Weekender vs Vacationer or Other

[Zeroice]

This may be a question for those who've built or had experience with the weekender and vacationer or a larger home built wooden boat. Is it worth it to go to a larger boat than a weekender for staying out on the ocean for a couple of days? I know ther are many factors but I thought I could draw on some experience for what some have found. Things like having the extra room; like for a head and galley and the ability to go into deeper waters, verses the extra hassel of trailering a larger boat and the up-keep of more boat.

I was thinking of going to a larger boat but am not sure which one can be as easy to build as the weekender and provide a deeper hull with room for a head and galley and more stability for the ocean.

[High C]

I wouldn't go anywhere near open ocean in a Vacationer, or any other unballasted, flat bottom boat. It's just not suited to that kind of use. Round bilges, a deep keel, and lots of lead ballast are needed to keep a boat upright in heavy winds and seas.

Much like Ray, I have two boats, a Hunter 30 for open water (even with that, I stick close to the coast) cruising, and my Weekender for trailering to new, distant waters. There may be an easily trailerable boat that would be safe in the ocean, but I can't think of one.

There are, of course, daredeviles and sailors of tremendous experience who do sail in bluewater in somepretty marginal boats, but for the average Joe sailor, it's too dang risky.

[thebob]

I really like the bellhaven and the Princesses, a compromise but a good one I think.

http://www.bandbyachtdesigns.com/default.htm

[Frank Hagan]

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka is the only sailboat I can think of that was designed with the thought of ocean passage and trailer-ability in mind. Those two things don't usually go together.

But if you mean "coastal cruising", not far from shore, then there are several boats that fit the bill, including Graham's Princess 22'. The Thunderbird is another home-built boat that has proven itself over time in coastal waters.

The Weekender and Vacationer are just a small step down, and are in the "coastal cruising in protected waters" category. Sail in good weather, in sight of the shore, and you won't have many concerns.

The thing to remember is that boats increase in time and complexity the larger they get. Building a 19' boat is probably almost twice the effort and cost as building a 16' boat. Building a 26 or 28' boat is a major commitment of time and money.