Benford 30' Ferry Yacht - How sea worthy?

[terry.mortimore]

Hi Gang:

The 30'Benford Ferry Yacht has really caught my eye for use as a cruiser in the North Channel of Lake Huron.

One trip on my life list is to travel down Georgeon Bay to the Trent Waterway system. I realize you would really have to pick your days (weather wise) but I'm wondering how sea worthy this type of boat would be if you got caught in a blow in some big water.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks, Terry

[JimD]

Have you any links to info on it? Benford's website is miserable.

[Zumsel]

Some month ago I was in contact with Jay Benford and asked him if the Ferry Yachts were capable of crossing the ICW and could make it to the Bahamas. Here is his response to my email: Jochen;

The Ferry yachts certainly could do the sort of cruising you've outlined, assuming that you do what everyone else does -- look for a decent weather window when crossing the Gulf Stream and heading for the Bahamas.

If you have a copy of our Small Ships (5th edition) book, ...........
I hope that helps,
Jochen

[paladin]

Jay lives across the Bay from me and we sorta converse regularly......and we have discussed something like this in the past...particularly the North Channel ferry snobirding back and forth and across to the islands......the boat was not designed with the ocean in mind...but if you would do it in a 22-24 foot speed boat you could do it under the same circumstances....Jay would not endorse it...

[Nelson]

He draws up some salty little boats.

I like him.

[terry.mortimore]

Thanks for the replies, good stuff.

JimD, I was frustrated with his web site as well. He sold me a couple of books, which I suspect is why his site does not have much detail on the design. I don't have any other leads for you, sorry.

Cheers, Terry.

[JimD]

Originally posted by terry.mortimore:

JimD, I was frustrated with his web site as well. He sold me a couple of books, which I suspect is why his site does not have much detail on the design. I don't have any other leads for you, sorry.

Cheers, Terry.Is it anything at all like a smaller version of the 34'8" Friday Harbor Ferry that is reviewed in the latest WB issue #185?

[Alan D. Hyde]

This is an important topic.

mmd and several others here have the technical background to break down the question of seaworthiness into some objective elements, which will be helpful to do, although of course such things won't tell the whole story.

I'm thinking of stabilty calculations, and related rules of thumb.

And of watertightness of decks, hatches, companionways, and other possible entrypoints for water.

And hull strength, resistance to torsion, and beam-strength in a large seaway, etc.

I'm not expressing this well, but I think those who know this stuff may understand what it is that I'm seeking...

Thoughts and comments?

Alan

[terry.mortimore]

JimD - yes, Benford has a series of designs based on the ferry concept. The sizes are 20,24,26,30 and the 34 foot Friday Harbour Ferry that was in Woodenboat.
It was that article that caught my eye and started this thread.

Alan, I'm more of a builder than a designer, but I'm looking forward to a discussion on the design elements of the ferry concept.

Cheers, terry.

[Venchka]

Agreed. We all want a seaworthy vessel around and under us.

I have looked longingly at Gerogian Bay as a cruising destination for my little open boat. Others have traversed the eastern shore and islands of the Bay in boats similar to mine.

I wasn't aware of the Trent-Severn Waterway until about 1 minute ago.

The Trent Severn Waterway is a water system of canals and lakes that allow boaters to travel the 387 kilometers of water from the Bay of Quinte at the east end of Lake Ontario up as far as Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. It takes roughly a week to travel the full length of the system by boat. You will pass through a number of historical areas and may embark on day trips at many of the ports of call to visit the towns and villages and points of interest along the way.
What am I missing? Wouldn't just about anything that floats suffice? Ok, the weather can ruin your whole day. With so many islands for protection, isn't it possible to sit out bad weather in a snug anchorage?

Jay Benford knows what he's doing. Could one of his designs NOT be suitable for Georgian Bay?

Ok, my inexperience is hanging out. Enlighten me.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Alan D. Hyde]

Michael, John, others--- any thoughts on the questions in my last post above?

Alan

[Venchka]

And my questions, too. :rolleyes: :eek: :confused:

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[boat fan]

Bump