How are sailboats designed for the open ocean different from those designed for intercoastal waterways?

Visually - the smaller size of port holes and hatches is the first tale tale sign. If the vessel is out of the water on a cradle - the size of the keel and any weighted ballast is also a key . . .

The big difference however is weight and over all length to water line length.

The very best (and most expensive) ocean passage capable sailboats will be much heavier then their coastal cousins. . . For example: my 28' footer weighs the same as a 36 foot Hunter. In addition, the Hunter has a LWL (length at the water line) of only 31 feet, whereas my 28 footer had almost a 27 foot LWL. Add to that the fact that both vessels weigh almost 14,000 lbs - the difference is dramatic.

The heavier weight of course is a combination of thicker, heavier duty materials, and also heavier ballast. And the difference is in the ride. . . A vessel (such as a Coastal cruiser) that is light weight for it's length, offers more buoyancy. . . Now when one thinks of "buoyancy" on the water - the first thought is that it is a good thing. Fact is however, it is only good to a point. Too much buoyancy results in too much motion. ie: up and down with every wave, and sliding, slipping and turning in the waves. A good strong heavy boat on the other hand will smooth out that ride dramatically.

I mention "Hunter" sailboats only because as good and popular as they are - for their coastal purpose - they are "Vomit Comets" when it comes to the open sea. Safety is the key. If you are spending too much time tossing your cookies overboard - you're not safe.

The visual signs of an ocean passage cruiser will be port holes (windows) hatches and latches. . . On an ocean cruiser these will all be much smaller and very much stronger and secure. A great "boatyard" example of this is on an "old derelict" passage maker in the boatyard, the port holes and hatches will still be secure - they are in fact, generally the last thing to go, rot or break. Whereas on an Inland lake or Coastal cruiser - windows and doors are generally the first thing to leak, first thing to rot, and first things that break and need repair. ie: when boaters complain about windows and hatches leaking in the rain - you can bet your last dollar they have an inland lake or coastal cruiser.

Many boaters talk of storms and breaking waves over their bow. Truth is, if you sail around the world or just around in it - by each areas preferred boating (weather) season - this is so rare it is almost nonexistent. I've been cruising 10,000 miles a year for 20 years and have only encountered it once - and then it was only 8 foot waves. However, when those waves break over your bow - you certainly want small, tight, super strong, waterproof windows and hatches. . . Sailboats with those big huge cabin windows that are over a foot tall and 3 feet (or more) long - will be the first thing to go when that mean green ocean comes rolling over the side of your decks. The largest windows on my vessel are 8" x 12".

For more on "Seaworthy" boats:

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How are sailboats designed for the open ocean different from those designed for intercoastal waterways?

I am beginning to learn about sailboat design as I learn about sailing. I heard this discussed recently and I am curious.

It's kind of like the difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner. Cruise ships are not made for really rough weather. They stick close to the shore and when bad weather is coming they find a port. But an ocean liner has to get across the ocean no matter what's coming. When you're 1500 miles from land you can't duck the weather.

So a sailboat made for the open sea is just a lot stronger, a lot more substantial. It can be lifted out of the water by its rigging! It can survive a wave washing right over it. Of course it costs a lot more to build a boat this way, and most people don't cross oceans on sailboats anyway. So smaller boats made for lakes and close-to-shore are made lighter and cheaper.

Hello Christopher, §You have some good answers. Read and learn...Most any 14 foot sailboat will work on ocean water. It will float about ten percent higher in salt water than in the lake.. If you are in a race, there will be those who monitor your progress. If you are alone, however, you may have only yourself to rely on. The boat itself is little different than any other 14 foot sailboat. but you may want some extra equipment along just in case. Extra water in cans or bottles, food or candy, lights (and batteries) signal flags, and experience. That last item is the most important. And a box or cabinet to put it in. Flashlights, battery pack, etc can go into a zip-lock bag to keep out salt water. That ocean is a little bigger than you are! §If you are doing it once, wash off your boat well when you get it home. If you are doing it once a week, be sure that everything is corrosion resistant. salt water makes iron rust and cloth rot. (and rope go to fuzz)... §Use your boat on a small lake or pond to get to "know" it. Then a larger body of water. Finally the deep-water stuff. Don't rely on luck---Good Skill!

Ocean or offshore sail boats are heavier and generally tougher built. They have deeper keels and rounder bottoms to cut through waves smoother. Offshore boats also tend to have larger fuel water and waste tanks along with a little more storage in place of living space. The sails are heavier and stronger because a little speed can be sacrificed instead of being stranded with a torn sail.

Intercoastal or cruising type sailboats are lighter and more comfortable. They will not do well in storms because performance is sacrificed for comfort. Although they are lighter intercoastal boats tend to be slower because they are not built for performance and long offshore trips. Intercoastal boats also will draw less water allowing them to access shallow harbors. These boats also tend to be cheaper than off shore boats.

Ocean Going usually means respected as an Ocean Crossing vessel. Any boat can cross an ocean, not any boat can go in the shallows.

That is the major difference.

Look at Bristol's, Sailstars, Hurleys, all are ocean capable , all are under 19'.

The difference is keel and weight. Many of the better designs are long keels, they can cross oceans and go in what is called 'skinny' water. Skinny water means shallow depths.

There is a vessel in my port that was built in 1914 that sails well in skinny water with board up.

Board up means the Centerboard is actually lifted up and out of the Keel where the weighted ballast is.

I crossed the Atlantic in a Bristol, she was 26' and never went into proper production, but boy howdy she sailed well.

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As other answers have stated, you can pretty much take any boat on the ocean. Granted, what happens to the boat, and its occupants, is purely up to the conditions. I've sailed a sunfish on the ocean. No 14' boat would have characteristics of a blue-water boat (that is, higher hull depth, adequate rigging etc). But that's not saying you can't take it on blue water.

Open Ocean Sailing

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