Over time, most of us fall in love with our current boat. Sometimes this affair of the heart occurs at purchase; other times the affection builds as you gain more experience with your boat in different conditions. You know this bond has occurred when, after a satisfying sail, you tie up the boat in its slip and begin to walk away only to turn and give your boat one last look prior to getting into your car. Yet most boats are a compromise between a number of competing factors. What do you like most or least about your boat? Share your thoughts on what makes your heart beat fastest (or slowest) about your boat and don't forget to participate in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Warren Milberg)
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A pragmatic affair
As a poor ol' retired school teacher, I am hindered by DDD (dollar deficit disorder) and feel fortunate to own with a partner a 1987 Hunter 26.5, Whisky II. We love the size and sailing characteristics. Her sail area/length/displacement ratios make her a cruiser-racer and she has the sail controls of a racing boat. Whisky II is a large day sailer or a small cruiser - she can do both. She is the perfect boat for marina hopping the Chesapeake.
As a poor ol' retired school teacher, I am hindered by DDD (dollar deficit disorder) and feel fortunate to own with a partner a 1987 Hunter 26.5, Whisky II. We love the size and sailing characteristics. Her sail area/length/displacement ratios make her a cruiser-racer and she has the sail controls of a racing boat. Whisky II is a large day sailer or a small cruiser - she can do both. She is the perfect boat for marina hopping the Chesapeake.
This weeks quiz was unfair...The way it looks.. The way it sails,Its accommodations or interior Ease of ownership/maintenance....... it should have had a box for "all of the above" which would apply to my Macgregor 26D. David
Boat (mate) selection
I have to agree with David. My boat meets all of the above. I selected sailing ability as it is of the highest priority, however if it didn't have an interior suited to our needs I wouldn't have bought it. Looks were very important - I must admit that looks initially attracted us* - and finally ease of engine access and ability to take it apart and get at things from the inside was important (with Catalinas they put the deck on very early and everything then has to go in through the companionway hatch). *Being attracted by looks and then firmly hooked once you get to know her - sounds kind of familiar...
I have to agree with David. My boat meets all of the above. I selected sailing ability as it is of the highest priority, however if it didn't have an interior suited to our needs I wouldn't have bought it. Looks were very important - I must admit that looks initially attracted us* - and finally ease of engine access and ability to take it apart and get at things from the inside was important (with Catalinas they put the deck on very early and everything then has to go in through the companionway hatch). *Being attracted by looks and then firmly hooked once you get to know her - sounds kind of familiar...
Compromised...
Whenever I'm done sailing, with the boat tied up in its slip and I'm walking up the dock to the car, I always turn and take one final look at the boat....so, I guess I just love the way it looks.
Whenever I'm done sailing, with the boat tied up in its slip and I'm walking up the dock to the car, I always turn and take one final look at the boat....so, I guess I just love the way it looks.
I love....
...just about everything about my boat. That's why I bought it. I love the way it looks, the way it sails, and that it is easy to own and maintain. What I don't particularly care for is the iron keel Hunter put on my H28.5 boat. Is iron that much cheaper than lead? Maintaining the iron keel requires a bit more annual maintenance, but it really is not a big deal....
...just about everything about my boat. That's why I bought it. I love the way it looks, the way it sails, and that it is easy to own and maintain. What I don't particularly care for is the iron keel Hunter put on my H28.5 boat. Is iron that much cheaper than lead? Maintaining the iron keel requires a bit more annual maintenance, but it really is not a big deal....
My Geriatric Rig
I love my boat. I call her my "Geriatric Rig" because she is so easy to sail and I'm turning 65 this year. I wish I was taller (I'm vertically challenged at barely 5'2') so I could take her out solo. However, I have connected with a group of women here in the Bay Area that love to sail. When we don't want to work too hard we take my boat, a Vision 32. I have new rigging, new sails, new electronics and am having an electrasan head installed. I'm also getting an electric winless installed. I plan on going to Santa Cruz/Monterey this summer. She is so easy and so much fun to sail. I really love her. She is my passion! Dee
I love my boat. I call her my "Geriatric Rig" because she is so easy to sail and I'm turning 65 this year. I wish I was taller (I'm vertically challenged at barely 5'2') so I could take her out solo. However, I have connected with a group of women here in the Bay Area that love to sail. When we don't want to work too hard we take my boat, a Vision 32. I have new rigging, new sails, new electronics and am having an electrasan head installed. I'm also getting an electric winless installed. I plan on going to Santa Cruz/Monterey this summer. She is so easy and so much fun to sail. I really love her. She is my passion! Dee
Sailboats
...are for sailing. If you have a boat that doesn't sail well, you will hate it no matter how good it may look sitting at the dock.
