Porpoise Ketch performance

[Guimauve]

We are interested in a 1971 built Porpoise design (42' LOD - 54'LOA?).
The price is right, the lines are gorgeous and the potential is there but we would like more info on performance. We are having a hard time finding anything specific to this Bill Garden design on line.
Can anyone help with numbers such as Sail Area & Sail-Disp ratio?
We plan on using the boat on the south-west BC coast for the next ten years or so and also the possibility of some longer trips to Mexico or Hawaii.
Our concern is performance in the prevailing light airs in our area (Gulf Island)since we will be doing most of our crusing for the next while during the summer months and also how she would performance out on the blue.
Also can anyone suggest links for more info?

[Tad]

Guimauve,

Performance and Porpoise don't really belong in the same sentence. If you have performance concerns this is probably not the boat for you.

These are wonderful boats if you are after a large roomy "Home on the Ocean" as Bill Garden describes her. They are reasonably priced due to the wooden construction (can be good or bad), old style layout, and non-spectacular sailing performance. No doubt the boat will be capable of decent runs offwind down the west coast or in the trades. But if you want to come back from Mexico a strong engine will be required.

The designed displacement is 34,000 pounds, I wouldn't be surprised if she was over 40,000 ready for offshore. Sail area is 396 fore triangle, 360 main, 155 miz. Total for comparison is 911 square ft, SA/D at design weight is 13.9. Not as low as a Tahiti ketch but getting there. Most modern cruisers are up about 16-18.

[TeddyDiver]

Performance and comfortable cruising don't either belong in to the same sentence so...

[Guimauve]

Thanks for your help and advise.
You mention a "strong engine" for this type of boat. We don't know what she presently carries. What would you suggest for minimum hp?

[Tad]

The original design called for a 35 Hp four cylinder Mercedes engine. That would probably be the least power you would install today. 35 HP might give you 4-5 knots in flat water, slowing to 2 knots with any adverse current or wind. Today a production boat of this size and weight will have a 100HP engine. Something around 60-80 HP would be a reasonable compromise. The larger the engine the larger the prop you have to drag around.

I would suggest 45 HP as a minimum.

[Guimauve]

Thanks.
We may be able to get together with the owner by Tuesday and compare your notes witht the actual vessel.

[whatsalad]

You still looking, I have a 46.5 Ft. for Sale in San Francisco California
1972 Fiberglass , 80HP Ford Lehman
Dave. 415-312-7915