In the “old days” a solo sailor might drag a thin, very strong line thru the water. This line would be attached to his wind vane steering device. When the line was pulled, the boat would go in a circle and circle back to pick him up! Also, some sailors think the jack line should be on the centerline of the boat. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work! Captain Ron.
I met someone in Bermuda who had this happen the week before. Not single handing, wife found him missing. His good fortune was how flat the Saragosa sea was at the time. Same w/ a couple approaching Bimini. In that case, the man was found clinging to Great Issac at midnight by the Coast Guard. We were on a passage from FL to Nassau and about to turn back to search. Both cases were mirracle recoveries. CG veteran remarked half the men found drowned while on passages had their zippers down . . .
Altijd een lange drijvende lijn uit 1voor als overboord 2kan altijd de drift zien met een prusikknoop kom je altijd weer aan boord mocht het rudder lijn zijn werk niet doen😢
In the process of getting a boat. Initially I'll just be living on it and getting it ready (autopilot and watermaker are the big things) but I'm hoping to be ready to sale in a few months. Not sure where I'll go 1st, I'm already in the Caribbean.
ive dne 5 trips from the uk to the caribbean solo .the most fun was in a 22ft falmouth oyster dredger, but i now have a seacracker 33 theres room for a freezer and solar panels.
Your harness should have a Y clip on it. One side of the Y is 5-6' long, usually stretchy and only half that length when not syrecthed. The othe is only 2 feet long. This allows you to clip in, and use the other clip to bypass obstructions while the first clip still keeps you attached. Kong is one of these.
Glad to see that I’ve come to the same conclusions about a solo-sailor boat. A 36-40 ft center cockpit with in mast furling. Thanks for the insight on the livability with a sugar scoop. Love your channel.
Solo sailing tip.Drag a 100ft. line behind the boat.Fall or get knocked out of the boat,grab the line.Boat should automatically turn into the wind,then pull yourself in.
If you've got the boat on autopilot or self steering, and if you do manage to grab the line, it's a hell of a job overcoming 6+ knots of water resistance. I guess it might save your life, but it probably won't. I guess it wouldn't hurt. 10 points for taking out powerboats though.
@ashleymalamute Reminds me of the movie Christine, where her mother offers the cautionary -yet pragmatic-advice that they all were going to laugh at her. Shornuff, she was right!
I am currently purchasing, a 1995 Morgan 38. I have a deposit down, a haul out scheduled for my survey but the weather has been taking the wind out of my sails as the broker won’t take it out until we get better weather! (We just got 6 to 10 inches of rain along the coast.) I recently sold my house thinking I would buy another but now that I have watched a couple hundred videos on sailing and purchasing a sailboat, I’m all in and can’t wait to get on the water here in beautiful but rainy Southern California. I have spent my entire life in the water, swimming, scuba diving, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing small trimarans and Hobie Cats so with some added navigation training and hands on sailing on my new boat, I think I’ll be good at single handed sailing after sailing with a crew for some time. Thanks for all your information, well done!
Tom Morris and C.W. Paine designed and built a wonderful semi custom "Justine 36". Well worth the money and a fine offshore single hander... if you feel the need to go to 36 feet. I personally like the Francis 26 double ender for single handing as it is simple and sea worthy and will not cost you a fortune to maintain or dock. 26 feet is perfect for long distance single handing in this 50% displacement boat.
I have the "Leigh 30" and have cruised her single handed exclusively. Time flies I've had her for 25 years and lived aboard all but about three years when I was off working other boats or ashore. A great design for single handing.
Great video. The Westerly and the Morgan's have always been noted as safe boats solo or not. Do one on best boat for solo circumnavigating, at your own pace that is.
I love that a westerly made it onto the list. They were built near me and where I sail (Solent, UK) you won't find a marina or anchorage without a westerly. They were the Ford of the boat world. Mines a konsort 🤣🤣
We have a Konsort Duo here in my marina I could have bought if I had more money. Interesting boat. Generally with Westerly I look for center console Centaurs. I'd have to pull what those are called, you don't see many in the US. Macwesters are kind of interesting too. Similar in design.
I had a Centaur for 25 yrs in the Chesapeake. Fabulous boat! I almost got a Berwick that had been rigged for and had been Caribbean cruising. But had it snagged away. I decided to find a Solway, but there are none in this part of the globe. Except one in Trinidad and another in Grenada. But both in such poor condition I would not have taken them if they were in the Chesapeake and offered for free. I cruise now on a CSY 33. Not shoal draft - but I have adapted.
1973 Dufour 35 over here. I've been sailing her mostly solo for almost 10 years now. Keel stepped mast, Garmin aitopilot coupled to a Jefa drive and a CapeHorn windvane. Windvane is very usefull at sea, steers the boat without using electricity. Decent heating is important as well as there is sailing outside the Caribean as well. One needs solar panels and a decent Lifepo battery as well, more than davits or a rib. Never had a problem weighing anchor with my manual windlass. It just takes a bit of planning and being able to sail.
Loved this episode! How about a 40' to 50' center cockpit that can be single handed if need be. Two state rooms for and aft. Maybe bow and stern thrusters? Simple rig, self furling? A stout older fellow that wants to be alone most of the time. I'm considering running away half of the year.
Look for a clean Gulfstar 50. Good boats, well made since they came after Gulfstar's big push to improve quality control. Gulfstar made about 150 of them, so there are always a couple on the market. They are older boats (1976-1982) so either plan to spend time/money fixing one up or pay a higher price for one which the owner did the work already.
@@markus717 perhaps higher costs are not his main concern. But boats that size you can only handle with lots of electric devices. And electricity and saltwater are born enemies. So in critical situations you can't rely on safely handling your vessel especially when you are an aging guy. And instead of enjoying the sailing you will be repairing electric machinery all the time. An intelligent man once said: at a 35' sailboat all problems are solved. But beyond 35' problems arise again.
I’m glad you included the Morgan. I had a friend who had a Morgan Out Island from the ‘80s and it was sooo spacious! Lots of headroom too. Perfect for the Caribbean islands.
Another interesting video, thanks Tim. I surely agree with your "center cockpit is important for a solo sailor" advice. I singlehanded for over a year (1978) through the South Pacific on a Searunner 37 with a center cockpit - and felt perfectly safe as far as staying with the boat - you'd have to be seriously drunk to fall overboard. I met a Japanese singlehander (Yukio, Yamaha 33 PINK MOLA MOLA) who fell overboard from his stern cockpit while closing with Australia and trying to pass through a break in the Great Barrier Reef. He was dragged behind the boat by his tether, but the speed was too much for him to pull himself back onboard - it was all he could do to not drown. An hour later the boat sailed itself right up onto the reef and Yukio was saved before being drowned - and rescued a couple of days later. Pink Mola Mola was a loss, of course).
Thanks for input. QUESTION: I'm used to rowing up to my stern cockpit sloop and tying alongside, using the dinghy's bow and stern painters. Then I can stand and easily swing bag after bag of supplies, groceries, laundry, whatever, from the dinghy right into the cockpit, where it won't go anywhere. How can you possible do that with a center cockpit? You'd have to move stuff from the dinghy to the narrow deck where it can easily fall into the water, especially if there's rolling swells in the anchorage. Are you center cockpit guys mostly going from marina to marina?
