| Hoo boy, ask that question loudly the next time | | | | very pro-cruising, we will likely defend the type and |
| you're at your favorite boater hangout, then sit back | | | | make of boat we've selected as the best choice for |
| and watch the fun. As with most things about | | | | a neophyte who wants to cruise in the same mold as |
| cruising, you'll get eleven opinions for every ten | | | | us. |
| people you talk to. And as fun as it may be to | | | | Now, depending on our personalities, we will be more |
| watch, listen to, and read about the debate about | | | | or less pushy when talking to you about our boat. I |
| cruising boats--sail versus power, monohull versus | | | | have seen some people get downright belligerent in |
| multihull, full keel versus fin keel, and so on--it can also | | | | conversations when they thought their boat choice |
| be pretty overwhelming for someone who is trying | | | | was being questioned or was just being grouped with |
| to figure out the best solution for their cruising | | | | other candidates. On the other hand, I've talked to |
| dream. | | | | others (but not many!) who are reluctant to give |
| I have ranted elsewhere about cruising | | | | anything even remotely resembling a testimonial for |
| evangelists--those of us who order you to "Do it | | | | their choice of craft. For the most part, I think those |
| now!" so much that you may end up feeling like a | | | | of us in the cruising village know that our choice is |
| wuss if you don't liquidate everything immediately and | | | | one among many, and we are happy to talk about |
| set sail, regardless of your particular situation. Well, a | | | | why we chose the way did and how it's worked |
| similar force operates when it comes to any of us | | | | out--and we won't get insulted if you go a different |
| who talk about cruising boats. No matter how neutral | | | | direction in your purchasing decision. |
| we try to be as journalists, our own biases can't help | | | | Whatever reactions you encounter when you enter |
| but show through to the attentive reader. | | | | into the boat-choosing conversation with us--and I |
| Take me, for instance: I am monohull sailor who | | | | certainly hope you will have that conversation--it's |
| prefers fairly heavy, traditional double-enders made | | | | OK. You won't get "the answer," but you will |
| of fiberglass. Buy me a beer, and I will give you all | | | | definitely come away with lots of things to think |
| the reasons why my preference has merit. Actually, | | | | about as a result of your conversations with us, and |
| I'll give you the reasons even without the beer! | | | | though it may seem overwhelming at times, the |
| Move to the next table, and you'll meet another | | | | nuggets you gather from members of the cruising |
| experienced cruiser--this one a catamaran cruiser who | | | | village will serve you well in making a good decision |
| has been cruising the Caribbean for years. By the | | | | for your particular situation. |
| time you leave, you will be convinced that multihulls | | | | Just keep in mind that we are an opinionated bunch, |
| are absolutely the way to go. Until you talk to the | | | | we cruisers, and are likely to stand firmly behind |
| trawler owner over by the jukebox. | | | | whatever boat we ourselves own as the best kind |
| We each want to defend our investment--and not | | | | of vessel for cruising. And no matter how reasonable |
| only in terms of time and money. We have put | | | | and scientific and anecdotal our proof is to sell you |
| emotional coin into our boats as well. Even cruisers | | | | on the type of boat we've chosen, you will find |
| who don't subscribe to the "live simple" approach and | | | | equally compelling information from someone with a |
| cruise at a level of comfort comparable to shore side | | | | completely different type of boat. |
| dwellings have had to commit themselves to an "off | | | | So what is the right kind of boat for cruising? Well, |
| the beaten track" existence. And many of us have | | | | like everything else connected to this particular |
| done it in spite of the tuttings and headshakings of | | | | lifestyle, the answer is: It depends. |
| friends and family. Therefore, we will not only be | | | | |