Like all yachts, Long Passages
is a compromise - the Shannon 38 ketch has a lot of features we like and a
few we don't - here are our opinions.
Full Keel
 We like the full keel with encapsulated lead - the boat tracks very well and
is very stable. The cut-away fore-foot makes her easy to steer. The
downside is that she is difficult to steer in reverse.
Ketch Rig
Although more complicated than a cutter, the ketch is a very versatile rig,
providing many options for light and heavy conditions. She is not as quick
up-wind as a cutter, but that is an acceptable compromise.
Solid construction
With solid fiber hull, 1" at the turn of the bilge and over 1/2" at
the waterline, we feel quite secure with her construction off-shore.
Galley on Starboard Side
The prevailing winds during a circumnavigation puts one on a Port tack much
of the time, so having the galley on Starboard is a great convenience.
Appearance
 Despite being almost 30 years old, she still attracts admiring comments in all ports
on her pretty lines and lovely brightwork.
Seakindliness
Although we have not been in the 'ultimate storm', at 40 knots with breaking
seas she has handled the conditions quite well, kept us secure and most of the
noise out of the main cabin.
Shannon Yacht Support
Shannon Yachts is still in business 30 years on, and it has
been a great help and comfort to be able to contact them and receive answers to
questions and hard-to-find parts.
Too Much Exterior Wood
We love to show it off, but maintenance is a chore - Judi probably spends 100
hours/year on sanding, varnishing and Cetol application.
Bowsprit
Necessary from a naval architect's standpoint, it adds length to the boat
(translates into $$ in a marina) without adding living space, and it is not a fun
place to be in 15' seas.
Low Freeboard
The lovely lines of the Shannon 38 create 2' 6" freeboard at the
cockpit. This makes for a wet cockpit when any kind of sea is running.
Large Cockpit
We love the big cockpit when entertaining or sleeping in a quiet anchorage,
but when a 15' seas breaks over us, the water retained by a cockpit 9' long and
8' wide takes a lot of time to drain.
|