Perhaps you felt deceivingly safe in your center cockpit? There is no evidence, that it is more likely to fall out of an aft cockpit than out of a center cockpit. I feel most center cockpits to be too high above sea level, too far above the turning axis of a roling boat in a large swell. And: did Yukio fall out of his cockpit or from the side deck?
@@harmseberhardharmseberhard9908 - You could be quite right that the feeling of safety is more psychological than real but it does go beyond falling overboard - in center cockpits you have better all-round visibility, less boat motion, and quicker response times when docking singlehandedly. I agree that CC have to be proportionate with the boat size and make sense only on larger designs. (Incidentally, I have two boats now, and BOTH are aft cockpits). I don't remember just how Yukio fell overboard - that was in 1980 and my memories are growing fuzzy.
@@markus717 Well, on my Searunner there was a ladder incorporated on the transom so I did the same thing as you; although it was never as easy as with a sugar scoop transom (which I love, by the way). Still, one managed. More of a problem with a center cockpit is: "Where do I store the dinghy?" - they require davits. I can't speak for other CC advocates, but I was always sailing on a budget and never stayed at a marina in the two years that I cruised from Seattle to Fiji. I have two boats now, and neither has ever been in a marina (other than a haul-out).
Along with jack lines, i have web emergency ladders on each side aft. It would be pretty rough trying to climb up you life jacket line to get back on board. There is a couple good videos on climbing back onboard, but its not easy being drug through the water at 6 knots.
I have to agree with you the Morgan 38 CC it is safe and is good for both a single person and for a couple or even a small family. A great boat for FL, Bahamas and most of the islands south. Have a nice weekend and safe sailing. Michael
My favorite sailboat make and model is a Gin Fizz (38 ft extended to 40 ft) Ketch Rig, center cockpit and spare engine just like the vessel Guppy that Laura Dekker used for her around the world solo sail.
Nice episode. I would include the british Contessa 32 as a pure solo. Super slick wave knife, easy on sea and strong wind. Comfort on passage. Thats just my choice.
The C32 would be a great solo bluewater boat. If you haven't checked out "bumbling sailor" on youtube, you should. He is a very funny brit sailing greenhorn who just bought one and is planning to circumnavigate it.
These are great boats, made popular through a few novels and of course well known sailors. They sail well but keep in mind there is usually not an inclosed head and they are well known for being partial submarines. The opposite of high and dry. Don't get me wrong I love contessas but after spending a year living on a Pacific Seacraft 37 which is volumes larger I would want a bit more comfort for when I am not sailing to windward.
Me too, the Contessa 32 is maybe the ultimate solo boat. The solo cruising is one-of-a-kind. Willy Kerr's travels and it's stellar performance during the Fastnet tragedy, John Kretschmer and Ty Techera rounding of Cape Horn, Seb Clover's record for the youngest solo Atlantic Crossing, Pierre Huglo non-stop "Longue Route" circumnavigation ... ... for the damn brave and tough the little sister, the Contessa 26 has a stellar track record, too. Nick Jaffe's zero-experience I sail off, youtube-pioneer solo trip from Europe to Australia (great documentary "Between Home"), Tania Aebie's circumnavigation etc. I pretty much can only come-up with S&S 34, the Albin Vega 27, and the Rustler 36 that match the record between 26 and 36 feet. However, the minus is, that C32 are quite famous, and for their size they are quite expensive in good conditions. On the other hand they have a great, active class association and many produced. So it comes with a good community.
I recently bought my first boat with plans for many solo adventures as well as with others. I picked up a Beneteau Oceanis 411 Clipper. I’m still in the yard working on it 2 months later but everyday I fall more and more in love with it
Check your Keelbolts!!! They are famous for rusting out, than your Keel falls off and that kills the crew!!! Been a handful of the Benajeanau family boats that have experienced Keel loss. One skip somehow got his boat back without a Keel.
@@islandwanderer1173 actually I’ve replaced all my keel bolts after finding 2 out of the 13 had large fractures down the length of the threat. Anyone with a bolt on keel should check the bolts regularly!
@@georgeburns7251 already sailed the east coast of Australia. Handled the huge seas and gale force winds like a dream. You obviously don’t know what you’re talking about
I totally agree on that last boat/Man Cave, it IS the Bee’s Knees!!! Luxury is not my thing but when u think of spending months at sea, boy, that would be super pleasant, restful, comfortable place to hang out and CHILL BIG TIME! Unfortunately, I have to wait for your cheapest cruising boat to come. SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland. Ps, no spare cash but if you are ever my way, I have all the back up systems in place for peacefully sleeping at night!😊
It really as always goes back to where you are planning on sailing. I see lots of people suggesting a Westsail 32, I have a gun in mouth after sailing a week and making only 200 miles. Going on that thought is a Wauquiez Pretorian 35 Hal Roth's weapon of choice. Nice deep cockpit, quality construction, and while not super fast it will get you there in a reasonable amount of time. I think the Westerly and Morgan is what I would go with.
I sail a 26ft Victoria 800 primarily in tge Thames Estuary and UK East Coast. It's getting in and out of marinas that can be tricky singlehanded. I can warp my boat around in its berth if need be. Keep it small and simple.
But, if you really want to learn about the best kept secret, check out the CAL 28 MK ll. My 1986 model continues to surprise me by how much the designer, Hunt, was given free reign to create the best designed, most beautiful, strongest production 28 ft racer/cruiser out there for coastal cruising. Unfortunately, CAL Yachts only made the 28 MK ll from 1986-89 due to the decision to finally close the company after a couple of very successful decades of producing variety of renown sailboats. Obviously, not many of the CAL 28 MK ll sailboats were made - hence resulting in becoming the best kept secret. If anybody wants more info, I have all the original docs and brochures.
I have been impressed with an Album Vega because I can push it with a 5 horse kick and I have seen it done with a 4. What drives me batshit about the Vega though is marine plywood locker covers. And of course mast compression issues. It would have been nice if they came from the factory with fiberglass locker and lazarette covers, and an arch and and solid beam to support the mast. And why teak handrail on deck when you can use steel? Anything pacific seacraft is pretty cool though. Just $$$. I know where a flicka 20 is right now that needs to be gutted for 20 grand
I would like to add my little home to the mix. I have a Westerly Pageant! It works so nicely as a little home. Definitely feels more capacious than its 23 feet would suggest.
I have a soft spot for the Pageants, there is one for sale in Florida right now that looks in decent shape going on the ad. For some reason they look more well proportioned than the Centaurs to me, but I think you may be better off in a Centaur offshore. Years ago, I saw a center console version of a Centaur that was flag blue and had an oak steering wheel. that boat takes the record on character without going into crazy expensive sailboats. I think the Centaurs are big inside as well. Wanna know what you can do with an Albin Vega docked? You can go to Home Depot and get a small deep freezer, raise your tiller, and drop it into the cockpit. I did that when I was living aboard. I didn't plan it, it just happened. Long story
OK got my boat sailed it 140 nautical miles to her new home. We got her up to 11 knots through a storm up to 35 not winds, what an inner duction to sailing this Catalina Morgan 38.I had some issues though, engine overheated after 9 miles, I need to pull the heat, exchanger something you need to do once a year so we had to sail her pretty much the whole way, which I enjoyed. These boats are great. In a lot of ways. One other downside is that water comes in through the bow and anchor locker. It is pretty common water also comes through port lights. I was able to mitigate the amount of water coming through the chain locker and making sure the cap inside the locker is on properly and chain slightly lower so that the water comes off the chain and goes in where the road locker is an out the scupper instead of water, following the chain down inside to chain locker, where to find its way to the bilge. Anyway, it’s kind of a soggy boat. Any upholstery will need to be replaced but otherwise we love the way she sailed and we can’t wait to get back on the water after cleaning up some mold and mildew.