...are for sailing. If you have a boat that doesn't sail well, you will hate it no matter how good it may look sitting at the dock.
Love mine
It looks great at the dock (or mooring), looks great below, sails great, and I can't wait to get my new Doyle APC. Love my new H-33.
It looks great at the dock (or mooring), looks great below, sails great, and I can't wait to get my new Doyle APC. Love my new H-33.
Versatility
The answer is easy with a Mac26X: versatility. Closed-minded sailors will scoff as I slalom behind my Mac (26 mph w/a Honda 90), or take it into 12" of water in the wonderful Texas coastal bay system to us as the "mother ship" for fly fishing expeditions out of a kayak. But I can also reef 'er down and rollick; as I'm on a nice run back to the marina in the evening, sun setting, Buffet on the stereo and cold beer in hand, don't try to convince me I don't have the best of both worlds. Sign me, In Love With My Mac.
The answer is easy with a Mac26X: versatility. Closed-minded sailors will scoff as I slalom behind my Mac (26 mph w/a Honda 90), or take it into 12" of water in the wonderful Texas coastal bay system to us as the "mother ship" for fly fishing expeditions out of a kayak. But I can also reef 'er down and rollick; as I'm on a nice run back to the marina in the evening, sun setting, Buffet on the stereo and cold beer in hand, don't try to convince me I don't have the best of both worlds. Sign me, In Love With My Mac.
Packaging and personality
Having the best of both worlds and the safety designed into the 26X, it still amazes me that so much thought was put into a craft for the acommplished and virgin sailors alike. I am from a motor background and am just learning the things I need to know but still able to negotiate wherever my 26X leads me. Its the whole package and the customization put into making a desirable vessel.
Having the best of both worlds and the safety designed into the 26X, it still amazes me that so much thought was put into a craft for the acommplished and virgin sailors alike. I am from a motor background and am just learning the things I need to know but still able to negotiate wherever my 26X leads me. Its the whole package and the customization put into making a desirable vessel.
To cheap to go faster
You know its great to get on board push off hoist sails run all day and just drop the sails and slide on into the slip without starting the motor. She's a 26ft. Chrysler that has been re-done. Sails like a dream even in 26kts winds we pushed 14.4kts on the GPS. and I never had to reposition my throw cushion from behind my back or take the legs off the cockpit seat. I just think that a Boat you can relax in is what its all about. Just wish it was summer again.
You know its great to get on board push off hoist sails run all day and just drop the sails and slide on into the slip without starting the motor. She's a 26ft. Chrysler that has been re-done. Sails like a dream even in 26kts winds we pushed 14.4kts on the GPS. and I never had to reposition my throw cushion from behind my back or take the legs off the cockpit seat. I just think that a Boat you can relax in is what its all about. Just wish it was summer again.
It's all good!
It sounds like the theme is "It's all good". That’s exactly what we like about our Catalina 310. It does it all well. Looks, comfort, livability, sailing ability, single handing, a small crowd, etc… Sailing can incorporate a number of types of activities. Social, adventure, excitement, and just plain relaxing. We do it all and so does our boat. To gain an advantage in one area would mean giving something up in another. Versatility is our boat's strength.
It sounds like the theme is "It's all good". That’s exactly what we like about our Catalina 310. It does it all well. Looks, comfort, livability, sailing ability, single handing, a small crowd, etc… Sailing can incorporate a number of types of activities. Social, adventure, excitement, and just plain relaxing. We do it all and so does our boat. To gain an advantage in one area would mean giving something up in another. Versatility is our boat's strength.
Too little volume
In my case the compromise is an Ericson 38. We loved the sailing performance of the boat, especially in light air. And we always felt that the shear line of the boat made it the prettiest boat in any anchorage. BUT, it was an older (about 1980) hull design, and it was quite small below for a 38 footer. I couldn't believe how big a brand new Catalina 380 was in comparison with our Ericson.
