[quote=Edchris177][quote]mystere 6.0 xl
10' beams with wings
extra width for extra stability, wings for area to sleep/stow gear[/quote]
+1
I had this exact setup, but finding one with wings is a needle in a haystack. Mine had modified Hobie wings.
[url]http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=106278&g2_GALLERYSID=80eaaa4759e2c082aa8c1809f70c99b3[/url]
[url]http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=109394[/url]
There are a handful for sale right now, BUT, they are all in Quebec, not exactly a quick or cheap road trip.
[url]http://www.kijiji.ca/b-quebec/catamaran/k0l9001[/url]
I would give up on the "Rowing, possibly for days" idea. Yes, it can be calm on the inside passage during that time, but it is rarely dead calm. A 2-3mph zephyr will move a cat far better than two can paddle.
With the exception of localized breeze, (I'm thinking outflow from Howe Sound etc) your predominant winds should be westerly, giving you reaching conditions. Of course you know crossing Hecate Strait might be as hairy as any ocean passage.
The one thing I would be most concerned about, & so far not mentioned, is the climate. The water is pretty bloody cold that time of year. I have sailed for hours in a cold drizzle, helming a 38' leaner up to Hakai, & Desolation. It would have been misery on an open Cat.
I'm assuming you will go dry suit? Or have your skin rot off after 2 weeks of constant wet suit. I would favour something like a Stilleto 27, with the small cabins to sleep/get out of the weather. There were a couple for sale around or west of Chicago.
The other consideration is not wanting to stop. You will have to, & this means possibly beaching/camping. As you know, the Wet Coast can be pretty isolated, with rough terrain. You would need a boat that will handle some bumps, yet be light enough to haul up a gravel beach.
For me, that would rule out the lighter fragile boats.
I wouldn't get hung up on the skeg boats perceived upwind performance, if you get weight forward & the lee hull into the water, you don't loose very much. It has more to do with the skill of the skipper.
I have hit floating logs, twice, once at speed on my 5.7, with no ill effects.
A few Cats have reefing, I have sailed the 5.7 in as high as 30mph(not fun, survival). If you get into a real blow, drop the main & lash it to the tramp, a 5.7 will still go 11mph on jib alone. The 570 may not be the "perfect" boat, but it may come down to what is available, & that would be a very close third behind my 20'x10' winged Mystere. 1st would be something with the cuddies in the hulls.[/quote]
