My 1984 Nauticat 33, shallow draft model, was a wonderful boat, but, it
wouldn't sail without the motor. Other Nauticat models did much better and a
feathering prop did make 33s somewhat better. The indoor space was terrific,
more than many 40' boats, the dry, heated pilothouse was super. When it
rained, the sailboats read books, we turned on the windshield wipers & heater
and went on. The computer was dry at the wheel as were my eyeglasses.
Passages were on a schedule at 7+ knots, FL-NC was one day less than sailors
normally allowed, 2.5 instead of 3.5 days. It was somewhat of a calm water
boat, which was possibly nicer, waiting for wind to sail involves then rougher
seas. TEN TIMES more seaworthy than the unballasted trawlers that are so
popular with only slightly less speed (7.5 knots any time, any wind or sea).
The Ford Lehman 90 engine was super reliable for the 3000 hrs of my ownership,
the power, speed and acceleration was unheard of in a sailboat. Maneuverability
was great with 5kt reverse available in a boatlength, this avoids bumping items
in a wind when docking.
I now have a 2000 Leopard 38 catamaran. The original quality is very good,
however, caulking and plastic trim are problems the NC never had. Space is
even better, including large shaded outdoor area. Sailing is great, average
speeds are down .5-1kt, fuel use is much less. Mine was a used Moorings
charter boat with no equipment and many very expensive maintenance issues due
to heavy charter use and criminal covering of fiberglass damage by Moorings.
(impact damage was gelcoated and polished, never was the structure repaired).
The motor/prop combination was a joke compared to the Nauticat, but the motors
were destroyed in charter so I was able to get improvement on replacement.
So... I have a nicer more stable living platform, reasonable motoring of
6-7kt but less in a head sea, fun sailing and about 3X the investment. I steer
outside in a plastic enclosure that still leaks, I use a big Garmin
chartplotter instead of a PC. The Garmin Radar SUCKS, give me my manual 1984
Furuno (indoor only) Radar with a dedicated green CRT any day.
I did find room for lots of solar panels and am energy self sufficient without
a generator.
I don't have any teak to varnish anymore, the NC had about 60 hours of varnish
and stain work each year.
My wife likes not heeling and I like less motion at sea and at anchor.
Lee Haefele S/Vs Alesto, Alesto 2
----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 3:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] Boat Search
Typically motorsailers don't sail or motor very well. They are a compromise,
and traditionally didn't do anything well. For that reason, they went through a
period of unpopularity as sailing and power boats became more highly developed
in the US market. There has been a resurgence in their popularity since fuel
has gotten more expensive. Nordhavan 56 is a new one as is Island Packet's SP.
They profess to be the best of both worlds .Traditional older favorites that
come to mind are Nauticat, Fisher, and my favorite, Schucker. There are some
twin engine motorsailers out there and even some with bridge decks. Also, you
might consider a sailing catamaran with good visibility from the salon.
Motorsailers and pilot house sailboats have always been popular in the northern
colder climates of North America and Europe. Everyone that I have met that has
one agrees that they have faults, but seems to love their boat.
My thoughts are that if you want comfort and are not in a hurry, it's a great
choice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on
AOL Autos.
Internal Virus Database is out of date.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.0/1601 - Release Date: 8/8/2008 9:02 AM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Liveaboard mailing list
[email protected]
To adjust your membership settings over the web
http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard
To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/
To search the archives
http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
The Mailman Users Guide can be found here
http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
_______________________________________________
Liveaboard mailing list
[email protected]
To adjust your membership settings over the web
http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard
To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/
To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
The Mailman Users Guide can be found here
http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
