R
Rich Songer
The challenge was given and, like a fool or dunce, I took it. My friends were buying anything from 32 to 45-foot cabin cruisers that came with all the toys. The problem is they spent, or are spending on a monthly basis, a lot of money to spend a weekend, comfortably, on a boat. It was during a party onboard one of the boats I questioned why did they have to spend so much for a couple of days on the boat. I suggested I could be just as comfortable, have their amenities, without spending an arm and leg, and have all the conveniences needed for two people to enjoy themselves over a long weekend. This is how the challenge was framed, and I intend to show, a comfortable weekend cruiser can be had for under $10,000. Further, I intend to prove it using a 1983, MacGregor 25’ with a swing keel. I’m not sure anyone out there is interested this type of project. The renovations are underway to meet the goal, but not being an experienced sailor (first time in my life) I could use some advice, directions, or suggestions that could help me reach my goal. Again, I’m not sure anyone is interested in this type of project, but for those that are I would certainly like to frame questions based on your expertise of the pending problems that have to be overcome. I have a general plan on what has to be done, what could be done, and what I’d like to see to make this boat a weekend cruiser. Developing a starting date for the project (November 11th), I’m going to bring the boat up in stages based on a completion date of the last of June, next year. I’m setting-up a web-site to view production plans based on the goal targeted, and those that contribute to the project must know that all communications will be published on this site. I needed to do this to ensure I didn’t run into a conflict of interest with MacGregor or the forum. The site will be opened the beginning of November should I receive enough response to warrant the support of the project.For those that participate in this project, I want to thank you upfront. I’m not positive how long it will take, but I know without question it will be completed. My belief that microelectronics has not been exploited to the full extent in sailing, or any other area of recreation, is going to make all objectives reach the goals that have been set. Using the economy of space and size prevalent in Japanese designs and combining this philosophy with the readily available electronic and micro technology, this project will succeed! Rich Songersonger@tellink.net
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