You know, this discussion is a fantastic example of how diverse a bunch Top Hat owners are. Perhaps just like the discussion we had at the first Sailaway at the Basin. Of the five Top Hats that stayed overnight, all of them were completely differently set up both internally and externally.
For me, I like the furler and whilst it's not the best shape when you need to partly furl it, it does still help you keep a balance in a big blow. For me, I'm usually only two up, which means every part of the boat must be simple, easy and no stress to work. Hanking sails would be detrimental to my relaxation requirements while sailing. Heavens, I don't even like the fold up sail covers for the main, hence my installation of a lazy bag.... mmmm.... lazy, has a good note to it, and for me (yes, I know it's a repetitive thing I have) it's what sailing is all about, being lazy and relaxing and getting rid of the stress of living in a big city.
Now, back to the perfect pocket cruiser.... I do like the Swanson 28, always have, but they still command a price! I also like the Compass 28, but that's just me thinking inside my current financial situation. I bought the Top Hat after finding this site, then finding the articles about the two voyages made by two generations of Mitchells. I thought, if they can sail one around the world, I can sail one around here with complete relative safety.
If money wasn't the issue, I'd have this.... Which is currently owned by an aquaintance of mine and moored off the Coral Sea resort in Airlie Beach. Note the main and mizzen furling system.... not a fast boat, or an old boat, but certainly very liveable.
What about another question....
If you had less than say $15k all up, needed to be able to cook, sleep and ablute and you needed to go coastal, what would you buy.
by karl010203 » Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:03 pm 
, you make some believable points about the furler, but im not sold.
