Charter the Boat You Think You Want

The first morning tells you nothing

Everything is new and everything is charming. The third morning is when you find out whether the galley works while the boat is moving, and whether you can get past someone in the passage carrying two cups.

Sail it in weather

A boat is easy in fifteen knots. Ask to take it out when it is blowing twenty-five, and notice how much of the crew's attention the boat asks for.

Count the steps

How many movements to reef, to anchor, to come alongside short-handed. The boat you can handle as a couple is the boat you will actually use.