To add to the theme....How about an episode on electronics, radar, what and what not do you need. I was told do not worry about a chart ploter you can use your ipad? But the ipad needs cell reception???? And so on
Great. information and probably will stay where I am with a Beneteau Oceanis 34, old enough to be not too expensive, young enough to be reasonably up to date. Strictly speaking I'm not a solo sailer but a growing up family means I have less and less crew, so one thing I don't have but in a marina on my own I'd like, is a bow thruster, when you can't be at the helm and on the foredeck with a huge emergency fender it could well solve the problem.
--A bow thruster on 34 feet is overkill. Gunning the throttle will kick the stern to one side in forward, the other in reverse. If you must come in hot with a crosswind, turn the nose towards the other direction to compensate when you stop. Practice first. You will impress your friends, if your machinery is in good order.
@@captainjimolchs Theoretically I agree and with over 50 years of sailing it's never been an issue before. No-one tries coming in astern in our marina with a cross wind unless they have a bow thruster, the boats are all too close together! Worse this 34 footer is fitted with a Bruntons prop which adds about 3 seconds to the reaction time and doesn't allow a fast kick ahead to starboard to sort being slightly out of line when reversing in a curved approach Med style between 2 poles that are 1/2 meter wider that the stern of the boat! With my older Oceanis 33.1 with a standard prop I was able the do 360s in 1 1/2 boat lengths, provided I did it considering the prop walk.
Hey! How about an episode on the best boats for fresh, green, learning to sail beginners eh? I am in that exact situation and don't know if I should get a dingy, a 20ft, or just go for a full live-aboard ship? Thanks, love your videos!
--The smaller the boat, the faster you will learn. "Swimsuit" boats like a sunfish or sailfish will quickly teach you why they were named. The lessons you learn will serve you well on a 50 footer. Wind-sailors steer by angling the mast and your weight. Get one with a stable "beginner's" platform, not a hot racing machine. Some come with 2 sizes of sail. Start small, learn proper footwork, wear hard shoes.
What about a ~1987 S2 35c. As a solo sailor, It might be at the top of my list now but lets watch this first. : ) The S2 has a small sugar scoop/swim platform. The main sheet is right aft the center cockpit. An aft cabin and V birth. 3 different panels to gain access to engine from different sides. Electric Windlass. The side decks are slightly narrow...but there is give and take right :)
Thanks for another great video!!! This video is great for the solo sailor, but it’s also great for couples because what if one person gets sick or if their back goes out??? A lot of “single hander” boats are also excellent for couples. That’s what I’m looking for.
My problem with in-mast is the added weight up the mast, especially when it rains. I much prefer in-boom. In-boom also allows you to have a fully battened mainsail.
Could one of you discuss this a bit more for the uninformed wanting to get into sailing? I understand the difference between mast and boom, but not sure I’m grasping why this would be a huge difference (and until this comment don’t think I’d heard of “in boom” sails).
The Rasmus 35 was the sailing ship with which, when I was young..., I made my first big crewed cruises. I have encountered a lot of rough seas in the Mediterranean and learned to appreciate the quality and safety of Hallberg Rassy. About fifteen years ago, as a young retiree, I bought a Hallberg Rassy 312 Mk1, the perfect sailing vessel for my single-handed offshore cruising needs. But also excellent for cruising periods with my wife. Of course the equipment must be well thought out to offer maximum safety. A dual autopilot with a dedicated power supply and solar panel recharging was my best investment. Fair winds with HR...
Hey there buddy, I am a travel nurse and looking for a boat (Canadian as well) living in the USA. I have had a few boats, from Catalina 25, Aloha 32 and have sailed in land lake. As well as the north coast of NFLD during Covid. I wanted to say keep up the good work 👍
Thank you, I'm in on the last CC. I'll be connecting - for a southern adventure from my 51-lat, in the Fall, to cast off! - by 2024!, LOL. Keep the solo adventures tight, to the wind! Bk-at-you-soon.
Hey Tim, your thumbnail showed a Cat/Mor 440, I think this is my next boat for cruising and maybe fulltime liveaboard. I will second you on the Cat 36, my first big sailboat bought new, survived a lot of abuse and very easy to maintain, but opt for the second generation. Can not go wrong with a Catalina boat, well built, lead keel, shaft drive and great support. Steel keels and Saildrives can be problematic, which are found on most other production sailboats. I like to haul every 2 to 3 yrs. on the West Coast, not sure if this possible with a Saildrive.
I pulled the trigger on a Cat/Mor 440 last week as a solo live aboard. Just selling all my possessions to make the move end of March. Good luck on finding you dream boat.
@@Metazone101 Envious, child at college, wife commutes from SF Bay Area to SoCal other few weeks, I do not need a home. The 440 would offer me all I need, love the back garage for tools and parts. Just sold a 44' sport fisher with no real space to store tools and parts, everything was stored under the settee which caused me to tear the salon apart to anything. Enjoy hearing from you about your purchase, definitely on my short list. Let me know if you see any issues.
Can we PLEASE get a video just on looking for Bluewater cruisers that you can LOAD up with crew. Boats with room for a dive compressed, loads of gear, washer/dryer etc. BASICALLY a boat perfect for doing what DELOS has done. Ready to go on an epic adventure. I know that sounds cheesy but that’s my dream. If I had to put a budget on it I’d say $250k. You make that video and I’ll be a patreon for life! Great content btw and I’ve learned a lot. Good on ya brother!
I spend a couple summers sailing with a friend. He sailed solo unless I went with him. I think he didn't really need my help most of the time. Other than that I have NO experience sailing. But I would like to try it. I have a couple of friends that did it into their late 70's. The male died onboard and the female sold the boat and never went back out. They sent emails from everywhere about their adventures. They stopped over where I was living in Panama City, Florida and visited for a day while getting some supplies. I don't remember what the boat was per se, but it was 36 foot long and full of Teak wood.. it was beautiful!!!
I try to watch one a day. Planning on sailing in 5 or so years full time. Figure if I watch them all over and over until then I might begin to know enough before I actually go out
Honestly Sam I can't believe that boat yard wouldn't let you tie up on an emergency birth, unbelievable. Instead they left you no option than to enter the busy shipping areas with all though huge ships and leave You are always so positive and incredibly resourceful. Big well done for the way you tacked down to the channel, amazing, you are a very, very accomplished sailor. 👏👏👏
Re: Center Cockpits. QUESTION: I'm used to rowing up to my stern cockpit sloop and tying alongside, using the dinghy's bow and stern painters. Then I can stand and easily swing bag after bag of supplies, groceries, laundry, whatever, from the dinghy right into the cockpit, where it won't go anywhere. How can you possible do that with a center cockpit? You'd have to move stuff from the dinghy to the narrow deck where it can easily fall into the water, especially if there's rolling swells in the anchorage. Are you center cockpit guys mostly going from marina to marina?