In my case the compromise is an Ericson 38. We loved the sailing performance of the boat, especially in light air. And we always felt that the shear line of the boat made it the prettiest boat in any anchorage. BUT, it was an older (about 1980) hull design, and it was quite small below for a 38 footer. I couldn't believe how big a brand new Catalina 380 was in comparison with our Ericson.
not enough performance
We debated about the S2 6.9 (fast) or the 7.0 (old and slow), she won. I own the 7.0 but I am impressed with the strength of this little boat. She beats well and points quite high, supprisingly high for a swing keel. My real love of this boat happened after she managed to survive hurricane Charley with nothing more than cosmetic damage, my other two boats are gone so there isn't any other boat to love or hate. I have more feelings for this boat than any other boat I've owned but that is probably due to the hurricane.
We debated about the S2 6.9 (fast) or the 7.0 (old and slow), she won. I own the 7.0 but I am impressed with the strength of this little boat. She beats well and points quite high, supprisingly high for a swing keel. My real love of this boat happened after she managed to survive hurricane Charley with nothing more than cosmetic damage, my other two boats are gone so there isn't any other boat to love or hate. I have more feelings for this boat than any other boat I've owned but that is probably due to the hurricane.
Rich People
Like Sheryl Crow say's "Its not getting what you want, but wanting what you got". Oh, I would like a separate stall shower. Something with a faster cruising speed under power, a bigger boat for entertaining and sleep overs. An open ocean design with all its nifty back-ups, and equipment. I wonder around dreaming at our local boat shows like most everybody. But, when it comes to sailing, the biggest comprimise I make is getting off of our C36 to deal with life. You know job, house, cars, bills. Buying a boat that fits your budget is only a comprimise if you make it one. Enjoying the spray in your face, reveling in your dance with the wind, watching the bow slice through a good ebb chop, these things can help you feel the presence of God and Know that you are alive! And you can experience them on a Sunfish. Mark
Like Sheryl Crow say's "Its not getting what you want, but wanting what you got". Oh, I would like a separate stall shower. Something with a faster cruising speed under power, a bigger boat for entertaining and sleep overs. An open ocean design with all its nifty back-ups, and equipment. I wonder around dreaming at our local boat shows like most everybody. But, when it comes to sailing, the biggest comprimise I make is getting off of our C36 to deal with life. You know job, house, cars, bills. Buying a boat that fits your budget is only a comprimise if you make it one. Enjoying the spray in your face, reveling in your dance with the wind, watching the bow slice through a good ebb chop, these things can help you feel the presence of God and Know that you are alive! And you can experience them on a Sunfish. Mark
Down below
I would like to say that the reason I bought my boat was for the way it sailed. Howevever, to be truthful, since the boat was on a cradle and I'd never sailed an H380, I have to admit that the reason for the purchase was that the admiral liked the accomadations below. During our search my wife said: "I know you want a racer, but I want a condo with a stick." I truly feel that I got everthing on the list. The 99 H380 has the fiberglass arch so the looks are awesome. The power under sail, especially on a reach, is breath taking. The only criteria left is ease of sailing. If I could get some one to put on the sail cover, all would be perfect. JohnnyMac S/V Dawn Treader
I would like to say that the reason I bought my boat was for the way it sailed. Howevever, to be truthful, since the boat was on a cradle and I'd never sailed an H380, I have to admit that the reason for the purchase was that the admiral liked the accomadations below. During our search my wife said: "I know you want a racer, but I want a condo with a stick." I truly feel that I got everthing on the list. The 99 H380 has the fiberglass arch so the looks are awesome. The power under sail, especially on a reach, is breath taking. The only criteria left is ease of sailing. If I could get some one to put on the sail cover, all would be perfect. JohnnyMac S/V Dawn Treader
Love my boat
Wanted a boat that wouldn't break me$$.Easy to sail solo, anchor etc. H28 is comfortable 10.5 beam but is a little tender.
Wanted a boat that wouldn't break me$$.Easy to sail solo, anchor etc. H28 is comfortable 10.5 beam but is a little tender.
UK Lazy Mate
JohnnyMac wrote about his H380: "If I could get some one to put on the sail cover, all would be perfect." The second best mod I did to my boat was to add a new UK main with their Lazy Mate mainsail cover. Putting on the sail cover, with all of the snaps around the lazy jacks, used to be such a pain. But with the new UK sail it was just one long zip, and I was done. Highly recommended. Steve Christensen
JohnnyMac wrote about his H380: "If I could get some one to put on the sail cover, all would be perfect." The second best mod I did to my boat was to add a new UK main with their Lazy Mate mainsail cover. Putting on the sail cover, with all of the snaps around the lazy jacks, used to be such a pain. But with the new UK sail it was just one long zip, and I was done. Highly recommended. Steve Christensen
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