A new member from the dark side

[Greg Brannon]

I've been reading this forum for years. I gave my email address to that annoying popup request (gad, I hope it stops now that I've registered) presented to those visiting but not registered and received the resulting daily digests of new topics, faithfully reading those that interested me.

I was unsure if we'd buy sail or power from the start; both were equal to me, each having their tradeoffs, though I can't say my wife was of the same mind. Thankfully, she's been supportive and willing to consider the options. After the recession, bad luck with a rental/renters in California, and making a number of offers I thought fair but not attractive to the sellers or their brokers, I became convinced that we couldn't afford a powerboat that met our requirements, I wavered from my goal of being a trawler owner.

I kept a foot in both camps, reading blogs and forums written by sailors and power boaters. I was still hoping there was a powerboat we could afford but willing to consider the right sailboat, especially if I was ready to cruise before the powerboat solution floated nearby. The experience made me wonder why "cruisers" on boats (not cruise ships) didn't apply equally to both the power and sail communities. Sailors seem to bear a grudge, finding power boaters generally disagreeable, but I'm sure some will claim that I generalize unfairly. Doesn't matter.

Here I am now, a trawler owner and cruiser wannabe but weekend gunkholer until I retire in a few years, still occasionally wanting to contribute to topics created by sailboat cruisers. For that reason I register and introduce myself.

If you find yourself in the Solomons, MD, area and need some help, let me know. I don't care what kind of boat or vehicle got you here. I'll help if I'm able.