The Cruising Life by Jim Trefethen

Author:Jim Trefethen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Published: 2015-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

Avoid Buying Too Big

There are a bunch of reasons for buying a big boat: big boats are more comfortable than small boats at sea and at the dock or on anchor; big boats are usually faster than small boats; they are more prestigious to own; and there is the perception that big boats are somehow safer than small ones. In spite of all the advantages of larger boats, the budget-minded cruiser can keep more money in the kitty by buying a small boat than by any other method of economy.

The big reason for a small boat for a budget-minded, basic cruiser is the cost. Once again I refer to the comparison between the ubiquitous Catalina 36 (not a great coastal cruising boat but, by consensus, not horrible either) that was mentioned earlier, as compared to her 40-foot big sister. The extra 4 feet increases the comfort, speed, and seakindliness of the bigger boat while doubling the purchase price and, depending on the tastes and cruising style of the owners, vastly increasing the cost of ownership. As a general rule, 3 or 4 feet on the waterline doubles the price and operating expenses of otherwise similar boats, and examples of this phenomenon are everywhere.

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