Size of boat needed to handle coastal cruising safely

[TomLewis]

As Belize said, it's about seaworthiness. I did it in a 30 ft. Nonsuch, very seakindly, weather was pretty good also.

[Shrew]

We spent 10 years doing coastal cruising, in the cruising grounds you are discussing, in a 28 ft Express powerboat. We've regularly run in Small Craft Advisory conditions (Sustained winds or frequent gusts ranging between 25 and 33 knots), and a very few Gale conditions (33 - 47 kt), though technically that was more around the 35 kt range.

The boat typically takes far more than the skipper or crew can handle.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Cadence

Near shore ground swells can be just as hazardous to small craft. Don't have the illusion that because you can see land your OK.

OP, the offshore swells you are worried about are not dangerous...they are like rolling over a big smooth hill...any size boat will weather these just fine...even a dinghy.

When they get close to shore in shallower water and turn into breaking waves, then they are dangerous.

Once again...the erroneous assumption that near shore is safer.

[capt-couillon]

No matter what she says.... size is not that important.

Fair amount of freeboard, free draining decks and cockpit. Watertight below decks in a blow. Safe and comfortable are two different things. In a power boat (trawler or otherwise) beam seas are gonna be a bear with lots of rock and roll even with "flopper stoppers" or other anti roll devices. Following seas can break over the transom putting tons of water on board in seconds. Make sure boat is built to shed this load on its own. Heavy seas in a power vessel is gonna be most comfortable (and safest) quartering into the oncoming seas. With enough sea room, and no rush, even heavy weather is not a problem.

Watch your weather windows and take your time... Two most dangerous things on any boat are a wristwatch and a calendar.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Cadence

Near shore ground swells can be just as hazardous to small craft. Don't have the illusion that because you can see land your OK.

Like flying, closer to the ground isn't safer. Boats are lost trying to get into port. Sometimes it's better to stay offshore.

[PortClydeMe]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Boats are lost trying to get into port. Sometimes it's better to stay offshore.

Yeah. And try 20-foot swells in 2-meter-visibility "pea soup" Maine fog! If that doesn't sober you up and keep you on your toes, nothing will!

[svchances]

34' Mainship. Done and done !

[IslandHopper]

And obviously the vessel must be able to tow another effortlessly

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Like flying, closer to the ground isn't safer. Boats are lost trying to get into port. Sometimes it's better to stay offshore.

I feel sure many west coasters with their hairy inlets will attest to that. Long Island's Rockaway inlets are best waiting for conditions at times. I'm sure there are many more around the world. I would rather stay out with long period waves.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Cadence

I feel sure many west coasters with their hairy inlets will attest to that.

Unfortunate turn of phrase? That conjured up some terrible visions.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by StuM

Unfortunate turn of phrase? That conjured up some terrible visions.

Ground swells and changing shoals, at an inlet, are a bitch anyplace; Surfing into an inlet under those conditions would make anyone pucker or maybe stupid. Only directed at those not knowing better and hope they consider the intent of the post.

[Ken Z]

i agree with a mainship my dad and brother both had one i think 283 chevys twins nice on a budget.engines easy to work on. stsble.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Cadence

Ground swells and changing shoals, at an inlet, are a bitch anyplace; Surfing into an inlet under those conditions would make anyone pucker or maybe stupid. Only directed at those not knowing better and hope they consider the intent of the post.

I think you missed Stu's interpretation regarding the nature of west coaster's "inlets".

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by svchances

34' Mainship. Done and done !

Originally Posted by Ken Z

i agree with a mainship my dad and brother both had one i think 283 chevys twins nice on a budget.engines easy to work on. stsble.

If chances meant the original Mainship 34/II/III (late '70s through '80s), they had a single diesel.

-Chris

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I think you missed Stu's interpretation regarding the nature of west coaster's "inlets".

I was in effect saying it was not directed at Stu and was directed at those thinking running for safe harbor is always the prudent decision.