Geez, what a bunch of youngsters giving you advice, Ed. The young always know the answers. Now, I'm eighty one and I'm still looking for the questions. Let's see now. I did decide to go with a smaller boat from a H380 to a 2009 H27. Easier to handle around the docks, little bit easier to back into the slip, and easier to sail. I did rig this boat for me and my age.
My wife doesn't come with me as much these days so I rig the boat to single hand. I knew I would be mostly day sailing so I didn't need a lot of cruising gear. I did want a furnace as I get cold more easily these days....and use it year around. I wanted an easy to use marine head as that seems to be the way of the old. And I did things to make my sailing comfortable like cockpit cushions, auto pilot, BIG digitals so I can read them, simple stove to heat water for coffee or tea. And a good sound system so I can enjoy my music when below.
I also added the Speedseal for my water pump, a good battery monitor (see Mainsail on this web) and a good waste tank monitor. AT my age I don't see as well hence I also have AGM batteries.
But probably the best thing for an old guy is my WinchRite....a portable power adapted for my furling sails bringing them in and out. What a device! Couldn't sail without it.
What I would really like is to have Siri on board so I could tell her to start the engine, check direction, call home and tell them I'm doing okay. I have Siri in my car (bluetooth) and I love it. Now I want it on my boat. Wouldn't that be a gas sitting under the dodger and say, "Siri, change direction to port ten degrees," to miss a crab pot. I can't wait.
As an academic, I happen to believe that having a boat extends some lives as they have some major thoughts in their heads, not just the nightly news. Perhaps some daydreams? Even a future cruise that you know darn well you're not going to make--but still it is nice to think of it. For me I dream of going to Princess Louisa one more time. Doubtful but at least deamable.
I wish you well my friend. Take care.
My wife doesn't come with me as much these days so I rig the boat to single hand. I knew I would be mostly day sailing so I didn't need a lot of cruising gear. I did want a furnace as I get cold more easily these days....and use it year around. I wanted an easy to use marine head as that seems to be the way of the old. And I did things to make my sailing comfortable like cockpit cushions, auto pilot, BIG digitals so I can read them, simple stove to heat water for coffee or tea. And a good sound system so I can enjoy my music when below.
I also added the Speedseal for my water pump, a good battery monitor (see Mainsail on this web) and a good waste tank monitor. AT my age I don't see as well hence I also have AGM batteries.
But probably the best thing for an old guy is my WinchRite....a portable power adapted for my furling sails bringing them in and out. What a device! Couldn't sail without it.
What I would really like is to have Siri on board so I could tell her to start the engine, check direction, call home and tell them I'm doing okay. I have Siri in my car (bluetooth) and I love it. Now I want it on my boat. Wouldn't that be a gas sitting under the dodger and say, "Siri, change direction to port ten degrees," to miss a crab pot. I can't wait.
As an academic, I happen to believe that having a boat extends some lives as they have some major thoughts in their heads, not just the nightly news. Perhaps some daydreams? Even a future cruise that you know darn well you're not going to make--but still it is nice to think of it. For me I dream of going to Princess Louisa one more time. Doubtful but at least deamable.
I wish you well my friend. Take care.