If you had it to do all over again, what big dollar item that you purchased for your boat do you wish you HADN'T purchased? I'm asking since I'm looking at one or two items myself. Please, chime in!
If Foresight was 20/20 and not Hindsight!
- Thread starter Scubagirl62
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I'll bet you get a lot of spinnakers in the list! For me, it was probably the single sideband HF radio. I had expected to do more long distance cruising. I did, however, buy it and the tuner used, so I'm not out a lot. On other boats, I used to carry drogues, storm sails, etc. Never used them.
Cabin cushions in the wrong color blue. My then gf ordered them. She paid half as a deposit. I should have refused them. I didnt because I didnt want to hurt her feelings. Now No gf and no feelings but im still stuck with the wrong color cushions. I know this is not answering your question Scubagirl but just wait for what you really want and dont settle for less. Charles
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No, I really think it IS relevant! I understand "settling". Our latest vow was "no more settling". Sometimes you can get "a really good deal" because it ISN'T just the "right one/right color", whatever. You settle and then you are stuck. Nope, very relevant. I'm always looking for a bargain; however, no more settling. That's why we ARE taking our time about what we'd like to add to this boat and wanted to get a feel for what others have purchased and lived to regret. Appreciate the reply.
No, I really think it IS relevant! I understand "settling". Our latest vow was "no more settling". Sometimes you can get "a really good deal" because it ISN'T just the "right one/right color", whatever. You settle and then you are stuck. Nope, very relevant. I'm always looking for a bargain; however, no more settling. That's why we ARE taking our time about what we'd like to add to this boat and wanted to get a feel for what others have purchased and lived to regret. Appreciate the reply.
For a trailerable boat like yours, what you wish for or NEED will vary depending on your type of use. The decision becomes a priority list based on convenience for your area and your particular usage. As a coastal cruiser doing the occasional 40-50mi sailing runs and week long stays:
(1) I wish I hadn't waited 4yrs to upgrade to self tailing winches.
(2) I finally went for the pricey A-sail setup and could take it or leave it because it's rare to run for too long on the ideal angle or wind speed that it likes(although with continuous line furling from the cockpit our setup is fun and easy to use solo when it's right. pic below).
(3) I sprang for an auto pilot early on and love it! I'll use it for hours at a time for helm relief because we're doing longer runs down the coast and it takes forever to get somewhere at 5kts.
(4) An early priority for our use were mods for an easier trailering experience, huge bimini, pressurized water, larger batteries, good foam for bedding, mast top VHF ant, modest chartplotter and serious ground tackle.
(5) Above all else I suppose most folks compromise on the OB and I'm elated that the orig owner of our boat didn't. 8hp high thrust yama p/t, elec start, alt. The greatest sailors lie/embellish about how much they do/don't motor but man we've used this gem to it's max. I'd say it's almost the single most important asset on the boat.
Hope that was helpful and isn't straying too far from your question. Good luck, Mike
(1) I wish I hadn't waited 4yrs to upgrade to self tailing winches.
(2) I finally went for the pricey A-sail setup and could take it or leave it because it's rare to run for too long on the ideal angle or wind speed that it likes(although with continuous line furling from the cockpit our setup is fun and easy to use solo when it's right. pic below).
(3) I sprang for an auto pilot early on and love it! I'll use it for hours at a time for helm relief because we're doing longer runs down the coast and it takes forever to get somewhere at 5kts.
(4) An early priority for our use were mods for an easier trailering experience, huge bimini, pressurized water, larger batteries, good foam for bedding, mast top VHF ant, modest chartplotter and serious ground tackle.
(5) Above all else I suppose most folks compromise on the OB and I'm elated that the orig owner of our boat didn't. 8hp high thrust yama p/t, elec start, alt. The greatest sailors lie/embellish about how much they do/don't motor but man we've used this gem to it's max. I'd say it's almost the single most important asset on the boat.
