Lady K Sailing · video

What this video covers

Selecting a sailboat for an Atlantic crossing requires prioritizing structural integrity, displacement, and sail plan versatility over modern amenities. For unlimited budgets, heavy-displacement, full-keel vessels like the Island Packet 380, 420, or 440 provide proven ocean-crossing capability, while the Amel Super Maramu offers a well-documented, robust platform for circumnavigation.2:27 For sailors with budgets under $100,000, older production boats like the Morgan 44, Hans Christian, or Cabo Rico provide similar heavy-duty characteristics, though they often require significant refits of rigging, plumbing, and electrical systems.4:21 Taiwanese-built cruisers from the 1970s and 1980s represent a cost-effective alternative, often featuring thick fiberglass layups and encapsulated keels.9:12 When evaluating these older vessels, moisture testing the hull and inspecting the deck for core rot are critical, as soft decks often necessitate expensive structural repairs.11:43 While these older boats require substantial maintenance and mechanical upgrades, their heavy construction and interior volume make them capable, affordable platforms for long-distance ocean passages.12:41

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