It’s just one of those ugly little truths. The problem: any boat, regardless of its premium builder or its exalted designer, is not likely to excel over the broad range of wishes and dreams most owners bring to the table. It’s part of that "every boat is a compromise" argument we’ve all heard about. Even though we give it lip service, however, it is often brought into clear focus as I talk with folks about cruising plans for their new boat.

The boat’s primary mission needs to be carefully defined. Commercial boats or military vessels are most likely designed for a simple straightforward task. Yacht owners, however, often want all the options: The great circle route this year; maybe snorkeling in the shallows of the Caribbean next year, and possibly crossing oceans to ports unknown the year after that. Unfortunately buying truly the best boat for each task would probably mean purchasing three different boats. Simply stated, the requirements of beam, draft, stability, speed and other issues are likely to be different for each outing. That does not mean that you cannot have a boat that "does it all". It simply means that you when you strive to "do it all" you should prepare yourself for significant compromises.

My rule of thumb remains unchanged. Pick the boat that does what you really plan to do 80 percent of the time. Then find ways to accommodate that other 20 percent. If your boat is not a suitable ocean passagemaker; ship the boat to that far flung cruising ground. If it has too much draft to gunk hole in that island or coastwise paradise; maybe rent a boat for that trip. If you struggle too hard to find a boat suitable for every occasion, you may be surprised to find you’ve bought one that is not really adequate for any occasion. Or worse yet, become discouraged and not buy any boat at all.