Seems to me that one's age eventually becomes a serious consideration when making boating decisions. Or should one sail on, undertake big boat projects, buy a new boat or maybe two old ones, not leave the big lake for a smaller one, and not go out the canal again where you have to dismast a 400 pound keel-stepped stick?
Especially those of us with older boats where it seems the work is never done have to consider our age. At age 72 I am lucky to be healthy and relatively strong. But every time I start thinking boat projects like a new dodger, a new salon sole, or worse like a complete hull painting, I wonder if the effort and cost is warranted. Or should I sell my H37C, buy a newer smaller boat and move to the much closer lake where I still enjoy my Highlander?
I remember some years ago when a fellow over 70 bought a new Hunter 30. I really admired that attitude. Ten years later he is still sailing that boat. But that is certainly the unusual case. We should all be so fortunate. What do you think?
Especially those of us with older boats where it seems the work is never done have to consider our age. At age 72 I am lucky to be healthy and relatively strong. But every time I start thinking boat projects like a new dodger, a new salon sole, or worse like a complete hull painting, I wonder if the effort and cost is warranted. Or should I sell my H37C, buy a newer smaller boat and move to the much closer lake where I still enjoy my Highlander?
I remember some years ago when a fellow over 70 bought a new Hunter 30. I really admired that attitude. Ten years later he is still sailing that boat. But that is certainly the unusual case. We should all be so fortunate. What do you think?