Sailabilty vs. Trailerabilty

Now let’s look at the heavier boats, say 6,000 to 7,000 pounds with some sort of full or cut-away full keel that takes up two feet more of draft on a trailer. This design is the opposite of the shallow entry, but has a fuller entry with deeper bilges for storage and the longer keel helps steerage. The keel is going to hit bottom, as all boats do, but it will be solid and most times slide of or can be pulled off with no damage.

With this heavier boat, there is no danger of having the keels come off or the inability raise or lower the keel or of the boat turning turtle. The compromise here may be the loss of a knot or two in certain conditions and perhaps not pointing as high, as well as the more difficult launch and retrieve.

The trailer obviously has to be heavier because of the weight, and costs more. Previously, we discussed maintenance and the need especially if put in salt water to take out bearings as well as the greasing and washing the trailer off. So, all and all, having a boatyard or marine remove the boat launch for you would extend the life of the trailer.

Handling a heavier mast with added rigging is overcome with the tabernacle at the base of a mast and a system to raise it, if not at a boatyard or marine. The newer carbon fiber mast are about 30% lighter, which not only makes it easier for one to step, but less weight aloft is also better for performance. This would be best in either design.

These are some of the compromises one accepts with the overall advantages of a blue water pocket cruiser in trailerability and the differences in the sailing qualities of each design.