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KenH · 08-04-2017, 18:41

Ok, so here it is, my dilemma. Not real a big dilemma though.. haha
Where I live there are a lot of bridges and my boat can't make it under most unless they raise them. So, I was thinking about getting a little 25 or so foot pocket cruise for weekend trips up river and to the cities. I can get one for pretty cheap, no more then 3000 though. I was also thinking I would like a wind generator for my boat, which with everything including mounting hardware would be close to 2500.
I do have solar panels as of now and shore power. Just wondering what you people think. Should I get the fun item or the usefull item?

KenH · 08-04-2017, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenH

Ok, so here it is, my dilemma. Not real a big dilemma though.. haha
Where I live there are a lot of bridges and my boat can't make it under most unless they raise them. So, I was thinking about getting a little 25 or so foot pocket cruise for weekend trips up river and to the cities. I can get one for pretty cheap, no more then 3000 though. I was also thinking I would like a wind generator for my boat, which with everything including mounting hardware would be close to 2500.
I do have solar panels as of now and shore power. Just wondering what you people think. Should I get the fun item or the usefull item?

70 people have looked at this and no comment? come on peoples, I want to hear youre input...

toddster8 · 08-04-2017, 20:28

How much time do you have on your hands? I kept my Hobie 16 for up-river fun, for several years after getting my larger boat. But there just wasn't enough time in my life to enjoy and maintain both boats.

Sea Dreaming · 08-04-2017, 21:10

2 boats might be a pain in the wallet and too time conuming taking you away from time to explore. Provided you can get up river and other places with alternative transportation, I would get the wind genny instead.

SV Bacchus · 08-04-2017, 21:19

Agreed, only one boat. 2 is too much!

Teknishn · 09-04-2017, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Dreaming

2 boats might be a pain in the wallet and too time consuming taking you away from time to explore.

Totally agree!

Been there, done that. Having 2 boats in the past effectively reduced by my underway time and bank account by more than half due primarily to time required for maintenance and the associated costs. Just think about haul outs, bottom paint, additional slip fees, engine maintenance (plus spares for two different engines) and more woodwork!

Get the Wind Genny!

Might it be possible to rent a day sailor locally for those trips up the river? All of the fun, none of the maintenance

Suijin · 09-04-2017, 04:29

It's really an impossible question. Do you want to go "up river to the cities," or do you want more energy independence on your existing boat? Decide.

bglad · 09-04-2017, 05:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenH

70 people have looked at this and no comment? come on peoples, I want to hear youre input...

Is your question whether to have a wind generator or not?

wcapital · 09-04-2017, 08:52

For the $3k I'd get a $500 bicycle or kayak for going upriver to the cities, AND the $2500 wind generator. Like others have mentioned - too many boats / not enough time! The only water our small catamaran has seen since buying the cruising one has been what fell from the sky or melted from snow thrown onto it by the snow-blower!

Cheechako · 09-04-2017, 08:57

Pocket cruiser wont need a wind gen, especially one that's almost the cost of the boat itself. Every time you move you charge the batteries in a motorboat. Wind is very unreliable anyway.

**Adelie** · 09-04-2017, 09:23

I wouldn't get a 2nd boat that was going to stay in the water

As for the wind generator, do you have an problem now with inadequate generation ability?

Are you doing extensive cruising or are you weekending with a yearly 1-2wk boat vacation?

Also where are you? You should fill in your profile with home base location.

**newhaul** · 09-04-2017, 09:45

Craigslist a $500 trailer sailor and get the wind granny.
Win win

KenH · 09-04-2017, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adelie

I wouldn't get a 2nd boat that was going to stay in the water

As for the wind generator, do you have an problem now with inadequate generation ability?

Are you doing extensive cruising or are you weekending with a yearly 1-2wk boat vacation?

Also where are you? You should fill in your profile with home base location.

I don't have a problem with power now, it's just as the previous poster said," to be more energy independent" I do have a 12' alum boat with a 20 horse on it. Which is what I use now. I was just thinking about getting another sail boat instead.

Thanks for all the replies people and just for info, I do live aboard..