Hope that was helpful and isn't straying too far from your question. Good luck, Mike
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Rick was right. My favorite investment is my custom asymmetrical spinnaker. I would use it every time we sail if I could.
However, the one investment I wish I had never made is my custom asymmetrical spinnaker. I spent way more than I should have and First Mate gets very antsy when I want to fly it. It really is quite the learning experience. Not easy to rig and not easy to keep full of wind just right.
However, if I had never bought it, I'd still want it. So, my custom asymmetrical is my favorite investment but the one I regret the most. Talk about mixed feelings!
Kermit
However, the one investment I wish I had never made is my custom asymmetrical spinnaker. I spent way more than I should have and First Mate gets very antsy when I want to fly it. It really is quite the learning experience. Not easy to rig and not easy to keep full of wind just right.
However, if I had never bought it, I'd still want it. So, my custom asymmetrical is my favorite investment but the one I regret the most. Talk about mixed feelings!
Kermit
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The most stressful item is one I have not purchased. Our boat did not come with a dinghy. We generally, do not need a dinghy, because most of our sailing is a marina to marina trip. But we want a dinghy to support anchoring out. We want a dinghy to take the dogs to shore. We want a dingy to go exploring where our draft does not allow. We want a dinghy to take out a kedge for when we run aground - it will happen. We want a dinghy to ----- well I want a dinghy! But where do you store it? Where do you carry it? Should it be a hard bottom that rows or an inflatible that planes? Should I buy new, used, or build? So my worst regret is the dinghy that I have not purchased. May it be a happy choice when it's made. Pat
Scubagirl62,
For a larger sailboat an autopilot, dodger and asymmetrical spinnaker in that order. For a small sailboat an asymmetrical spinnaker.
Cherie320,
Install dinghy davits off the stern and hook the dinghy onto it as shown in the photo below.
For a larger sailboat an autopilot, dodger and asymmetrical spinnaker in that order. For a small sailboat an asymmetrical spinnaker.
Cherie320,
Install dinghy davits off the stern and hook the dinghy onto it as shown in the photo below.
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For me, I am tossing around the idea of a new Honda 4 Stroke Outboard. I currently run an Evenrude 2 Stroke. Noisy and drinks like a fish. Even if I get a decent amount as a trade in, the "desired" motor will set me back 2.5 grand. Yep, I am frugal when it comes to purchases, but a Honda has a 5 yr warranty over a Nissan which has 3. Right now I wear ear plugs but I can still feel the noise. So not having spent the money yet, I am not sure if this counts as a big ticket item, regretably bought!
Ahh yes I revise my opinion....
I'd apparently blocked my angst filled memories and I'll adamantly 2nd the dinghy dilemma for a small boat like scuba girls. I'd manically searched/researched/traded/compromised/justified/tweaked two nice dinghys, cussed the stowage and hassle until it became abundantly clear that the VERY LEAST VALUABLE UPGRADE on a small swing keel boat is that damn PIA dinghy!
A bigger keel boat w/davits(even a 320) is certainly an entirely different case but OMG that dingy was an endless pain for us. For a smaller boat that only draws 20" there is NO reason(see beach pic) to put yourself through the ordeal and cost of air and water leaks, rain filled high wind towing concern, stowage, a 2nd OB and fuel. This is an area that we have experienced and eliminated a ton of hassle and you can save some major cash by not going there.
Our compromise is to tow or stow two small SOT kayaks which seem far more versatile for fishing and general warm water fun...but I occasionally cuss them too. Dog runs, blustery weather and docks from kayaks aren't a great experience.
Now, back to my therapist to re-bury those dinghy thoughts until I have a boat big enough for davits(clearly my solution)
Mike
I'd apparently blocked my angst filled memories and I'll adamantly 2nd the dinghy dilemma for a small boat like scuba girls. I'd manically searched/researched/traded/compromised/justified/tweaked two nice dinghys, cussed the stowage and hassle until it became abundantly clear that the VERY LEAST VALUABLE UPGRADE on a small swing keel boat is that damn PIA dinghy!
