First Post Of A Lurker

[Wyatt]

Just a small intro from one whom the mods have certainly wondered 'who is this guy'?

Sailing is a long time dream.
As I told Steve Dodge last June @ The Abaco Inn - a wannabee.
And I am making some progress.
I have spent enough time on the forum already to know that this is where I am going to get most of my burning questions answered.

You won't find me asking them til I get more specific about my needs
Most of the questions AND answers are here already and I can easily search vBulletin for valuable discussions.

Here are some thank yous that will have to suffice til such time as I can add to the forum:

Pblais - for his well worded advice
Jeff H - for his analytical mind
ssullivan - good advice
Kai Nui - A moderator who is moderate
SkiprJohn
GordMay - If I ever need a link, I'll know whom to ask
Louis Riel - If there is sound opinion that goes against 'conventional wisdom' - he's got it.

Fair Winds

[ssullivan]

Welcome, Wyatt and thank you for thanking me.

I look forward to hearing those burning questions.

That's quite a nice intro... You're bound to get even more help now.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Wyatt,
Welcome aboard!! Those puffers are pretty good little sailers.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Wyatt]

over 2 years since this post.
The adventure has begun...and I am learning first hand the true meaning of 'Adventure'...trial and error, wonder and learning, new tools, breaking and fixing, making it work for me and mine.

In April of 2009 I happened upon a very well cared for and well equipped Precision 27' sloop; "The Toybox".
Well designed by Jim Taylor, nimble, three and a half foot shoal lead keel, diesel inboard, roller furling genoa, auto pilot, radar, GPS, single side band, FLIR cam, depth/anenometer/speed, biminis, spinnaker and...trailer.
[New truck to pull the trailer...an unplanned for 32K expense]

Now docked @ 9017' at Lake Dillon Colorado, my wife and I are doing the 'shakedown' which is shorthand for 'learning all the systems', fixing the rare problems and upgrading the boat for true single-handed sailing.
Adding JiffyJax and cockpit controlled reefing next week.

We are hoping to put Toybox in salt water next winter...time and reality will tell if my dream to circumnavigate the Caribbean can be made to come true.

Now I actually have some experience so I can contribute.
And I will
Fair Winds

[Therapy]

Have Toybox, will play.

[maxingout]

Congratulations on your purchase and on your adventures so far. I seriously considered a trailerable small yacht, and it was always the 32k vehicle needed to pull the sailboat that gave me cause to think about the purchase.

You have passed that hurdle. Good on you mates.