Great video, as a soon to be medically retired soldier in my fifties I want to do the loop, the Caribbean, the med, Adriatic, and Black Seas at least as parts of the bucket list while I still have the physical ability, but even though I would/will be a “solo sailor,” I will have “hitch hikers” I need room for as well as some dogs and cats. Do you feel these boats listed are big enough for 400 live pounds of animals (some dogs and cats, at least one of the dogs may be a Newfie cause I believe all solo sailors should bring a dog that’ll rescue them when they fall overboard drunk) and 3-6 hitch hikers at a time (some of us are more entertaining than others and people want to be around us even when we don’t want other humans around)? If not, than a video to cover those needs. ALSO, a video discussing changes/alterations for boats to live aboard and cruise the planet with the animals; you know, the netting attached to the rails, the 9 sq ft Astro turf on a chain so you can throw the dog’s toilet overboard to rinse off for a few minutes under way then hoist it back up clean and throw it on the deck and toss a half gallon of fresh water on it to rinse off the salt, and all the other changes I need to know that I don’t yet? As a solo sailor (unless I accidentally pick up a hitch hiker that moves into the owner’s cabin and doesn’t leave, it happens) on a budget (can’t afford a big new boat with a garage), how do I bring a PWC and a dinghy? I can’t be the first person to want to do this. Is there a boat with a strong enough deck that a PWC can be craned up and held in place on some racks? Am I just SOOL (s__t out of luck)? Lastly, what is your opinion on adding a swim platform on the back of a sailboat? I’ve seen videos of people making teak platforms and adding them, and honestly when I am laying out in the sun I do like to be as close to the water as possible to go back and forth. And the dogs would probably like a big platform with a ladder designed to accommodate them (stair like width and depth with short amount of rise) down near the water when at anchor or in moorings… Answer even one of these questions (even if it is by showing the link to the video you already made to discuss the issue that I missed) and I’ll subscribe…… pinky swear.
Love your channel,fantastic... Like you to present also more expancive Solo Sailing boat or more newer one, some ppl have more monay for same goal, regards
Yeah the whole sugar scoop thing you know I really don't like the way they look. I haven't gotten far enough along with my project yet, but I do plan to have a nice teak swim platform that folds down on the stern if possible. Of course it's fighting with space for the wind vane and also perhaps the davits depending on the situation. But I need to put them in an order of importance. One vein first swim platform. Second to have its third. If they all happen to work out great. If they don't they will have to be eliminated in reverse order In terms of importance.
What is the biggest boat one could sail and dock/undock solo, even at strong winds, provided that all necessary gear is present (furling sails, self-tacking sails, bow thruster, auto-pilot, remote-controlled windlass etc)?
Would you still use the big midship day bed in the Catalina 36 on a long haul port tack? Never gone offshore in a sailboat yet only offshore for work on anchor handlers, ferries and cruise ship.
Center cockpit can be rather dangerous, because 1) 99% there is no storm but you have to climb in and out all the time and you are likely to fall more than once. 2) if somehow a wave manages to come in despite the height of the cc, you need damn good drains. Is it worth trading the aft cabin and small cockpit with no good solar option in the cc for that big cockpit with an arch and easy access to the stern? maybe:-)
Each time I watch these great videos then I go to website and I realise that for some reason Australians sail different boats. For example Catalina 36 MKii is rare
Thanks for this amazing video. I know the Morgan 36 CC is a coastal cruiser, but would you personally take it to circumnavigate the the world? I’m between that and the Catalina tall rig.
Loved the episode and concept. I suspect the solo sailing criteria would be applicable to a cruising couple where one of the pair is less comfortable sailing so most of the effort falls on the other partner. Are there any things you would change about the criteria in that scenario (or perhaps that's an idea for a future episode?)
Bro.. Your videos are amazing!.. Thank you very much for what you are doing. Hope I get my boat some day. I´m wondering if you can make a video for tall people.!! haha. All the best.. hope see you sailing some day.
What would you think of a pilothouse as a solo Cruiser 35 tooth 40 ft range that way you're inside and you definitely won't fall out are doing an episode on pilot houses
Love your take on boats and professionalism. Also NOT having music in the background is wonderful.
Bought my first a Catalina 22. Can do solo. Your data and inspiration at work.
I’m 80 years young.
That's awesome! Happy sailing!
Most valuable sailing channel on YT hands down !!!!!
I have always loved the Sam L. Morse Bristol Channel Cutter. What a right little ship!
Fantastic able cruiser
In the “old days” a solo sailor might drag a thin, very strong line thru the water. This line would be attached to his wind vane steering device. When the line was pulled, the boat would go in a circle and circle back to pick him up! Also, some sailors think the jack line should be on the centerline of the boat. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work! Captain Ron.
I met someone in Bermuda who had this happen the week before. Not single handing, wife found him missing. His good fortune was how flat the Saragosa sea was at the time. Same w/ a couple approaching Bimini. In that case, the man was found clinging to Great Issac at midnight by the Coast Guard. We were on a passage from FL to Nassau and about to turn back to search. Both cases were mirracle recoveries. CG veteran remarked half the men found drowned while on passages had their zippers down . . .
Altijd een lange drijvende lijn uit 1voor als overboord 2kan altijd de drift zien met een prusikknoop kom je altijd weer aan boord mocht het rudder lijn zijn werk niet doen😢
@@porterandmjyoung4599wow yea that would suck....
@@porterandmjyoung4599 Meaning peeing off the back of the boat?
Brilliant plan
...for those that haven't experienced it.........sailing solo is sublime.
In the process of getting a boat. Initially I'll just be living on it and getting it ready (autopilot and watermaker are the big things) but I'm hoping to be ready to sale in a few months. Not sure where I'll go 1st, I'm already in the Caribbean.
ive dne 5 trips from the uk to the caribbean solo .the most fun was in a 22ft falmouth oyster dredger, but i now have a seacracker 33 theres room for a freezer and solar panels.
Your harness should have a Y clip on it. One side of the Y is 5-6' long, usually stretchy and only half that length when not syrecthed. The othe is only 2 feet long. This allows you to clip in, and use the other clip to bypass obstructions while the first clip still keeps you attached. Kong is one of these.
Always have two points of attachment...
This is the best TH-cam channel about sailing for sure! It is surprising how little channels there are like this
Thanks for watching!
I love the interior on this 95 Catalina 36.
Yes! Finally. I am a solo sailor and I have been looking for this. Excellent suggestions and need to do. Thank you Tim.🥰💓 Happy Sailing ⛵
Glad to see that I’ve come to the same conclusions about a solo-sailor boat. A 36-40 ft center cockpit with in mast furling. Thanks for the insight on the livability with a sugar scoop.
Love your channel.
Awesome video! I am sure there are numerous guys out their dreaming of just this boat concept.
I just Loved that Morgan! Beautiful boat and laid out perfectly!
