New Here, but not New to Sailing!

[propellanttech]

I'm the new guy hanging around, stalking the other boaters/boats on the dock.

I hail from Alabama, don't even ask about a banjo!

43 years old, and have just about convinced my wife the cruising life is for us.

I can (and probably have) fixed every type of system imaginable, from mechanical down to PCB level.

I'm currently looking at post '90 model hunter 35's. (35.5, 356, etc.)

We are not quite ready to pull the trigger, but are very close.

Haven't been sailing in ages, but like riding a bike I suppose.

Wish us luck, and watch us stalk.....

James L

[Hudson Force]

James, welcome to the community. There should be plenty to shop among the group of Hunters in your sights. Keep us posted with the results.

[iSaint]

Where in Alabama do you live? I'm across the lines on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. No boat myself, but sailing every chance I get!

[propellanttech]

Originally Posted by iSaint

Where in Alabama do you live? I'm across the lines on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. No boat myself, but sailing every chance I get!

I'm in the Birmingham area, but trying to decipher if the bridges on the Black Warrior will allow for a 55 ft. clearance. The Army Corps of Engineers information states yes, everything else I've read says no.

May be a while till we pull the trigger.

James L

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard (again), James! Yes, I'm afraid 52' is the number.

[propellanttech]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Welcome aboard (again), James! Yes, I'm afraid 52' is the number.

Yeah, and I'm not sure what to do about it.

I am not keen on trimming down the mast/rigging, and a smaller boat is just out of the question.

I'm also not too keen on stepping the mast for just coming to the slip. That would leave the mast in an undesirable situation for how ever long I would be inland.

It is something I'm spending a lot of time debating.

James L

[Waterway Guide]

How about a nice Gemini Catamaran (46' off the water)? It's bigger on the inside than a Hunter 35 (No, mine's NOT for sale).

[propellanttech]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

How about a nice Gemini Catamaran (46' off the water)? It's bigger on the inside than a Hunter 35 (No, mine's NOT for sale).

I would love a nice Gemini, but really out of the price range to which I have set.

Sorry to say, a mono hull will have to be the way I go. Just don't know what to do about the height.

James L

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
How about heeling the boat over to get under the bridge? It's been done before and you are looking at just a few feet difference.
Or, pick another boat.
kind regards,

[propellanttech]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
How about heeling the boat over to get under the bridge? It's been done before and you are looking at just a few feet difference.
Or, pick another boat.
kind regards,

Well.....I've looked, and just didn't find anything within the height range that was useful in my opinion. This is based on my price of course.

I'm just going to step the mast when going to my private slip (and probably store on the coast). I propose it won't happen often, so not a huge deal. I hate to say it, but 400 miles of curvy, less than documented river is not my idea of fun. Plus, for the fuel I would burn each way, I could probably pay storage for a month, maybe two.

James L