A bigger keel boat w/davits(even a 320) is certainly an entirely different case but OMG that dingy was an endless pain for us. For a smaller boat that only draws 20" there is NO reason(see beach pic) to put yourself through the ordeal and cost of air and water leaks, rain filled high wind towing concern, stowage, a 2nd OB and fuel. This is an area that we have experienced and eliminated a ton of hassle and you can save some major cash by not going there.
Our compromise is to tow or stow two small SOT kayaks which seem far more versatile for fishing and general warm water fun...but I occasionally cuss them too. Dog runs, blustery weather and docks from kayaks aren't a great experience.
Now, back to my therapist to re-bury those dinghy thoughts until I have a boat big enough for davits(clearly my solution)
Mike
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We really were considering a bimini top. Last summer was soooo hot. Any issues with those? Anyone wish they HADN'T bothered with one? Are they sometimes a pain? Decisions, Decisions!
I dislike being enclosed so do not like dodgers nor biminis. But I have both. They are both foldable and not in use unless necessary. Unless it is raining and/or really heavy seas the dodger is down. Slight cloud cover or short and cool outing then the bimini is against the backstay. The bimini is always necessary if the sun is out for more than an hour or two. Someone told me melanoma is bad news.
You received good advice Ed. I've watched two people I care about struggle with it and the results aren't pretty. Sunblock will achieve the same results if you don't like obstructions between you and nature.Ed Schenck said:
On the thread point: I bought a life raft. I'd rather have purchased a dinghy. For the sailing at that time a dink would have been acceptable. Still have the life raft and in use today for different type of sailing. (more offshore). When I had an outboard as an auxiliary on the sailboat I wished I have coughed up the bucks for electric start even if used. Nothing like yanking on a cord pitching and rolling in steep chop.
SC
#1. A Hood MPS sail. We used to use it but it seemed that there was always too much wind and not enough room to fly it and get it back down before getting into trouble. now it has two patches when it snagged on cotter pins. When the wind is light enough to fly it we just motor anyway.
#2 Three gallons of Ultra Tuff Medium Blue Non Skid in 2007. I wanted light blue but bought what they had. Now I am afraid if I put it on I won't like the results and there is no turning back except maybe now with that cork guy. The application is quite labor intensive with primers and multiple coats that I worry that it won't be evenly distributed.
#3. In 1988 I bought a 1969 Mustang Mach I that I took apart in 1993. I am still putting it back together. Like the other items I haven't learned how to cut my losses. Turns out it was a pig in a poke as I discovered every part in it was from a junk yard and there wasn't a single automotive fastener on it (the nuts and bolts). And the "new" engine was completely worn out (fake receipt). Ok not a boat item, but I could have used it to drive to the boat.
We did buy the bimini from the SBO store two years ago. That was a very good purchase. It fits well and gives good sun protection. The one drawback is when backing into my slip in a strong wind, it makes the boat go where the wind goes, not where I point it. I'm getting used to it though. We still don't have a dodger as I get seasick behind them. Need that air in my face.
#2 Three gallons of Ultra Tuff Medium Blue Non Skid in 2007. I wanted light blue but bought what they had. Now I am afraid if I put it on I won't like the results and there is no turning back except maybe now with that cork guy. The application is quite labor intensive with primers and multiple coats that I worry that it won't be evenly distributed.
#3. In 1988 I bought a 1969 Mustang Mach I that I took apart in 1993. I am still putting it back together. Like the other items I haven't learned how to cut my losses. Turns out it was a pig in a poke as I discovered every part in it was from a junk yard and there wasn't a single automotive fastener on it (the nuts and bolts). And the "new" engine was completely worn out (fake receipt). Ok not a boat item, but I could have used it to drive to the boat.
