by GreenLake » Fri Aug 26, 2022 6:52 am
A DS is big enough for 6 people in a crunch, it can be sailed with 3 quite comfortable and larger numbers work better if your crew is small of stature.
The DS is too heavy for the trailer to be moved by hand across a beach, but it can be launched from a (firm) beach if you are allowed to use your car. Coming from the water, it can be beached easily and then launched again, like when you want to stop for a picnic or camp overnight.
2.5HP will get you to hull speed, but even a 0.3 HP electric can get you going at 3knots.
A DS will give you the Dinghy sailing experience, w/o being too twitchy. If you are used to larger boats, you'll find the DS gives you that fraction of a second longer to respond to gusts, etc.
The DS is big enough, and has a protected cuddy to bring a week's worth of supplies, water and gear for two people, in case you like to go on excursions. It's no slouch if you want to sail it round the buoys.
Good luck with finding your ideal boat.
PS: I suggest you look at the "Cruising" section here, where you'll find a few trip reports.
~ green ~ lake ~ ~