On the other hand, Ben, I've seen some where the "outside" strands of the 1x19 where it bent around the thimble were parted... and at least one trimaran who lost his mast due to such a failure (Mexico in 1987). In that case, ALL the non-failed shrouds had broken strands in that spot.

But, like you, I'm no fan of sleeve type swages either. Give me mechanical terminals every time... never had or saw a failed Sta lok or genuine Norseman (some knock offs were sold and they were terrible). And now we're using some Sea Rig terminals from NZed and they seem ok so far. And Haynes are known to be very good too. A plethora of riches...

Jim

[Snowpetrel]

Interesting Jim, I can't say I've seen them fail there myself, but it is the logical place for issues. The ones I load tested all failed at the point where the wire entered the sleeve.

The mechanical terminals seem by far the best option for stainless steel. Glad the searig ones have worked out for you.

[MartinR]

Originally Posted by captmikem

My thoughts exactly.
I have seen Albvin Vegas in many places in the world.
Simple Strong, and will get you there. Just don't overload her with "safety" gear etc. and forget an autopilot, it will fail you and eat up your battery, get a good vane. A Vega steers well with a vane and you can buy a cheap tiller pilot to steer the vane with when motoring.

Good luck,

M

If you are up to buying a boat in Scandinavia, you can get a Vega in very good condition for less than 5000$, that includes tiller pilot and good engine/sails. If needed buy some used sails in good shape, you can get these cheap, very cheap. And as above, do not overload with safety gear, and I am sure you can be within budget.

[thomm225]

So how about heat and A/C. Most folks new to sailing are used to a controlled environment, but once on the boat many times you are at the mercy of the weather especially on a small boat

On Saturday when I decided it was time to sleep, it was a bit warm in my boat so I checked the temp. 88 degrees it was at the time

It was a cool 82 though the next am

It's sometimes more than just the vessel and it's potential.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by MartinR

Albin Vega!

Those Vegas seem so lightly built. I wonder if it's because there were so many that were built (3450) is why they are seen so often. I do like the water line length though

Vega 27

VEGA 27 (ALBIN) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Bristol 27

BRISTOL 27 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[john61ct]

What an odd derail.

Yes, the list of compromises between an average non-poor USian's living conditions and camping on a little boat is long indeed.

Yes trying to get all the mod cons means a 10x more expensive boat.

[DumnMad]

Originally Posted by Snowpetrel

Interesting Jim, I can't say I've seen them fail there myself, but it is the logical place for issues. The ones I load tested all failed at the point where the wire entered the sleeve.

The mechanical terminals seem by far the best option for stainless steel. Glad the searig ones have worked out for you.

I've seen them fail there - I think its due to residual stress on the bend and fatigue and the maximum loading in a test is not so relevant unless its a high cycle load test.

[MartinR]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Those Vegas seem so lightly built. I wonder if it's because there were so many that were built (3450) is why they are seen so often. I do like the water line length though

Vega 27

VEGA 27 (ALBIN) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Bristol 27

BRISTOL 27 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

They are very solid boats, not lightly built. Not excessively heavy, though.

[MartinR]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes trying to get all the mod cons means a 10x more expensive boat.

And never-ending maintenance and expenses!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by thomm225

So how about heat and A/C. Most folks new to sailing are used to a controlled environment, but once on the boat many times you are at the mercy of the weather especially on a small boat

On Saturday when I decided it was time to sleep, it was a bit warm in my boat so I checked the temp. 88 degrees it was at the time

It was a cool 82 though the next am

It's sometimes more than just the vessel and it's potential.

AC.. Heater...???
Pussies dont sail in small boats..

[MartinR]

Why not throw in an odd boat into the mix, Freedom 28 cat ketch:

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/198...g#.Wz9bjGaB3OQ

No rigging to worry about, and good cruising boats. Downside is the wheel steering. Not sure if the hulls on these are balsa cored as in the 40s or not.

[MartinR]

Originally Posted by boatman61

AC.. Heater...???
Pussies dont sail in small boats..

Minimum you need: A/C, heater, water maker, solar panels, lithium batteries, induction stove, generator, ice maker, baking machine, wine cooler, big RIB dinghy, big outboard, life raft, full enclosures, spare autopilot, sat communication, sat TV, electric toilets.

Looking at 100000$ upwards for outfitting.....
Wait, 28´boat. Need a trailer for towing.

Anything missing on the list?

To be honest, you can live without all of the stuff, and life is only marginally more uncomfortable or unsafe. A good boat with rigging, sails in good condition and some means of navigation will take you a long way. Engine is optional.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by MartinR

They are very solid boats, not lightly built. Not excessively heavy, though.

Not lightly built?

I don't make the rules but the Vega is right at the light build line at 186 Disp/Len ratio.

Bristol 27 has a 382 Disp/Len Ratio wirh a shorter LWL but still rates a tad faster on several PHRF rating lists

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by boatman61

AC.. Heater...???
Pussies dont sail in small boats..

I was just throwing it out there since folks spend so much time on everything about the boat but forget totally about the environmental concerns

On Tuesday Night, the tide had my stern pointing right at the sunset so there was no relief there. I had to put the boards in, and crank up the fan to max......

Wind was East 12-15 which made the trip across fast but ..............

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by MartinR

Minimum you need: A/C, heater, water maker, solar panels, lithium batteries, induction stove, generator, ice maker, baking machine, wine cooler, big RIB dinghy, big outboard, life raft, full enclosures, spare autopilot, sat communication, sat TV, electric toilets.

Looking at 100000$ upwards for outfitting.....
Wait, 28´boat. Need a trailer for towing.

Anything missing on the list?

To be honest, you can live without all of the stuff, and life is only marginally more uncomfortable or unsafe. A good boat with rigging, sails in good condition and some means of navigation will take you a long way. Engine is optional.

As I said, folks get used to living a certain way.

Take the engine away half way home and some folks would get quite upset especially if the temp is 93 degrees and there is no wind.

I refused to deal with it on my return trip Wednesday so even though the wind was 10-16 knots (fluctuating) on the stern port quarter I still cranked up the big 5hp outboard and maintained around 6 knots for my entire 20 mile trip home

Besides autopilot was going nuts trying to deal with it before the engine assist.

Almost forgot, you gotta recommend to the new guy the correct anchor because some folks say only the new ones work!

I sailed off anchor again and left my muddy chain and anchor (CQR) on the foredeck for the trip across. I did tie/secure the anchor to the center cleat though and only about 5 links were hanging over the side when I docked!