CD30 crew size

[Bryan McCarthy]

I have sailed my CD 30 cutter for two years and am now planning a cruise from NJ to Bermuda. I know that it will be crowded; however, I had in mind a crew of four. One of the crew suggests that the vessel will be slow and unseaworthy with this large a crew with provisions. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.



outofstyle@aol.com

[Tom]

I have sailed my CD 30 cutter for two years and am now planning a cruise from NJ to Bermuda. I know that it will be crowded; however, I had in mind a crew of four. One of the crew suggests that the vessel will be slow and unseaworthy with this large a crew with provisions. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

Bryan, I dont think four people will affect the sailing abilities to any great extent. Four people are a lot in a small boat, however. Remember that each person comes with a duffelbag full of shoes, sweaters, coats, foul weather gear, and so on. Also a bag of books to read, a cassette player and a bag of tapes. Three would be easier because one is on watch while two are stretched out on the bunks in the main salon, and the forepeak is stuffed with duffel bags, radios, spare food and water, spare line etc. With the right people four are possible but they'd have to be carefully chosen and I'd recommend a minimum 3 day trial sail with everyone's gear on board and where you can't get off at night and stretch. Just my opinion. We sailed two on a CD 31 and every locker and space was crammed with gear. Two more people would have been unimaginable for a long stretch.



TomCambria@mindspring.com

[Larry DeMers]

Bryan,

We just completed a 350 mile trip this past August, with a crew of 2 (offshore, on Lake Superior). Of course, we always sail with a crew of..2. But the boat has lots of room for supplies and gear for a crew that size. As someone said, you will be sleeping in the salon, so get some good lee cloths. Set up a workable schedule of turns at bat..er, at the helm. Set rules as to what sail changes can be done at night or alone, rules about clipping your harness on as you exit the companionway, etc. Three would work also, but I would not recommend 4. It is just not needed and the additional crowding would be tough to justify.


Larry DeMers

I have sailed my CD 30 cutter for two years and am now planning a cruise from NJ to Bermuda. I know that it will be crowded; however, I had in mind a crew of four. One of the crew suggests that the vessel will be slow and unseaworthy with this large a crew with provisions. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

demers@sgi.com

[jon9@ix,netcom.com]

Sailing style is a very personable preference. I did several off shore runs with PERI from the New York area up to New England and Maine. I felt most comfortable with two people on deck during a watch, which left two salon berths for sleep below, so PERI's off shore compliment was four. Fully packed with a large ice block and later food like stews frozen in their container, it was no problem keeping food cold for a week in the ice box, with food left over. I am sure the boat was more heavily laden than when Marilyn and I alone cruised her, but, once you get going, the boat seems willing to just push on, and so you do. I didn't notice any real deterioration in boat handling with four guys and supplies on board.


Jon

Bryan,

We just completed a 350 mile trip this past August, with a crew of 2 (offshore, on Lake Superior). Of course, we always sail with a crew of..2. But the boat has lots of room for supplies and gear for a crew that size. As someone said, you will be sleeping in the salon, so get some good lee cloths. Set up a workable schedule of turns at bat..er, at the helm. Set rules as to what sail changes can be done at night or alone, rules about clipping your harness on as you exit the companionway, etc. Three would work also, but I would not recommend 4. It is just not needed and the additional crowding would be tough to justify.


Larry DeMers

I have sailed my CD 30 cutter for two years and am now planning a cruise from NJ to Bermuda. I know that it will be crowded; however, I had in mind a crew of four. One of the crew suggests that the vessel will be slow and unseaworthy with this large a crew with provisions. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

[John]

Sailing style is a very personable preference. I did several off shore runs with PERI from the New York area up to New England and Maine. I felt most comfortable with two people on deck during a watch, which left two salon berths for sleep below, so PERI's off shore compliment was four. Fully packed with a large ice block and later food like stews frozen in their container, it was no problem keeping food cold for a week in the ice box, with food left over. I am sure the boat was more heavily laden than when Marilyn and I alone cruised her, but, once you get going, the boat seems willing to just push on, and so you do. I didn't notice any real deterioration in boat handling with four guys and supplies on board.


Jon

Yeah, I agree four can do it just fine. Seems though that much depends on the quanity and type of gear crew are permitted to bring on board. Some people have to have everything and others are perfectly happy with the minimalist approach. A discussion with those you are considering taking along pointing out the limitations of the boat should help in preparing everyone for a reasonably comfortable cruise.
I would figure out a limit of gear anyone can bring and let that determine if they still wish to come along. You have to set rules.

I certainly don't think the vessel would be unseaworthy with four crew. The boat may be somewhat slower but I think it would be minimal at best and not an issue.