We did buy the bimini from the SBO store two years ago. That was a very good purchase. It fits well and gives good sun protection. The one drawback is when backing into my slip in a strong wind, it makes the boat go where the wind goes, not where I point it. I'm getting used to it though. We still don't have a dodger as I get seasick behind them. Need that air in my face.
Just a few notes.
Regarding the bimini that was purchased from SBO, it was designed and built specifically for the 23.5 and later the 240. If you do not have this, I would suggest getting one and installation as it comes with instructions is easy. Get the longer one but when placing into position, make sure the foward bow is clear of the mainsheet. I do suggest a light color as dark colors retain more heat under the bimini. I introduced the mfg. of them to Hunter and the Sailboat Owners store deals with the same mfg.
On engines, there are many different ones but do not get anything esle less than 5hp as smaller engines in strong winds and current will move the boat sluggish. An 8 hp is all that I would recommend and for the money, I would get it with electric start. When running, the engine will charge the battery or batteries. For an easy connection to the boat, I suggest using the two wired trolling motor hookups for the engine and make sure the wiring is in alingment with the polarity of the battery. Engine wires are black and red and red goes to positive battery teminal. Why I say this is because I saw the damage when wired wrong.
On the engine length, long shaft or 20 inches is fine for either boat 23.5 or 240. The only time when the longer shaft or 25 inches was needed when you are out in the ocean during heavy seas. The other issue is the 25 inch shaft will drag on the ground or ramp more so than a 20 inch shaft. Nissan/Tohatsu/Mercury 8 hp are basically the same engine.
crazy Dave
Regarding the bimini that was purchased from SBO, it was designed and built specifically for the 23.5 and later the 240. If you do not have this, I would suggest getting one and installation as it comes with instructions is easy. Get the longer one but when placing into position, make sure the foward bow is clear of the mainsheet. I do suggest a light color as dark colors retain more heat under the bimini. I introduced the mfg. of them to Hunter and the Sailboat Owners store deals with the same mfg.
On engines, there are many different ones but do not get anything esle less than 5hp as smaller engines in strong winds and current will move the boat sluggish. An 8 hp is all that I would recommend and for the money, I would get it with electric start. When running, the engine will charge the battery or batteries. For an easy connection to the boat, I suggest using the two wired trolling motor hookups for the engine and make sure the wiring is in alingment with the polarity of the battery. Engine wires are black and red and red goes to positive battery teminal. Why I say this is because I saw the damage when wired wrong.
On the engine length, long shaft or 20 inches is fine for either boat 23.5 or 240. The only time when the longer shaft or 25 inches was needed when you are out in the ocean during heavy seas. The other issue is the 25 inch shaft will drag on the ground or ramp more so than a 20 inch shaft. Nissan/Tohatsu/Mercury 8 hp are basically the same engine.
crazy Dave
I really appreciate the input from everyone. Gives us a lot to think about during the long winter months. Just can't wait until Spring! Everyone have a great holiday season!!
I would second the bimini top. It drops the temp in the cockpit noticably. Some days it seems critical to get out of the sun. I had a guest on board last year that was not comfortable on a particularly hot day. I flipped up the bimini and his mood changed immediately (might have been the Sambuca)!
I'm considering an autopilot but decided on a good anchor so I cam rest easier at night. AP will have to wait.
I agree...is it spring yet!!!
I'm considering an autopilot but decided on a good anchor so I cam rest easier at night. AP will have to wait.
I agree...is it spring yet!!!
Ive read the thread and thought about it for weeks and came to the conclusion that I wouldnt return anything I purchased for the boat it all needs to be there. The 9.9 electric start tohatsu was a must. the two deep cycle marine batt were a must. the bimini was a definite must have made life alot better out there. The 19"plasma dvd and inverter was a must for the overnighters. the grill another must.nope cant come up with one thing that I would change , wait that damn bottle of rum I brought aboard last july could have been left out the next morning was terrible !!!!!!
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