Customer Reviews

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is an excellent starting point for those trying to wade through the ocean of sailboats available on the used market, who want to get "the most bang for their buck." The reader should come away with at least several favories, allowing him/her to narrow the search for the "perfect" boat. At the same time, other boats will be stricken from the list of possibilites because of information contained in this book. It is aimed at the person who wants to get out there and sail on the best boat possible, but must shop carefully due to budget considerations. The short descriptions and comparisons of the boats are helpful, as are the details of the "known weaknesses," and interviews with owners. I just wish the book could have profiled more than 20 sailboats, I hated to reach the end. As a companion to this book, I would recommend "Inspecting The Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey. I would buy this book again.

I liked this book and I probably would like John Vigor if I ever meet him. He has an easy-to-read conversational style. The best aspect of each of these boat reviews is seeing how an experienced sailor looks at and evaluates a boat's design and how it is constructed. J.V.'s approach is a valuable tool to apply to any boat you may be considering for offshore work.

For those of you who haven't seen the book yet a word of caution - there are no photographs of any boats in the book. All the visuals are line drawings and sail and 'floor' plans. In addition, I found one glaring error in the chapter on the Cape Dory 25D. The line profile drawing is for (I believe) the Cape Dory 25 - a distinctly different boat. The other drawings for this boat are definitly not of a Cape Dory 25D either.

These are all interesting boats - several have been single handed around the world, - one set a speed record for crossing the Atlantic. Of course they aren't the only boats capable of crossing oceans. You can expand your search by looking for boats by the same designer and / or the same builder. Sometimes it might pay to look to larger or smaller boats in a particular line. Find owners on the web and shoot them an email. Many people are glad to share sailing experiences. That reminds me that one of the best parts of this book is the Owner's Experiences section.

Enjoy!

I've read Vigor's book, I've bought an Albin Vega within the past 3 weeks, I'm no circumnavigator (and never will be), but now have my boat of choice for the duration. I at least know if I do want to go offshore, my boat, properly prepared, can do it.
The rater that speaks of Vigor's head being 'up his stern' should lighten up or, at least, give some reasoning for his unsubstantiated comments.
Obviously, if your heading offshore you probably won't just read Vigor's book (or choose a Cal 20 or Catalina 27) but the book sure narrows the choices to make. And, of course, Vigor's choices aren't the only ones. As many raters said, 'a good starting point' and, contrary to captain 'up his stern' and his innuendo's, there's not a boat in Vigor's 20 choices that are inherently 'bad'.
Sorry to Capt. A. Spears and his review which was, nevertheless, helpful; Tanya A. sailed around the world in a Contessa 26 not a Bayfield 25. I only know that 'cause I read her book and once lusted after Contessa 26/Bayfield 25 vessels; only to choose, in my opinion, an even better boat with my 'new' Albin Vega 27.
I believe Vigor's book, for those contemplating serious, offshore voyages, should only be the beginning of the research; but a great place to start.

a review by Matt W. as published by American Sailing Association

lets face it folks, when you sail skiffs at twenty mph it makes these things look huge and slow BUT if you want to call them "small" its up to you. Be that as it may "twenty small boats to take you anywhere" is the best put together book of its kind that I have ever read bar none. John Vigor has put a lot of research and general "checking out" of all twenty boats in this book and has presented this information in a clear and concise manner.

Starting at the intro I started to think "O.K. ..another dull book about boats". I was surprised by an easy reading style that felt as if J.V. were standing there at the boatyard with me. Each boat in this collection gets a good complete, and fair review on basic design, accommodations and lay out of cabins, rig, performance and most important KNOWN WEAKNESSES. There are also quick reference summarizations on each boat via an "in short" and "in comparison" boxes.

Another thing I found enjoyable is the "owners comments". They are entertaining and valuable experiential knowledge of how the boat actually handles under sail. The drawings of each boat with top side and beam views with the rig is also very helpful.

Twenty Small Boats to take you Anywhere" is an excellent reference book for those looking for a great sea worthy craft or even for those that are just curious. In any case I will be adding this one to my personal library. Now could some one please put out a book like this for fast racing skiffs? ;)>

I am new to sailing but this book is accessible enough for a beginner to start narrowing choices. The book's organization allowed me to quickly skim through a chapter and glean enough to know if that boat might be one that would be a candidate for my needs, interest, and budget; it has the right blend of technical information and personal anecdote. Using this format Vigor could easily expand to include many more boats and still have a useful reference.

Imagine spending less than $10,000 on a boat that can take you around the world. This book is your handbook to making that dream a reality. The lone star I did not give to the book is only in honor of those boats Mr. Vigor left off the list.

John Vigor's credentials are indeed extremely impressive. His book contains a plethora of valuable information about pocket cruisers. Unquestionably he knows boats.

What troubles me about this book is his inclusion of light-duty recreational boats such as the Cal 20 and Catalina 27, and exclusion of serious offshore cruisers such as the Cheoy Lee 27 and 30 Offshore, Cheoy Lee Bermuda 30, NorSea 27, Bayfield 25 (circumnavigated by Tania Abei), S-2 Center Cockpit, Yankee 24', Morgan Out Island 28, Cheoy Lee 26' Frisco Flyer (later version glass hull/teak deck/Volvo inboard), and the Compaq line.

Granted, many sailors have challenged and defied mother nature. Is Vigor suggesting directly or by way of innuendo that a Jensen Marine, Costa Mesa, California "Cal 20" fin keel/spade rudder boat is a passagemaker?

Vigor writes extremely well. I like the format. He has compiled excellent data about a variety of boats. In my opinion the aforementioned omissions seriously detract from this books completeness. Hence, I rate this book with 3 stars. Had he done the rest of his homework and not used the Cal 20, Catalina 27, and the Folkboat as filler/fodder he'd get 5 stars from me. Perhaps the 2nd Edition will include the aforementioned pocket cruisers?

There should be more books like this for young sailors to read. His writing style is good - the information presented is good, but it is true he omitted some boats which should have been included. That said, how many people have sailed in every possible boat between 25 and 40 ft that might be capable off shore? I like the emphasis on inexpensive boats. In addition to this book be sure to read J. Fitzgerald's "Sea-Steading" , Pardey's books, and Hiscocks. You don't need an expensive boat full of all the latest gadgets to sail the oceans!

The edition of the book that I have was published in 1999. It was a very helpful book to guide me in my selection of my first sailboat. The general principles that John Vigor advocates will be valid indefinately. I found his "In Comparison" ratings and his "Known Weaknesses" sections valuable. His ratings of comparative seaworthiness, speed, and comfort help anyone selecting a small cruising sailboat. John has made a great contribution with this book. That being said, it would be nice to get a new edition. In particular, it would be valuable to get John's views on other potential bluewater sailboats easily cruised and handled by two people. What are his views on other boats in 28' to 32' size? I suggest the 1999 upper price limit of $50K should be increased. How about a limit of $100K? John's opinions on selected other potential boats from Beneteau, C&C, Catalina, Ericson, Island Packet, and Tartan would make it worth while to buy a new edition.

This book took hold of my imagination and such that I actually went out and got me a small boat that can take me anywhere! With any luck, perhaps I can eventually try a few of the other inspiring little boats Mr Vigor so painstakingly described in this little tome!

Really, this has become my favourite book - which I actually carry around with me; if I'm ever feeling down, I can just pull out the dog-eared little paperback and wistfully dream about Bristol Channel Cutters and Pearson Tritons and Folkboats and cetera!