Choosing An Ocean-Worthy Boat: What To Consider

There are many types of boats that are suitable for ocean boating, and the best choice depends on the purpose of the voyage and the expected ocean conditions. For example, sportfishing yachts, center consoles, and walkarounds are great for saltwater fishing, while cabin cruisers, catamarans, power yachts, and sailboats are better for ocean cruising. When choosing an ocean boat, it is important to consider the boat's design, size, hull type, storage capacity, sleeping capacity, fuel capacity and efficiency, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, safety should always be a top priority when boating in the ocean, so it is crucial to have the necessary safety gear and equipment on board.

Catamarans

When it comes to size, a 40-foot catamaran is a good minimum size for living aboard and extended ocean cruising. Bigger boats provide more comfort, stability, speed, and room, but they also come with higher initial and maintenance costs. Additionally, larger boats can be more challenging for a solo sailor to handle.

Some popular catamaran models for ocean boating include:

• Lagoon 42
• Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46
• Lagoon 46
• Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
• Leopard Catamarans 48
• Grainger 430 Performance Cruiser
• Catana 401

Cabin cruisers

When it comes to finding the right cabin cruiser, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to make sure the boat has enough room and appointments to be one of the best overnight cabin cruisers. This typically means having a boat that is over 30 feet in length. You'll also want to think about the layout and amenities that are important to you, such as sleeping capacity, galley features, and headroom.

• Sea Ray Sundancer 320: This boat offers a blend of speed and overnight accommodations, making it a perfect size for most boaters. It features a submersible swim platform, plush seating, and a functional and spacious layout.
• Jeanneau Leader 33: This moderately sized cabin cruiser has surprising space and plush interiors, making it a good entry-level boat for touring. It offers a spacious and functional layout, two galleys, two sleeping berths, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall.
• Regal 33 Express: This cabin cruiser has a spacious cockpit with well-thought-out seating options, making it more manageable than bigger cruisers. It features an "UltraLounge", a four-position seat on the stern, and a cockpit galley with an optional electric grill and fridge. Below deck, it has a king-sized midship berth and a convertible bunk forward.
• Tiara 43 LE: This cabin cruiser is part of Tiara's new series of performance cabin cruisers. It is powered by twin Mercury V12 outboards and can reach a top speed of around 54 miles per hour. It features a large swim platform, a spacious cockpit, and a separate double stateroom and island berth below deck.
• Axopar 45 XC: The biggest boat from Finnish builder Axopar is a versatile adventure machine that can go on long-distance voyages. It features a comfortable platform for day cruising, fishing, and entertaining, with a wave-cutting V-hull shape and surprising amenities.
• Grand Banks Eastbay 44: The Eastbay 44 is a Downeast cabin cruiser that combines spaciousness and stability with a stylish, low-profile design. It has a spacious interior, a stable ride, and a beautifully appointed pilothouse that can be opened up to let in fresh air.

Sailboats

When it comes to sailboats, size and design are crucial factors in determining their ocean worthiness. While some suggest that a 35-40 foot sailboat is the minimum length for crossing the Pacific, others argue that even boats within this length may not be suitable due to size or design constraints. A longer boat generally provides more comfort, with additional space for living and storage. However, it's important to note that larger boats may be less manoeuvrable and slower, impacting their ability to handle rough seas.

When preparing for an ocean voyage, it's essential to have the necessary safety gear, including a VHF radio, GPS, and navigation knowledge. Additionally, ensuring your sailboat is in good mechanical condition and well-maintained is vital for safe ocean adventures.

• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
• Beneteau Oceanis 46.1
• Dufour Grand Large 390

Yachts

When it comes to ocean sailing, safety is a top priority. Yachts should be well-maintained and in good mechanical condition to handle the demanding conditions at sea. It is crucial to check the latest weather forecasts, keep the vessel in optimal shape, and ensure that all safety gear is on board. This includes a VHF radio, GPS, and other navigational tools and knowledge.

Additionally, yachts can be highly versatile, allowing for various activities and experiences. They can be used for fishing expeditions, sunset cruising, or even high-performance thrill-seeking. The range of amenities available on yachts, such as private staterooms, kitchens, and spacious living areas, makes them comfortable for extended periods at sea.

Overall, yachts are a fantastic option for ocean boating, offering a combination of performance, luxury, and versatility to suit a wide range of boating activities and experiences.

Center consoles

The distinguishing feature of a center console is, as the name suggests, a center-mounted console with a steering station. The stern cockpit is usually open and uncluttered, although some modern center consoles have fold-out transom seating. This versatility means that center consoles can be used for fishing or family cruising, depending on the need.

When it comes to fishing, center consoles in the mid-20-foot range are ideal as they can accommodate shallow-water casting, jigging, and trolling at the canyons. They offer a good balance between a dedicated fishing boat and a family cruiser.

Some popular center console boats include:

• Grady-White Fisherman 236: This boat offers a roomy cockpit, rod and tackle storage, a livewell, and insulated fish boxes, as well as bow seating and a stand-up head inside the console.
• Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless: The 250 Dauntless features a smooth ride and a spacious deck, with fishing features such as a livewell, fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. It also has comfortable seating and sun pads for family cruising.
• Bluewater 355: The Bluewater 355 is designed for the hardcore offshore angler, offering an uncluttered deck, ample storage, and multiple insulated fish boxes. It also has a wide beam and a separate deck cap.
• Mako 234 CC: The Mako 234 CC is built for saltwater fishing, with a deep-V hull that provides a smooth and dry ride in rough conditions. It has a roomy cockpit with fishing and comfort amenities, including an aft baitwell and bait prep station.

Frequently asked questions