TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

It’s always interesting to hear powerboaters and sailors discuss the

virtues of which is the best way to walk on water.

It’s clear that powerboats have more speed, interior space, creature

comforts, generators, VCRs, engines and usually more “head room,� and I’m

not talking about the height of the ceiling.

On the other hand, sailboats have charm, elegance, grace, peace and

serenity. As far as I’m concerned, I like them both.

As you look down our main channel on any given weekend, it appears

there is an abundance of each type of craft. However, according to

national statistics, powerboats represent 80% of all registered boats

sold in the United States.

“Ninety-five percent of all boats sold and registered in this country

are under 26 feet in length, and only 20% of all registries are listed as

sailing craft,� said Dave Geoffroy, executive director of the Southern

California Marine Assn. in Orange.

Geoffroy also mentioned that 6.6% of the boats are under 16 feet, and

19% of these are listed as personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos,

etc.). There are approximately 200,000 sailboats and 800,000 powerboats

registered in California alone.

H & S Yacht Sales on West Coast Highway sells both power and sailing

crafts but places more emphasis on sail. Monthly, they sell about three

MacGregor 26s, an entry-level sailboat that can also be powered by an

outboard motor and run at more than 25 knots.

Although the greatest majority of boats being sold are powerboats,

sailboat sales are expected to increase.

“Sailing becomes more popular when the price of fuel increases.

They’re so much more economical, and the upkeep factor is considerably

lower,� said Barry Wood, a salesman for H & S. “Sailing is so much more

romantic, relaxing, quiet, and your range is virtually unlimited. When I

take a powerboat out in the open ocean, there’s always that little

thought in the back of my mind: What if the engine quits? At least with a

sailboat you have both options -- an engine and your sails.�

Whatever your choice, you will have an opportunity to view, touch or

purchase either at the International Power and Sailboat Show being held

at the Long Beach Convention Center on Oct. 25-29. This event, sponsored

by the Southern California Marine Assn., will present hundreds of each

variety for your dreaming pleasure.

For more information on the boat show, call (800) BOATINFO.

Remember to always buy from a recognized, local dealer and secure a

slip or dock prior to, or as a condition of, the purchase.

TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. You can leave a

message for him at (949) 760-0221.