howdy all

[sundog]

Nice place you got here, been in and out over the last few months but just joined. I started sailing hobies at 14 years old and I've worked my way up to a Catalina 38 (which I just listed for sale here -yeah yeah, shameless self promotion!). Anyways I've got the bug for sure ...espically after sailing to the Bahamas lest summer. I'm dying to get a full on bluewater boat (I'm down to a Liberty 458, Kelly Peterson 44 or a CSY 44) and get out there full time but I've got a few thing$$ to do first! I've got saltwater in my blood as my dad is a 4th generation commercial shrimp fisherman, I also hold a masters license and I run a towboat rig for BoatUS on the side. So if you get stuck around Sapelo sound we'll probably meet! Well that should do for intros, I'll be around.
-Patrick

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Patrick,
Welcome aboard!! No doubt you can handle the big boats but why so big? Wouldn't smaller be more economical?
Regards,
JohnL

[sundog]

Hi John, good question. Well, I like the security and go anywhere in anything ability that a big boat affords (though I don't really consider 44' to be all that excessive) plus the big aft cabin is sooooo sweet, ...that's pretty high on my girl's list too! I also like the increased storage and load carrying abilities for example I want a big dink that can get me to all the good fishing and surf spots -yeah I need room for a few surfboards too! As far as the expense...yeah haulouts are a little more, you need more paint, bigger engine, ect but I'm all about simplicity. Just because I have more room I don't want more gadgets -no genset, watermaker, ect, ect. I want a simple, bombproof rig that will be reliable. So I figure once I'm past the inital purchase price she won't cost that much more to keep up than a boat a few feet shorter. And finally I'm very interested in doing some captained charters. I realize that opens up a pandora's box but I've been speaking with some people who are doing it and I'm pretty sure I can pull it off (part time).
I hope that answers your question.
Regards,
-Patrick

[SkiprJohn]

Hi Patrick,
Captained charters explains it. I've been pricing new winches for my 42. Nearly double the price over a sheet winch that I might have to buy for a 34 and then there are replacement sails. Incredible the price, eh?
Good luck to you and I hope you find your perfect boat.
Regards,
JohnL

[swagman]

Welcome Patrick,
Hope you find the right boat and look forward to seeing more of you on the site.
JOHN