Chris Potts Posted March 21, 2003 Posted March 21, 2003 I realize that there are not too many Belhavens out there yet, but I thought some of you more experienced sailors might still be able to give me your informed opinions. I was just wondering how the Belhaven would handle on the Great Lakes. Someday I would like to have a boat that I could sail across the lakes in, maybe sail to Isle Royale. I was wondering if this boat would be up to the tasks assuming that I am. Thanks for your input. Chris Quote
Gordy Hill Posted March 23, 2003 Posted March 23, 2003 Chris, I plan to build a Belhaven and, among other things, expect to sail to the Bahamas. I think Isle Royal would be a wonderful trip. Of course it might be a good idea to be certain of a good weather window before crossing any large area of water. I picture you snuggled up in some cove too shallow for any other sailboat. Mosquito netting walls zippered to the Bimini top making the cockpit a screen porch, the sun sinking into Lake Superior and an Isle Royal wolf howling in the distance. You're reclining against the cabin bulkhead with your legs streached out on the cockpit seat as you tinkle the ice cubes in your gin and tonic and finish the last of the salmon you caught while trolling on the way over. ............could be nice.......... Quote
Chris Potts Posted March 23, 2003 Author Posted March 23, 2003 Gordy, That sounds even better than I had imagined. I have always wanted to go to Isle Royale, and I figure what better way to get there than to sail there on a boat that I built. It will probably still be a little while before those plans ever culminate, but it is definitely something to look forward to. Thanks for your help. Chris Quote
Chris Potts Posted March 24, 2003 Author Posted March 24, 2003 Does anyone know if there are any completed pictures of the Belhaven? I would really like to see some if anyone one has any. Also Does anyone know what would be a reasonable speed for this boat? I have heard that the core sounds can make 10 knots. I would imagine that the Belhaven is a little slower, but I was wondering how much you would expect. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Chris, First let me say that the speeds of sailboats are very often over stated. There are many people who have sailed for a long time and have never ever made 10 knots in their boats. 10 knots is much faster than most realize. I checked Graham in the Core Sound 20 with an acurate knotmeter on my powerboat at 8 to 9 knots in very nice reaching wind. Near ideal conditions for the boat although I'm sure it will go faster in more wind with a hard working crew. That is still pretty fast. I have a 26 foot racing sailboat that is considered pretty fast. I try for 6 knots upwind and am usually happy to get that. The fastest sustained speed that I have seen on it in 10 years is about 10.5 knots under spinaker. The fastest that I have ever achieved was 12.5 knots surfing downwind under main and winged out jib in about 30knots of wind. The Belhaven length is between the CS 17 and CS 20 but is much heavier than either. It can be expected to be a spirited sailer compared to any similar small cabin boats but will not be as fast as the Core Sounds under the same conditions. Quote
Chris Potts Posted March 25, 2003 Author Posted March 25, 2003 Thanks, I figured that 10 knots had to be at about max for the core sound. I guess I am wondering what is a more reasonable speed that you would say is "average" for the core sounds and how much slower should the belhaven be? Chris Quote
Brent Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 I figure it this way: Core Sound in a fresh breeze two friends on board, case of cold drinks in the cooler, trolling line trailing behind. Expect 4-6 knots. Belhaven in a fresh breeze two friends on board, case of cold drinks in the cooler, trolling line trailing behind. Expect 4-6 knots. If you want an open boat with lots of room to roam in the cockpit, go with a Core Sound. If you would prefer less cockpit room in exchange for a shelter to get out of the sun and spend the night in, go with a Belhaven. No facts, just opinion. Quote
Gordy Hill Posted March 26, 2003 Posted March 26, 2003 Chris, One time my CS 17 got up to 8.2 knots. It was planning, and breathtaking! Six knots is rare. Four to five knots is really good. On an average day three or four knots is a lovely sail. If you're trying to calculate how long it'll take you to sail to Isle Royal, hope for three knots and give yourself some extra time. The wind WILL change, no matter what the forecast says. The change won't be advantageous. If you plan ahead and leave really, really early in the morning, it will be calm. These are laws of nature and can't be changed. Quote
Richard Whitney CS#70 Posted March 28, 2003 Posted March 28, 2003 Gordy I see here that you are thinking of a Belhaven. Given you have a CS17 - what is attracting you to the Belhaven - or are you just wanting to do another project? Richard Quote
Gordy Hill Posted March 29, 2003 Posted March 29, 2003 Richard, Although I can spend the night on my CS17 the tent must be put up and taken down. Also, all the bedding and gear must be stowed. This doesn't really make much difference if one is staying out just one night. With a cabin many things can be left set up. The cabin is available to get out of the rain....or sun. The Belhaven is two feet longer and wider. I've discovered over the years that ANY boat one has for any length of time is two feet too short. I had some input in some of the design ideas on the Belhaven. If I sell my CS17 I'll miss it terribly. However, One sailboat at a time is about all I can handle. Gordy Quote
Chris Potts Posted March 30, 2003 Author Posted March 30, 2003 The cabin was what drew me to this plan too. I wanted something that would make overnight stuff easier than in the core sound. Plus I am going to build a Spindrift first so I will have something small if I just want to get out on the water for a couple hours. Quote
Tim Diebert Posted March 31, 2003 Posted March 31, 2003 Chris...just my 2 Canadian cents worth, but when I first saw the new design I was astounted as to how close to my ideal design this boat is. I play around with a weekender now and would consider the Belhaven to be a huge step forward in many ways. great design, I am looking forward to seeing one in 3d. BTW...does anyone know if someone has started one yet? Quote
Sailor3356 Posted March 31, 2003 Posted March 31, 2003 I would like to see some pictures if you have any. As for a snuggled up in some cove too shallow for any other sailboat. I take it you have never been there. Never had problems with depth. But did have problems with cold, storms that come up from no where. Beautiful country though. Well worth the sail. Quote
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