Got a Yacht - Finally

[stevensuf]

We after much time looking learning and researching , ive taken the plunge and bought a yacht, I would like to thank everyone on here for their help and advice and the varied replies to the many questions ive asked, the house is up for sale and hopefully i will be joining the full time cruising fraternity in the very near future.

The boat : A 2001 Gib sea 43, not the best choice , but the best compromise for all factors combined

I am looking forward to bumping into people in the real world..

Many thanks

Steven.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by stevensuf

The boat : A 2001 Gib sea 43, not the best choice , but the best compromise for all factors combined

Congrats on the purchase.

But why would you say this? Is it just because it isn't one of those real expensive custom type production boats! Seems to me that it WAS the best choice for you or you wouldn't have gotten it.

It's just like that I've getting over explaining why I felt it OK to have gotten my current Hunter.

Be proud of your choice!

[stevensuf]

Thanks don.

I figured a larger newer production boat, was a better buy and I've a whole lot of money left over for all the toys i want

[boatman61]

Nowt much wrong with Gibsea's... Congratulations..

[GordMay]

Congratulations!

[atoll]

nice boat,youll have lots of fun,delivered one from wales to lagos the other year in 6 1/2 days,did a fairly constant 7.5 knots and only used 50l fuel over the 1100 miles or so.

[stevensuf]

thanks atoll, can i ask if you found the baby stay a pain when tacking?

[atoll]

allways.
but being mostly downwind it was not an issue,unless racing,also tip is to put some rolls in on the genny before making the tack if solo or have someone help it round if you have crew.

[skipmac]

Congratulations.

Now, let the fun begin. Have any plans yet? Plan to cross the pond?

[stevensuf]

Hoping to do the fit-out over this winter then head down to the med come spring and then cross the pond come November, the project list is large.
Having the standing rigging renewed as we speak and a new windlass, original is beyond repair.
A nice arch with davits , solar, wind and radar is next on the list, and if the budget allows a watermaker.

Been thinking of a cheap suitcase generator and a small portable aircon unit for those days when its just too much, I can get the two for about 600 UK pounds ie under a 1000 US, mucho cheaper than proper boat stuff.

[atoll]

wouldnt bother with the aircon,a big awning to go over the boom and cockpit and a windscoop are all you need in the carib.

unless you fit an inboard genset,better off with panels,wind gen and inverter for power needs,balance the system ,fit led's,use shorepower for bigger a/c needs.

easy to become a slave to the genset otherwise.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by stevensuf

Been thinking of a cheap suitcase generator and a small portable aircon unit for those days when its just too much, I can get the two for about 600 UK pounds ie under a 1000 US, mucho cheaper than proper boat stuff.

Thinking about the same myself, more so for those nights when the local insects invade the boat to dine on the occupants and we have to shut ourselves in with no ventilation.

You might want to check the power requirements of the aircon unit. Some of the newer ones have circuits to reduce the startup but even so the power requirements when the compressor first kicks in can briefly double or triple the power requirement. The suitcase gen needs to be able to deal with that or you need to add an inverter that can temporarily boost the generator power for the aircon startup. Victron in Holland makes a good one.

What generator are you looking at for 300-400 UKpounds? Most cruisers are using the Honda EU2000i which is not cheap, about USD$900-$1000 in the US but are quiet and reliable.

[biltong]

Congratulations and well done on a great choice. I was just admiring my new neighbour's new purchase, a duplicate of your new purchase. He is a proud and happy sailor. Enjoy.

[stevensuf]

I was looking at the kipor inverter generator IG2600 (they are chinese copies of the hondas) apparently almost as reliable, about 350 quid odds on fleabay and an 800w -13000 but portable aircon unit 180 pounds, they have a hose similar to tumble drier, just vent it outside maybe a towel to stop hot air coming back in.

Its certainly a cheaper idea than "proper" boat stuff, 600 vs 8000 its a no brainer , the gens are that cheap that if it breaks down and its not an easy fix just buy a new one!

Wastefull yeah but id say much cheaper in the long run than keeping a panda or the like going. Just run it for a few hours before hitting the sack.

[stevensuf]

atoll im scottish, t shirt weather is 10C , shirt off weather 15C , we begin sweating at 21C by 25c we've drunk all the beer in a 5 mile radius