Great boat
Solo sailing tip.Drag a 100ft. line behind the boat.Fall or get knocked out of the boat,grab the line.Boat should automatically turn into the wind,then pull yourself in.
Great idea! And it’ll keep the power boats from waking you too badly
@@LadyKSailing In your dreams! First, they must see it, AND resist the compulsion to cross ahead. : - )
If you've got the boat on autopilot or self steering, and if you do manage to grab the line, it's a hell of a job overcoming 6+ knots of water resistance. I guess it might save your life, but it probably won't. I guess it wouldn't hurt. 10 points for taking out powerboats though.
@ashleymalamute Reminds me of the movie Christine, where her mother offers the cautionary -yet pragmatic-advice that they all were going to laugh at her. Shornuff, she was right!
I wonder how difficult this is. To pull yourself up a line against 3-4 knots of current and then pulling yourself up the stern
I am currently purchasing, a 1995 Morgan 38. I have a deposit down, a haul out scheduled for my survey but the weather has been taking the wind out of my sails as the broker won’t take it out until we get better weather! (We just got 6 to 10 inches of rain along the coast.) I recently sold my house thinking I would buy another but now that I have watched a couple hundred videos on sailing and purchasing a sailboat, I’m all in and can’t wait to get on the water here in beautiful but rainy Southern California. I have spent my entire life in the water, swimming, scuba diving, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing small trimarans and Hobie Cats so with some added navigation training and hands on sailing on my new boat, I think I’ll be good at single handed sailing after sailing with a crew for some time. Thanks for all your information, well done!
Tom Morris and C.W. Paine designed and built a wonderful semi custom "Justine 36". Well worth the money and a fine offshore single hander... if you feel the need to go to 36 feet. I personally like the Francis 26 double ender for single handing as it is simple and sea worthy and will not cost you a fortune to maintain or dock. 26 feet is perfect for long distance single handing in this 50% displacement boat.
I have the "Leigh 30" and have cruised her single handed exclusively. Time flies I've had her for 25 years and lived aboard all but about three years when I was off working other boats or ashore. A great design for single handing.
What a wonderful boat the Leigh 30 is. I was Tom's first sales director on MDI during the 1980's.@@MW-on1ft
Great video. The Westerly and the Morgan's have always been noted as safe boats solo or not.
Do one on best boat for solo circumnavigating, at your own pace that is.
I love that a westerly made it onto the list. They were built near me and where I sail (Solent, UK) you won't find a marina or anchorage without a westerly. They were the Ford of the boat world. Mines a konsort 🤣🤣
We have a Konsort Duo here in my marina I could have bought if I had more money. Interesting boat. Generally with Westerly I look for center console Centaurs. I'd have to pull what those are called, you don't see many in the US. Macwesters are kind of interesting too. Similar in design.
I just bought one of their solid Snapdragons, a 26, for 2,500! Amazingly beautiful little boat.
I had a Centaur for 25 yrs in the Chesapeake. Fabulous boat! I almost got a Berwick that had been rigged for and had been Caribbean cruising. But had it snagged away. I decided to find a Solway, but there are none in this part of the globe. Except one in Trinidad and another in Grenada. But both in such poor condition I would not have taken them if they were in the Chesapeake and offered for free.
I cruise now on a CSY 33. Not shoal draft - but I have adapted.
Fix or repair daily
Thanks, Joe, for all your informative videos!
1973 Dufour 35 over here. I've been sailing her mostly solo for almost 10 years now. Keel stepped mast, Garmin aitopilot coupled to a Jefa drive and a CapeHorn windvane. Windvane is very usefull at sea, steers the boat without using electricity. Decent heating is important as well as there is sailing outside the Caribean as well. One needs solar panels and a decent Lifepo battery as well, more than davits or a rib. Never had a problem weighing anchor with my manual windlass. It just takes a bit of planning and being able to sail.
Loved this episode! How about a 40' to 50' center cockpit that can be single handed if need be. Two state rooms for and aft. Maybe bow and stern thrusters? Simple rig, self furling? A stout older fellow that wants to be alone most of the time. I'm considering running away half of the year.
Look for a clean Gulfstar 50. Good boats, well made since they came after Gulfstar's big push to improve quality control. Gulfstar made about 150 of them, so there are always a couple on the market. They are older boats (1976-1982) so either plan to spend time/money fixing one up or pay a higher price for one which the owner did the work already.
Why do you want such a big boat? Everything costs much more, what are you getting for that?
@@markus717 perhaps higher costs are not his main concern. But boats that size you can only handle with lots of electric devices. And electricity and saltwater are born enemies. So in critical situations you can't rely on safely handling your vessel especially when you are an aging guy. And instead of enjoying the sailing you will be repairing electric machinery all the time. An intelligent man once said: at a 35' sailboat all problems are solved. But beyond 35' problems arise again.
@@markus717 So you can party like a rockstar but sleep like a king at night.
Alone.
8:01 best part of sailing solo ⛵️
I’m glad you included the Morgan. I had a friend who had a Morgan Out Island from the ‘80s and it was sooo spacious! Lots of headroom too. Perfect for the Caribbean islands.
Another interesting video, thanks Tim. I surely agree with your "center cockpit is important for a solo sailor" advice. I singlehanded for over a year (1978) through the South Pacific on a Searunner 37 with a center cockpit - and felt perfectly safe as far as staying with the boat - you'd have to be seriously drunk to fall overboard. I met a Japanese singlehander (Yukio, Yamaha 33 PINK MOLA MOLA) who fell overboard from his stern cockpit while closing with Australia and trying to pass through a break in the Great Barrier Reef. He was dragged behind the boat by his tether, but the speed was too much for him to pull himself back onboard - it was all he could do to not drown. An hour later the boat sailed itself right up onto the reef and Yukio was saved before being drowned - and rescued a couple of days later. Pink Mola Mola was a loss, of course).
Thanks for input. QUESTION: I'm used to rowing up to my stern cockpit sloop and tying alongside, using the dinghy's bow and stern painters. Then I can stand and easily swing bag after bag of supplies, groceries, laundry, whatever, from the dinghy right into the cockpit, where it won't go anywhere. How can you possible do that with a center cockpit? You'd have to move stuff from the dinghy to the narrow deck where it can easily fall into the water, especially if there's rolling swells in the anchorage. Are you center cockpit guys mostly going from marina to marina?
Perhaps you felt deceivingly safe in your center cockpit? There is no evidence, that it is more likely to fall out of an aft cockpit than out of a center cockpit. I feel most center cockpits to be too high above sea level, too far above the turning axis of a roling boat in a large swell. And: did Yukio fall out of his cockpit or from the side deck?
@@harmseberhardharmseberhard9908 - You could be quite right that the feeling of safety is more psychological than real but it does go beyond falling overboard - in center cockpits you have better all-round visibility, less boat motion, and quicker response times when docking singlehandedly. I agree that CC have to be proportionate with the boat size and make sense only on larger designs. (Incidentally, I have two boats now, and BOTH are aft cockpits). I don't remember just how Yukio fell overboard - that was in 1980 and my memories are growing fuzzy.
