With or without a Crew?
My plans are to sail with a partner, when we are prepared. I have absolutely no desire to live or sail solo.
I am in self debate over taking on a crew of one, possibly two.
If we took on crew members, I would require they have some combination of several skills required aboard. At a minimum, trustworthy, reasonable demeanor, a good attitude, quick study, resourceful, healthy.
I would screen out social incompatibility via trial cruises.
When deciding, crew or no crew, one must consider the craft. What size? How is it rigged? How many hands does it take to effectively manage it? As a side note I haven’t decided on a boat type yet. I am not yet knowledgeable to make that choice. I envision perhaps a 50 foot mono hull, maybe multiple masts, which may take two to man in the worst conditions.
< PORT BRAIN SAYS – Reasons Not To
Resources, space, privacy, liability, social interference, unknowingly taking on problems
> STARBOARD BRAIN SAYS – Reasons To
Additional skills and hands available especially in distress, relief with watch duty, guard duty – tender in port or during dives, social interaction.
I play these scenarios over and over, both ways (with / without crew) in my mind. Without Crew seems preferable. With Crew seems the best choice; just in case. What ever the decision, one must live with it in mid-ocean.
What is your opinion and experience?
Have you tried with and without?
How did you decide?
Are both appropriate under different circumstances?
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When in doubt, do the right thing.
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