Offshore Cruising SO 36i shallow draft.

[gecko36i]

Hi Everyone
I know this maybe a can of worms but here goes. I have a SO 36i 2009 model and have only done coastal cruising in the Whitsundays. I am thinking of taking her to the Pacific Island and have some concerns with the ocean crossings as our boat has the shollow draft. I am looking for some feedback from anyone that has same model with shallow draft and what they have experienced for and against with offshore sailing.
Regards
Gecko36i

[MalcolmP]

When we purchased our shallow draft 39i I also wondered if there was any trade off from a safety perspective, but was fully reassured by the stability curves, the additional ballast that is used compensates for the reduced leverages of the shallower keel. 

There many other factors that also impact on overall stability including weight being carried above the waterline, things like inmast furling , radar, dinghy in davits, will all alter the design calcs, but may also in some regard be offset by sensible storage that you may need for water and food etc when planning deep water passages.

I am coastal, not ocean cruiser, but FWIW I personally I don't think that the other shallow draft trade off of slightly reduced pointing ability should impact on your plans, hopefully your ocean cruising will be predominately downwind!

[gecko36i]

Hi Malcolm
Thanks for your reply and your correct.
Just wondering if anyone out there has a 36i shallow draft model and is crossing oceans would be good to hear there + & -
Regards
Gecko 36i

[krawall]

Hello,

sorry I know you're looking from advice from short keel 36i's, ours was the 2.1m draught.

However, if the stability curves are the same (which is easily verified) then I think the shallow draught is actually safer :-)

If you are really hard pressed, you will probably sideways slide down a wave while with a longer keel you may be trapped and taking more punishment.

That said, I felt safer on the 36i than on our current Beneteau oceanis 40, offshore :-(

Cheers,

Tom

[gecko36i]

Hi Krawall
Thanks for your reply this is great. Interesting you feel safer in the 36i against a 40" Beneteau. Anyone else out there crossing oceans in shollow drafts Jeanneau's any size?

[igloo]

have just sailed igloo - 36i reg deep keel back to NZ from Raitea - great sailing boat - handles seas of size just fine and inspires confidence 2,200 odd miles in 16 days under 6000 autohelm 2 up - easy speed - keep bows light - put anchor/chain in bilge etc seal anchor locker - no problems / no worries    cheers  john