@@markus717 Well, on my Searunner there was a ladder incorporated on the transom so I did the same thing as you; although it was never as easy as with a sugar scoop transom (which I love, by the way). Still, one managed. More of a problem with a center cockpit is: "Where do I store the dinghy?" - they require davits. I can't speak for other CC advocates, but I was always sailing on a budget and never stayed at a marina in the two years that I cruised from Seattle to Fiji. I have two boats now, and neither has ever been in a marina (other than a haul-out).
Along with jack lines, i have web emergency ladders on each side aft. It would be pretty rough trying to climb up you life jacket line to get back on board. There is a couple good videos on climbing back onboard, but its not easy being drug through the water at 6 knots.
I have to agree with you the Morgan 38 CC it is safe and is good for both a single person and for a couple or even a small family. A great boat for FL, Bahamas and most of the islands south.
Have a nice weekend and safe sailing.
Michael
I've been solo on a hunter 375 for almost 6 years now an it's about perfect.
That's exactly the one I'm looking at. A 1999 year
A Hunter 😮 ?
My favorite sailboat make and model is a Gin Fizz (38 ft extended to 40 ft) Ketch Rig, center cockpit and spare engine just like the vessel Guppy that Laura Dekker used for her around the world solo sail.
The Catalina 34 MK2 wingkeel is hard to beat for a solo cruiser. Very roomy and well motorize with a 4 cylinders westerbeke 35 hp.
I’ve been looking at boats for this very reason. Thank you so much for showing that Morgan 38’. I am seriously looking for this boat now!!!
Nice episode. I would include the british Contessa 32 as a pure solo. Super slick wave knife, easy on sea and strong wind. Comfort on passage. Thats just my choice.
The C32 would be a great solo bluewater boat. If you haven't checked out "bumbling sailor" on youtube, you should. He is a very funny brit sailing greenhorn who just bought one and is planning to circumnavigate it.
These are great boats, made popular through a few novels and of course well known sailors. They sail well but keep in mind there is usually not an inclosed head and they are well known for being partial submarines. The opposite of high and dry. Don't get me wrong I love contessas but after spending a year living on a Pacific Seacraft 37 which is volumes larger I would want a bit more comfort for when I am not sailing to windward.
No headroom, cramped..
Me too, the Contessa 32 is maybe the ultimate solo boat. The solo cruising is one-of-a-kind. Willy Kerr's travels and it's stellar performance during the Fastnet tragedy, John Kretschmer and Ty Techera rounding of Cape Horn, Seb Clover's record for the youngest solo Atlantic Crossing, Pierre Huglo non-stop "Longue Route" circumnavigation ... ... for the damn brave and tough the little sister, the Contessa 26 has a stellar track record, too. Nick Jaffe's zero-experience I sail off, youtube-pioneer solo trip from Europe to Australia (great documentary "Between Home"), Tania Aebie's circumnavigation etc. I pretty much can only come-up with S&S 34, the Albin Vega 27, and the Rustler 36 that match the record between 26 and 36 feet.
However, the minus is, that C32 are quite famous, and for their size they are quite expensive in good conditions. On the other hand they have a great, active class association and many produced. So it comes with a good community.
I like the 38” Morgan. My choice for ICW and Pirates of the Carribean. ⚓️
Great job pointing out so many features I may not have thought of, on that Catalina.
I recently bought my first boat with plans for many solo adventures as well as with others. I picked up a Beneteau Oceanis 411 Clipper. I’m still in the yard working on it 2 months later but everyday I fall more and more in love with it
Check your Keelbolts!!!
They are famous for rusting out, than your Keel falls off and that kills the crew!!!
Been a handful of the Benajeanau family boats that have experienced Keel loss. One skip somehow got his boat back without a Keel.
@@islandwanderer1173 actually I’ve replaced all my keel bolts after finding 2 out of the 13 had large fractures down the length of the threat. Anyone with a bolt on keel should check the bolts regularly!
Good boat for sailing close to the marina. Or better yet keep at the dock.
@@georgeburns7251 already sailed the east coast of Australia. Handled the huge seas and gale force winds like a dream. You obviously don’t know what you’re talking about
I attach a block and tackle to my spare halyard to haul the dinghy on board. The 4x force multiplication allows me to hold it in midair with one hand.
I totally agree on that last boat/Man Cave, it IS the Bee’s Knees!!! Luxury is not my thing but when u think of spending months at sea, boy, that would be super pleasant, restful, comfortable place to hang out and CHILL BIG TIME! Unfortunately, I have to wait for your cheapest cruising boat to come. SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland. Ps, no spare cash but if you are ever my way, I have all the back up systems in place for peacefully sleeping at night!😊
Good video Tim. I agree with your view of the Catalina 36. I just bought a 1994 Catalina 36 and love it. Hope to one day take it to the Bahamas.
I know I can single hand an Oyster 56 however the maintenance would absolutely be a problem.
Great video Tim.
It really as always goes back to where you are planning on sailing. I see lots of people suggesting a Westsail 32, I have a gun in mouth after sailing a week and making only 200 miles. Going on that thought is a Wauquiez Pretorian 35 Hal Roth's weapon of choice. Nice deep cockpit, quality construction, and while not super fast it will get you there in a reasonable amount of time.
I think the Westerly and Morgan is what I would go with.
My top pick would be an ETAP 32. Unsinkable, modern interior and very well built
I sail a 26ft Victoria 800 primarily in tge Thames Estuary and UK East Coast. It's getting in and out of marinas that can be tricky singlehanded. I can warp my boat around in its berth if need be. Keep it small and simple.
Idea for an episode - The Best Pocket Cruiser. From say 20’ to 28’ like a Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 or a Catalina 28mii or 27.
Or a Pearson 26 maybe.
But, if you really want to learn about the best kept secret, check out the CAL 28 MK ll. My 1986 model continues to surprise me by how much the designer, Hunt, was given free reign to create the best designed, most beautiful, strongest production 28 ft racer/cruiser out there for coastal cruising. Unfortunately, CAL Yachts only made the 28 MK ll from 1986-89 due to the decision to finally close the company after a couple of very successful decades of producing variety of renown sailboats. Obviously, not many of the CAL 28 MK ll sailboats were made - hence resulting in becoming the best kept secret. If anybody wants more info, I have all the original docs and brochures.
Would love this episode!
Check out Chuck Paine's Francis 26.
I have been impressed with an Album Vega because I can push it with a 5 horse kick and I have seen it done with a 4. What drives me batshit about the Vega though is marine plywood locker covers. And of course mast compression issues. It would have been nice if they came from the factory with fiberglass locker and lazarette covers, and an arch and and solid beam to support the mast. And why teak handrail on deck when you can use steel? Anything pacific seacraft is pretty cool though. Just $$$. I know where a flicka 20 is right now that needs to be gutted for 20 grand
I would like to add my little home to the mix. I have a Westerly Pageant! It works so nicely as a little home. Definitely feels more capacious than its 23 feet would suggest.
I have a soft spot for the Pageants, there is one for sale in Florida right now that looks in decent shape going on the ad. For some reason they look more well proportioned than the Centaurs to me, but I think you may be better off in a Centaur offshore. Years ago, I saw a center console version of a Centaur that was flag blue and had an oak steering wheel. that boat takes the record on character without going into crazy expensive sailboats. I think the Centaurs are big inside as well. Wanna know what you can do with an Albin Vega docked? You can go to Home Depot and get a small deep freezer, raise your tiller, and drop it into the cockpit. I did that when I was living aboard. I didn't plan it, it just happened. Long story
Very good articulate description of the boats. Thank you
Thanks for watching !
