Sandpiper is a Bluewater 40 with a single Lehman 120.
In big seas, we prefer to go with instead of against. The Bluewater tracks relatively straight and will let the autopilot keep course with following seas. Cruising speed can be maintained and the ride is relatively comfortable.
Bluewaters with singles have a large rudder which is effective in following seas. They have a long deep keel and minimal transom below the waterline so it does'nt get pushed around by seas easily.
I'm not sure how a twin screw Bluewater would behave in following seas.
Going against seas is not as comfortable but not any worse than other full displacement hulls. We tack so we can quarter the seas.
Seas on the beam is very rolly due to the lack of chines so we tack.
The previous owner moored Sandpiper in Newport Beach, California and cruised up the coast to the Broughtons and Alaska annually for 14 years. When we purchased Sandpiper, there was a barrel chair bolted to the floor in the back of the salon equipped with a seat belt. PO said his wife strapped herself down in really big seas! The helm chair had the capability of being solidly attached to the floor with a removable turnbuckle.
Sandpiper was equipped with paravanes when purchased. I took them off in order to fit the boat into the boathouse.
