Every boat has been a dream boat... until the next
I've had to pinch myself the past couple weeks, because I am in the midst of getting my dream boat. Mind you, the last 3 boats were dream boats as well. Sure, you have these ideas in your head about what you really want, but every time you head down to the marina you are reminded why you chose this boat. Why you spend all that money on what some would call frivilous accessories and upgrades. And just about when you've crossed everything off your list, you happen upon the boat you've been dreaming about. Then you buy it, sell the old girl that is just perfectly set up for you, and start all over. It started with an Islander 28 that was a wreck. I ground out the blisters and epoxy barrier coated the bottom, rebedded every piece of deck hardware, painted the hull a sleek red, stained the interior and added new sails. What a boat! Had a great few years, but happened upon Captain Ron's old boat for sale (not literally, but the same make). I couldn't imagine sailing a great old pirate ship like the Formosa 51! But somehow I convinced my wife (some of you might know her as Karisa, the chandlery-master) to rent the house out and move aboard. Seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was. What a grand vessel and exquisite liveabaord! But offshore cruising? Just the two of us? After setting up the heating system, redoing the brightwork and generally having the time of our lives for a couple years cruising locally, we conceded that a full keel single screw 21 ton boat was probably a little much - what in heaven's name would we do if we ever grounded her? Downsized to a fantastic boat, the Catalina 36. She surprised me how well she sails and has the perfect layout below. Really functional and fun! I couldn't imagine selling this boat; I mean she "could" sail offshore - plenty others have. We dropped a bunch of money into her, upgrading her for 2 month cruises and she takes all kind of weather in stride. But, what's this? You're kidding me... that looks like too good a deal to pass up. That's right, I'm buying ANOTHER boat. Every time I commit to a boat I figure she's going to the grave with me (ok, to the next generation after I kick the bucket). This time she's a Taswell 43 cutter, set up for short handed sailing. It'll be a stretch, and she's going to need a lot of work, but holy cow, this could be the dream boat! Now I really could use some help from Uncle Harry in outfitting her, but I can wait many years enjoying the upgrades bit by bit. I really can't imagine another boat that is more suited to us. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy daysailing around the marina in the dinghy! Trevor