OK got my boat sailed it 140 nautical miles to her new home. We got her up to 11 knots through a storm up to 35 not winds, what an inner duction to sailing this Catalina Morgan 38.I had some issues though, engine overheated after 9 miles, I need to pull the heat, exchanger something you need to do once a year so we had to sail her pretty much the whole way, which I enjoyed. These boats are great. In a lot of ways. One other downside is that water comes in through the bow and anchor locker. It is pretty common water also comes through port lights. I was able to mitigate the amount of water coming through the chain locker and making sure the cap inside the locker is on properly and chain slightly lower so that the water comes off the chain and goes in where the road locker is an out the scupper instead of water, following the chain down inside to chain locker, where to find its way to the bilge. Anyway, it’s kind of a soggy boat. Any upholstery will need to be replaced but otherwise we love the way she sailed and we can’t wait to get back on the water after cleaning up some mold and mildew.
To add to the theme....How about an episode on electronics, radar, what and what not do you need. I was told do not worry about a chart ploter you can use your ipad? But the ipad needs cell reception???? And so on
Great. information and probably will stay where I am with a Beneteau Oceanis 34, old enough to be not too expensive, young enough to be reasonably up to date. Strictly speaking I'm not a solo sailer but a growing up family means I have less and less crew, so one thing I don't have but in a marina on my own I'd like, is a bow thruster, when you can't be at the helm and on the foredeck with a huge emergency fender it could well solve the problem.
--A bow thruster on 34 feet is overkill. Gunning the throttle will kick the stern to one side in forward, the other in reverse. If you must come in hot with a crosswind, turn the nose towards the other direction to compensate when you stop. Practice first. You will impress your friends, if your machinery is in good order.
@@captainjimolchs Theoretically I agree and with over 50 years of sailing it's never been an issue before. No-one tries coming in astern in our marina with a cross wind unless they have a bow thruster, the boats are all too close together! Worse this 34 footer is fitted with a Bruntons prop which adds about 3 seconds to the reaction time and doesn't allow a fast kick ahead to starboard to sort being slightly out of line when reversing in a curved approach Med style between 2 poles that are 1/2 meter wider that the stern of the boat! With my older Oceanis 33.1 with a standard prop I was able the do 360s in 1 1/2 boat lengths, provided I did it considering the prop walk.
Hey! How about an episode on the best boats for fresh, green, learning to sail beginners eh? I am in that exact situation and don't know if I should get a dingy, a 20ft, or just go for a full live-aboard ship? Thanks, love your videos!
--The smaller the boat, the faster you will learn. "Swimsuit" boats like a sunfish or sailfish will quickly teach you why they were named. The lessons you learn will serve you well on a 50 footer. Wind-sailors steer by angling the mast and your weight. Get one with a stable "beginner's" platform, not a hot racing machine. Some come with 2 sizes of sail. Start small, learn proper footwork, wear hard shoes.
binging Lady K Sailing !!! ty so much Borther ive learn & still learning so much from you !! Bless your soul & your sails ~Amen
Great video, this has helped a lot, sailboating is new to me and I need all the advice I can get, thanks 👍.
What about a ~1987 S2 35c. As a solo sailor, It might be at the top of my list now but lets watch this first. : ) The S2 has a small sugar scoop/swim platform. The main sheet is right aft the center cockpit. An aft cabin and V birth. 3 different panels to gain access to engine from different sides. Electric Windlass. The side decks are slightly narrow...but there is give and take right :)
Thanks for another great video!!! This video is great for the solo sailor, but it’s also great for couples because what if one person gets sick or if their back goes out??? A lot of “single hander” boats are also excellent for couples. That’s what I’m looking for.
I was hoping for that brass pole. It may come in handy on the shores of Pattaya.
My problem with in-mast is the added weight up the mast, especially when it rains. I much prefer in-boom. In-boom also allows you to have a fully battened mainsail.
Could one of you discuss this a bit more for the uninformed wanting to get into sailing? I understand the difference between mast and boom, but not sure I’m grasping why this would be a huge difference (and until this comment don’t think I’d heard of “in boom” sails).
Excellent video Tim. I think out of this bunch I like the Catalina.
Loving how your studio/office looks! Great episode as always!
The Rasmus 35 was the sailing ship with which, when I was young..., I made my first big crewed cruises. I have encountered a lot of rough seas in the Mediterranean and learned to appreciate the quality and safety of Hallberg Rassy. About fifteen years ago, as a young retiree, I bought a Hallberg Rassy 312 Mk1, the perfect sailing vessel for my single-handed offshore cruising needs. But also excellent for cruising periods with my wife. Of course the equipment must be well thought out to offer maximum safety. A dual autopilot with a dedicated power supply and solar panel recharging was my best investment. Fair winds with HR...
Hey there buddy, I am a travel nurse and looking for a boat (Canadian as well) living in the USA. I have had a few boats, from Catalina 25, Aloha 32 and have sailed in land lake. As well as the north coast of NFLD during Covid. I wanted to say keep up the good work 👍
Thank you, I'm in on the last CC. I'll be connecting - for a southern adventure from my 51-lat, in the Fall, to cast off! - by 2024!, LOL. Keep the solo adventures tight, to the wind! Bk-at-you-soon.
Hey Tim, your thumbnail showed a Cat/Mor 440, I think this is my next boat for cruising and maybe fulltime liveaboard. I will second you on the Cat 36, my first big sailboat bought new, survived a lot of abuse and very easy to maintain, but opt for the second generation. Can not go wrong with a Catalina boat, well built, lead keel, shaft drive and great support. Steel keels and Saildrives can be problematic, which are found on most other production sailboats. I like to haul every 2 to 3 yrs. on the West Coast, not sure if this possible with a Saildrive.
I pulled the trigger on a Cat/Mor 440 last week as a solo live aboard. Just selling all my possessions to make the move end of March. Good luck on finding you dream boat.
@@Metazone101 Envious, child at college, wife commutes from SF Bay Area to SoCal other few weeks, I do not need a home. The 440 would offer me all I need, love the back garage for tools and parts. Just sold a 44' sport fisher with no real space to store tools and parts, everything was stored under the settee which caused me to tear the salon apart to anything. Enjoy hearing from you about your purchase, definitely on my short list. Let me know if you see any issues.
Honestly I'm looking at 28' and less than 10k. Watching Sam Holmes take the Cape Dory 28 across the Atlantic, I'm pretty sure I can too.
Hans Christian 34
Can we PLEASE get a video just on looking for Bluewater cruisers that you can LOAD up with crew. Boats with room for a dive compressed, loads of gear, washer/dryer etc. BASICALLY a boat perfect for doing what DELOS has done. Ready to go on an epic adventure. I know that sounds cheesy but that’s my dream. If I had to put a budget on it I’d say $250k. You make that video and I’ll be a patreon for life!
Great content btw and I’ve learned a lot. Good on ya brother!
Buy a Super Maramu just like Delos. Now let's see, Patreon for life that would be around €25000 I gues. Could you transfer that money to me?
