S/V Southern Cross Ep.1 - What makes a True Bluewater Sailboat

Hi,

We are now looking for our first boat. You mentioned C&C in your video. What didn't you like about these boats? I know there is a lot of debate about cored hulls, but you are quite practical and I like your simplistic down to earth explanations.

Can't wait to watch the rest.

Having lived aboard for 15 years, I've been there, done this, so he's my dos centavos. Fin keel v full keel. Having lived on both I'm in the middle. My spade rudder snapped clean off, so I prefer a skeg mount with a modified fin. It gives me a bit less draft and tracks better than a fin. I'm a big fan of a raised deck. You get a bit more windage, but you have a nice clean, open deck that stays drier longer. Exterior chain plates. Deck mounted will leak and soak the deck core. Keel stepped mast v deck stepped? I prefer deck stepped. I don't need another hole in the roof. If something were to happen to the rig it won't compromise the cabin. Rig? I prefer a cutter. I've sailed a ketch under staysail and mizzen in heavy air and it was nice, but I don't need another stick to mess with. It can be a pain to tack the jib, but with the staysail on a boom you don't have to mess with sheets much. Wheel v tiller. Always had a tiller, but it's not a preference, it came with the boat. Down below. A double berth, not a v-berth. Propane cooking. Everything low tech. Head aft doubles as a wet locker. Adequate storage, of course. Gear? Matched electronics so everything talks to everything else. Electric winches? I'm on the fence here. Again, I prefer it low tech, but hauling a hundred feet of chain aboard by hand is something I'd prefer not to do. My last big preference is for solar panels. Just a couple. Wind power, again, is prone to breakage. That's it for now. I'm sure I'll have more to add in future segments.

thanks for your time, much apriciated man, from venezuela respect

Hi,

I just wondered how the level of fresh water is measured. I ask because although there’s not much rain around Caribbean when it does fall you can easily fill a water tank in maybe 30 minutes.
I have started following another sailing boat with a couple on it and they were dry for 6 weeks, then got one hell of a downpour that filled both their freshwater tanks in less the an hour.
What I mean to say is how can you monitor the water directed into your tanks from rain without actually sitting there and watching it over-flow?

As you might guess I am a wannabe southern sailor and an invalid, so am not physically able to do the sailing thing like you, and am interested in what and how and why’s of doing so? > ? > ?

Take care seriously,
mrbluenun

Hi,

I like what you broadcast, thanks. The stuff I hear sounds really interesting and I wi check out your channels out from number 1 .

Would I be able to take a 28.5 or 29.5 hunter sailboat and turn it into a Bluewater cruiser? I want a sailboat under 30 ft that can go from Florida to the Caribbean like the virgin islands and then maybe one day go thru the panama canal and go to Hawaii to Australia and then turn around and come back to Hawaii and the panama canal and back to Florida! If not I would just like to be able to sail to the Caribbean and virgin islands from Florida keys mainly staying in the gulf of mexico and Caribbean sea near the islands and coast!

Sorry. Oday 39

Ah maybe I missed it. What kind of boat do you have.

After certain design criteria have been met and production boats will be classed for purpose in order for insurance. If your boat is found suitable for open water they it can be MADE into a blue water cruisier by a safe and knowledgeable sailor. Many large racing sailboats have broken in half crossing oceans and the jester challenge has sailors crossing the north atlantic in very small boats made suitable

where do the dogs go potty when your at sea?

I've watched this and can only assume it's pitched at people who have never sailed or someone who has sat in a boat once (in the dark)...and then forgot about the experience. I think this vid would be improved if big bird was dispensing the pearls of wisdom rather than the shagged Rrussel Crowe lookalike.

The Pacific Seacraft 37, designed by W.B. Crealock, is a great bluewater cruiser. Here's a description:
https://pacificseacraft37.com/overview/

Subbed.
I'll ask you what I have asked a few other people who sail.
In regards to water, I know water makers & strainers are expensive. So why not use an evaporator/dehumidifier or 2? Pull the moisture out of the air tube it through a filter & into the holding tank. I have asked a few guys & they just kind of shrugged & said, "I don't know".

subscribed, liked, now commenting lol

I've been looking at Boats & this Video made me subscribe, you have covered several of my questions, cant wait to dive into your Vid's, Thanks for posting!

What is the make and model of Southern Cross?

A true blue water sailboat needs wind vane steering ;)

Man, was looking for exactly something like this. great vid, keep it up!

Whatever Lamar Odom needed. Least 50 feet and a doctor onboard. and some Roy Rogers chicken.