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What siz boat do i need to safely sail across the pacific ocean?

I recently met a friend who shares some sailing fantasies. He is saying you can just buy a 28' sail boat and sail across the pacific. Is this true, i would have though you'd need a bigger boat. How small of a boat is possible and how long would it take if rushed?

Public Comments

1. i used to sail on a SANTA CRUZ 27 (a 27 ft fiberglass sailboat) that actually raced the Trans-Pac! I knwo that a gentlemen named Webb Chiles sailed an 18 ft open sailbaot around the world! the boat was a Drascombe :Lugger - a beautiful boat. To asnswer your question, any size boat he wanted to do this adventure on is possible, smart? maybe not
2. They used to say that a 28 or 30 was good for ocean crossing. Now they opt for larger. For the Pacific the needs are enough water and fuel. Sailing as often as possible conserves the fuel. The newer fresh water generators should take care of the water problem. The time depends on the route chosen, the weather. There are calm areas in the Pacific and large waves and currents to consider.
3. i've heard of 3 guys that did it in a tub. but for real, a 10 footer would do it, safe?, according to what makes ya feel safe, im a wimp,i wouldnt do it in anything less then an apogee 55 footer
4. think i heard someone did it in a 14,but check guinness to be sure, in my book bigger is better, i like to be comfortable.
5. Depends on how much experience you have in all weather conditions, An how much courage you have.Since you are asking all these questions your not ready so travel as crew till you have the nonage??
6. A guy tried in a 7 ft. boat years ago, they found it off the coast of China - no sign of the owner. Robin Graham did around the world mostly in a 24 ft boat called Dove (from Caribbean to California was in larger boat 32') at the time the youngest to do it singlehanded. I don't know if that is still a record. He started when he was 16 or 17 and finished about 7 years later. I'd guess with some great weather and good luck and the right boat (catamaran probably) 3 weeks maybe, also depends on start and stop points
7. It's not the size of the boat that matters most, but your knowledge or having really big kahunas. Polynesians did it in open canoes without room enough to lay down.
8. Any size will do. Safety in the open ocean is mostly a feeling of security. I prefer small(25 - 35 ft.) slow heavy boats. Rushing on any open water trip is a recipe for disaster and always a bad idea.
9. The Herreshoff 28 design has made more round the world voyages than any other boat in history so that should answer the question. It's a beauty to sail and can take on a hurricane with ease.
10. if nature is kind with you probably can cross it in a hot tub with an small sail. Reallistically talking, i will go for a slow trawler , heavy diesel boat, 44ft or up. Less than this can be mortally dangerous.