17 verses 20

[P Doug (WA)]

This has probably been asked before but I would like opinions. Is the Core Sound 20 enough more boat to make it worth the $800+ more it would cost to build, over the the Core Sound 17? I keep going back and forth in my mind. Remember I am a beginner.

[Designer]

I have been asked this question many times and have thought about it a lot myself. Unless you have the need for the larger boat you would be better off with the 17. The 17 is a good sized boat, she will sail very nicely with 4 adults without getting in each others way. When Bill Heil launched his boat last month the 4 of us had a perfectly delightful sail in her.

The smaller boat will always be a bit easier to launch in a cross wind and the masts are lighter and easier to step. Not that the 20 is difficult to launch and rig. I am always amazed at how quickly I settle in to the size of the 20 and her length and power sure felt good in the choppy conditions of the Great race.

So you see I am probably not objective when it comes to my boats. Some of my favourite sails were solo in my Bay River Skiff. I launched her many times after dinner in hot summer weather, if it was much bigger I probably wouldn't have bothered.

[P Doug (WA)]

Thanks for the reply. My order will be in the mail soon. I will go with the 17 and after I get good or feel the need for more I will sell the 17 for enough to build the bigger one.

[Brent]

Now there is a perfect solution. A man can't have to many boats.

[P Doug (WA)]

This man has to get started on the first one and quite being just a "wana be" builder. Been dreaming about this for four years.