That was incredibly helpful. I have some great boats to look for now.
I spend a couple summers sailing with a friend. He sailed solo unless I went with him. I think he didn't really need my help most of the time. Other than that I have NO experience sailing. But I would like to try it. I have a couple of friends that did it into their late 70's. The male died onboard and the female sold the boat and never went back out. They sent emails from everywhere about their adventures. They stopped over where I was living in Panama City, Florida and visited for a day while getting some supplies. I don't remember what the boat was per se, but it was 36 foot long and full of Teak wood.. it was beautiful!!!
Another nice one! My plan is solo as well. Center cockpits look awesome to me! Might have to reach out to you for advice. Thanks.
This is so dreamy man love you.
The Morgan 38cc all day. A beauty 😍
Informative and amusing , good stuff as usual 👏
I try to watch one a day. Planning on sailing in 5 or so years full time. Figure if I watch them all over and over until then I might begin to know enough before I actually go out
Honestly Sam I can't believe that boat yard wouldn't let you tie up on an emergency birth, unbelievable. Instead they left you no option than to enter the busy shipping areas with all though huge ships and leave You are always so positive and incredibly resourceful. Big well done for the way you tacked down to the channel, amazing, you are a very, very accomplished sailor. 👏👏👏
Mirrors in a small boat can help make it feel larger for those worried about the tight quarters.
This is one of your best videos!
Nicholson 32 from the 60's, great strong little ocean crosser
I picked an Oceanis 473, ticked all the boxes for me. 😊
Whisper.473
Re: Center Cockpits. QUESTION: I'm used to rowing up to my stern cockpit sloop and tying alongside, using the dinghy's bow and stern painters. Then I can stand and easily swing bag after bag of supplies, groceries, laundry, whatever, from the dinghy right into the cockpit, where it won't go anywhere. How can you possible do that with a center cockpit? You'd have to move stuff from the dinghy to the narrow deck where it can easily fall into the water, especially if there's rolling swells in the anchorage. Are you center cockpit guys mostly going from marina to marina?
Always a hard dinghy that rows easily. 8foot plenty for one person and light enough.
Cheers to you from Edmonton.
Great video, as a soon to be medically retired soldier in my fifties I want to do the loop, the Caribbean, the med, Adriatic, and Black Seas at least as parts of the bucket list while I still have the physical ability, but even though I would/will be a “solo sailor,” I will have “hitch hikers” I need room for as well as some dogs and cats. Do you feel these boats listed are big enough for 400 live pounds of animals (some dogs and cats, at least one of the dogs may be a Newfie cause I believe all solo sailors should bring a dog that’ll rescue them when they fall overboard drunk) and 3-6 hitch hikers at a time (some of us are more entertaining than others and people want to be around us even when we don’t want other humans around)? If not, than a video to cover those needs. ALSO, a video discussing changes/alterations for boats to live aboard and cruise the planet with the animals; you know, the netting attached to the rails, the 9 sq ft Astro turf on a chain so you can throw the dog’s toilet overboard to rinse off for a few minutes under way then hoist it back up clean and throw it on the deck and toss a half gallon of fresh water on it to rinse off the salt, and all the other changes I need to know that I don’t yet?
As a solo sailor (unless I accidentally pick up a hitch hiker that moves into the owner’s cabin and doesn’t leave, it happens) on a budget (can’t afford a big new boat with a garage), how do I bring a PWC and a dinghy? I can’t be the first person to want to do this. Is there a boat with a strong enough deck that a PWC can be craned up and held in place on some racks? Am I just SOOL (s__t out of luck)?
Lastly, what is your opinion on adding a swim platform on the back of a sailboat? I’ve seen videos of people making teak platforms and adding them, and honestly when I am laying out in the sun I do like to be as close to the water as possible to go back and forth. And the dogs would probably like a big platform with a ladder designed to accommodate them (stair like width and depth with short amount of rise) down near the water when at anchor or in moorings…
Answer even one of these questions (even if it is by showing the link to the video you already made to discuss the issue that I missed) and I’ll subscribe…… pinky swear.
Pearson Vanguard - Bristol 30 - Allberg 30
Dang that Benneteau is CLEAN!
Definitely love the last boat,even if I can't afford it
Love your channel,fantastic... Like you to present also more expancive Solo Sailing boat or more newer one, some ppl have more monay for same goal, regards
Be very careful getting a center cockpit below 40ft. You lose a LOT of outside storage and gain a cramped awkward inside.
I always thought of Catalina as a costal cruiser.
@@cjg6364 great comment. Capsize ratio is the #1 thing I would look at.
@@georgeburns7251 2.0 and lower is better which some Catalinas do fall in.
My favourite episode yet!
Yeah the whole sugar scoop thing you know I really don't like the way they look. I haven't gotten far enough along with my project yet, but I do plan to have a nice teak swim platform that folds down on the stern if possible. Of course it's fighting with space for the wind vane and also perhaps the davits depending on the situation. But I need to put them in an order of importance. One vein first swim platform. Second to have its third. If they all happen to work out great. If they don't they will have to be eliminated in reverse order In terms of importance.
The episode I’ve been waiting for! Awesome!
How about the best sailboat for doing the great loop (with all it's restrictions taken in to account) and then going to the Caribbean?
What is the biggest boat one could sail and dock/undock solo, even at strong winds, provided that all necessary gear is present (furling sails, self-tacking sails, bow thruster, auto-pilot, remote-controlled windlass etc)?
I’ve docked a 42 with no thruster in a good cross wind. But I’d say 42 is my personal limit. Prefer a thruster.
Would you still use the big midship day bed in the Catalina 36 on a long haul port tack? Never gone offshore in a sailboat yet only offshore for work on anchor handlers, ferries and cruise ship.
That Morgan 38 was indeed sweet.
Center cockpit can be rather dangerous, because
1) 99% there is no storm but you have to climb in and out all the time and you are likely to fall more than once.
2) if somehow a wave manages to come in despite the height of the cc, you need damn good drains.
Is it worth trading the aft cabin and small cockpit with no good solar option in the cc for that big cockpit with an arch and easy access to the stern? maybe:-)
Each time I watch these great videos then I go to website and I realise that for some reason Australians sail different boats. For example Catalina 36 MKii is rare
Great vid, thanx.
Thanks for this amazing video. I know the Morgan 36 CC is a coastal cruiser, but would you personally take it to circumnavigate the the world?
I’m between that and the Catalina tall rig.
Loved the episode and concept. I suspect the solo sailing criteria would be applicable to a cruising couple where one of the pair is less comfortable sailing so most of the effort falls on the other partner. Are there any things you would change about the criteria in that scenario (or perhaps that's an idea for a future episode?)
This is a good question... I am of the same mind here...
Bro.. Your videos are amazing!.. Thank you very much for what you are doing. Hope I get my boat some day. I´m wondering if you can make a video for tall people.!! haha. All the best.. hope see you sailing some day.
Now that Morgan 38..... just how I'd want my lady cave.. added to list for consideration ..
Great video thanks for posting
What would you think of a pilothouse as a solo Cruiser 35 tooth 40 ft range that way you're inside and you definitely won't fall out are doing an episode on pilot houses