Update On Winter Cruise

[Robinsvoyage]

Laying in bed last night, I continued to think of some of the pitfalls I need to get past before cruising all Winter long. One problem with Hard Knots was her fresh water leaks, when fully laden with supplies and underway. I'd forgotten about this, how the through fittings leaked slowly but annoyingly, how there is still a mystery leak where water is getting into the bilge when heeled over, and the fact that I never did completely fix the leaks on the windows. Yesterday, in Rawlins, Wyoming, I started looking at other boats for sail already on the water, and found a lot in my projected price range. Some I could even buy now, in fact, I even sent an inquiry to one broker about a Cal 2-25, but the fact is a purchase will have to wait until October when my buying power is strongest, and when I've given a sea trial to several different vessels. You know it's hard when you're relying on cash, I'm not rich, although I am earning more than I ever have, still, it's a tricky game we play when we shop for a boat; we might not be 100% sure that we've found the vessel that's right for us, although we can afford it, and if we wait and keep looking it might be sold by the time we get back to it. Traditionally I've always had bad buying habits, the first car I test drive is the one I buy, the first boat I see that I can afford I buy, etc, etc. It's something I'd like to change about myself and hopefully now that I am earning a nice pay cheque, I will be able to earn faster than my appetite flares up.

If I do buy over the Summer there are some requirements: Storage, I will need a place to keep it on the water. So if the slip that it's in is not available and one nearby isn't, then this would be a problem. It needs to be suffiently large now for me and two cats and all my gear, in case I get fired or quit while on the road. I'd prefer something around 30 feet, although I would take a 29 and go as large as a 35. Keep in mind I am singlehanding it. You know I hate to admit being old school but I've never learned anything about rolling furlers, I've always lugged full sails around, so that maybe something I'll have to humble myself and learn about, especially if I go with a larger boat. I also would like something with plenty of ballast (Cal's are good for that) and I want a boat without a name if possible.

[Lighthouse]

Robin

Let me wish you luck with your boat searching. Take your time!

[Auzzee]

Hi Robin, Look closely at roller furler/reefers, especially for your headsail. There are some which, unlike the Harkens and Profurls etc., are merely a foil ( through which the forestay is threaded) and a fixed drum. These are very simple, very effective and inexpensive. The benefits of furling gear are several; most notably on a smaller yacht is that you don't need to stow a room-eating sail down below. Second, when single handing, the headsail is easily reefed or furled from the cockpit by one person.

I am an impulsive buyer also..a salesman's dream! Putting the reins on when you are like us is difficult. Leave your wallet, cheque book, credit cards and cellphone at home and call a responsible friend to act as devil's advocate. Sometimes that works for me....but then again sometimes it doesn't. The liability of such a personality is that I have made some spectacular blunders. I have also made some monumentally fortunate decisions which, with thought, I would not have made.

We are what we are. Learn to revel in it....It's only money.

David