The Perfect Boat

[Tim R.]

Did you ever notice that we all own the perfect boat? Whenever anyone asks "what boat should I buy?" most will say buy an XXXX and that is because that person owns an XXXX. Have you ever heard someone say "don't buy a so and so because they are awful. I should know because I own one"

My boats were perfect too. My San Juan 21 was the perfect boat and then I bought my perfect Pearson and now it is the Ericson. We all talk about lesser boats to the offense of some and we all dream about those that will pretty much always be out of reach. Boats like Morris', Hinckleys, Swans, etc.

We must all feel the need to defend our decision because we are all so smart. I have decided the day I can afford to buy a Hinckley, it will not be the perfect boat because if I have one little problem with it, I will just go and buy a different perfect boat!

Rainy day rant waiting to go sailing after the Tornado warning expires. Time for another Perfect beer!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

it's called rationalization

we all tend to do it as the alternative is self-delusion

 

[Jerry]

of course

One man's trash is another man's
treasure.

 

[Stu Jackson]

That's not the reason

Many years ago, somewhere in one of the inscriptions on a page in our log book, is a quote from long ago: "The best yachtsmen, when asked the question "What is the best yacht?" will invariably say the one they currently own."

 

[Mike]

Well Said

Well said Tim. Whenever I get two-foot-itis or a related disease, it only takes a sail on Hukilau to cure me; it reminds me how perfect she is for me.

 

[Banooma]

isn't that the economics of consumer choice?

Curious concept, but I don't know about that. I've never owned anything I thought was perfect, but I think I've tried to make informed and logical choices, and make the best use of them. Unless we come into boat ownership through inheritence, isn't it natural that we shop for a boat with appearance and features that we prefer to pay for? I think we all recognize that no boat is perfect for all occasions or uses. I know my boat isn't perfect, but I can make perfect use of it. I also know that any boat 2 feet, 10 feet, or 20 feet bigger or furnished with everything wouldn't be perfect. That said, I get your comment.

It's kind of like saying, "I'm the kind of person who loves to have fun." Is there anyone who HATES the activities they enjoy?

 

[Breaking wind]

it's the same

for...cars, trucks, airplanes, etc, etc...

It's a human trait to be egotistic toward others, and then self absorbed with ourselves.

we are all just a bunch of hairless hormone laden apes with WiFi.

I have never owned a perfect....anything!

 

[Maine Sail]

Hmmm..

And here I am on the quest for the perfect boat....? While I love our current boat it won;t be the last and it's far from perfect.

I don't think the perfect boat has been built because it would include a host of scantily clad boat babes as standard equipment and a walk in beer cooler with unlimited supply ice maker that ran on 12v for three months without re-charge. Of course it has to cost less than 100k. Mine currently does not have any of those features clearly NOT perfect..;D

 

[CharlieCobra]

I wouldn't call my boat perfect by any means.

I had no interest in a woodie until someone practically gave her to me. To say I've been pleasantly surprised is an understatement. To say she's perfect or that I'm satisfied with her would be a lie. She is what she is. A sweet sailing, sweet looking classic old wooden yacht. However, for the twenty bucks I paid for her, she's perfect enough.

 

[Breaking wind]

my perfect boat is always

my next boat,

 

[Ken]

I believe ...

that there is no such thing as prefect boat as there is no such thing as lousy boat. Every sailor has their own specs and wants in a boat. Different boat for different folks. That's my motto. You love your Hylas fine, I like my Hunter and the guy next door think of nothing but Cheoy Lee. So be it. So if you're looking for a boat, write down your specs and wants and find a boat that fit that to as much as possible.

 

[Patrick , S/V Shangra-La]

Mine isn't the perfect boat...

But it meets the needs I have now. Mine allows me to stay in the comfort of the cockpit and handle all sails, go off shore for a couple of days, and come home safely. I can sleep in it well, and enjoy the many gadgets on board. For you it may not be so good.

When asked what is the perfect boat my first question is what do you want it for? Some make great liva a boards, some great cruises and some make great day and coastal cruisers.

When push comes to shove, are you happy with what you have, and does it meet your needs? If not sounds like it's toime to start looking again.

 

[Brian D]

I was thinking about this today

I just finished a two hour sail and was cleaning up the interior of the boat. I stopped and looked around and finally said "you sailed well today". Then I thought what if someone offered me less that what I think this boat is worth. I wouldn't sell it. I'd rather sail this boat than sale it for less that what I think she is worth.

But I agree with some, the perfect boat is always the next upgrade boat. And I thought about that also, the upgrade to a bigger boat.

Good topic.

 

[bayoubrez]

prefect boat, yea right!

like the perfect lady, all in the eyes of the beholder!

 

[Les Blackwell]

Ah, Brian D. How right you are!

I love these discussions although I hardly even jump in with my opinions. However, picking the perfect boat is like getting married--everyone has a different standard. But one variable that many have overlooked is "time".

I have owned nine "perfect boats." All new. I am waiting for my tenth boat, a Hunter 27. My point being is that over time I have changed, not the boats. We started with a Cal 20 and sailed it all over Puget Sound. When we had circumnavigated Mercer Island, we thought we were hotshots at sailing.

Our next boat was a Pearson 27--not my favorite by a long shot. Heavy and not the greatest sailor but we learned much about ourselves. AS my wife and I grew some more, we traded it in on a Ranger 29 and now we had a "real" boat. So we followed all the routes that we had taken with our Cal 20. Interesting. We even tried some racing. It turns out I didn't know how to sail that well. We were last. Not my cup of tea being last. So we bought a Ranger 32 (three/quarter ton boat) and campaigned hard and we won races. It was the perfect racing boat but we wanted to cruise.

Getting older, we traded the Ranger 32 on a Sceptre 36. Now we could race and cruise. But for some reason it really didn't fit us--we were learning how to appreciate a boat.

Then a new era was started: we traded the Sceptre in on a Hunter 40. It was a floating condo compared to all our other boats. But we had to charter it to afford it. Again, the situation didn't suit us. So we traded it in on a Hunter Legend 32. Beautiful boat but it was hard for either of us to sail--we weren't good at such a big mainsail. So once again and a few years later, we traded it in on a Hunter 35.5.

I suspect if you were to ask me to pick the one perfect boat I might say that the Hunter 35.5 was a close as we ever got to perfection. It was a great sailer and it was fast. And it always did what we wanted. I went back to racing and we won boat of the year against the usual local boats. But a beloved crew member died suddenly and I quite racing once more.

Wanting to go further north to Alaska we traded the Hunter 35.5 on a Hunter 380, another perfect boat. Indeed, we kept that boat for nine years cruising the pacificnorthwest.

But you know what? Time marches on and we grew older and suddenly the Hunter 380 was too big a boat for us to handle. Oh, I could still put it in its slip but the jumping down to tie up the dock lines was harder and harder. When it was on the hard and I fell off of the step ladder while I was waxing the hull, I knew it was time for a new boat.

And so, number ten is on it's way. A Hunter 27 that I can step off onto the dock easily. And I can pull the sails out or roller furl them back in without straining myself.

I'm in the August of my life and I still want to sail. What is the perfect boat now? The one I can handle and take out for a day sail or perhaps an evening sail in the moonlight. Almost back to my Cal 20 in a way.

So I think the perfect boat is one that I have at the moment. And no, Brian, the perfect boat is not always the larger one. I'm looking forward to my new "little" boat.

My best to you all.

Les