Can't Sleep

[Klamathman]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and am consummating a purchase of a Catalina 27 tomorrow. I learned to sail some 40 years ago on a Sunfish (self taught). Stepped up to a Laser a few years later. Owned a Ghost 13 for a short while, then gave the sport up when I had kids. They were interested in what they perceived as more "exciting" water sports so we purchased a Wellcraft and did the ski/tube/kneeboard deal for a decade. When they grew up I fished (bought a Klamath fishing boat... Hence, the "handle") for another 5 years until I was "sail bitten" again and bought my dream boat... A Montgomery 17.

That Monty was awesome. I cannot begin to tell you what a work of art that boat was... And what a looker as well. She was everything one would want except she was a bit snug for weekend cruising. My wife and I enjoyed her very much but, because of the tight quarters and the hour it took to rig her we used her less and less each year and ultimately parted with her.

That was about 4 years ago. Then, about a year ago, the "sail bug" bit again. This time it was time to hit the big leagues. We wanted a boat that was reliable, roomy enough that yoga lessons were not necessary to move about the cabin and one that wouldn't break the bank. We also wanted one that would be moored at a marina... No more rigging for us.

Last week we found a Catalina 27 that was perfect. This baby is a 1978 vintage with a Honda 9.9 ob with cockpit controls. She has upgrades such as a roller furling, a solar panel, a beefed up compression post, new keel bolts, wheel steering, dodger, cockpit BBQ, lazy jacks and more.

We take ownership tomorrow and the current captain will be joining us on our maiden voyage to help us acclimate. We have much to learn. This boat will be used mostly in the SF Bay and I will need to learn about currents, tides, strong winds and much more. Our goal is to spend a bit of time with her during "Indian Summer" and then dry dock her over the winter to paint her hull and rename her "Already There" because, as you all know, you can get there faster in a motorboat but in a sailboat you're already there.

I look forward to tapping into your knowledge soon as I attempt to become the best sailor I can be. For instance, I know that changing the name of a boat can have major consequences if not done correctly. I will need guidance in this sensitive and potentially lethal procedure. I will listen intently as you all impart your wisdom on this as well as several other topics that I will inquire about.

Thanks for reading...
Jeff

[Ex-Calif]

Congratulations on the boat - Must be like Christmas Eve!

For the extremely dangerous renaming ceremony take a look at the attached. We had a blast doing it at the dock. I have pics somewhere...

[JPA Cate]

Welcome back to sailing.

You should indeed have a great time on the bay with your new boat.

It is often said that the two happiest days in a boat owner's life are the day s/he buys the boat.....and the day s/he sells it.

Enjoy!

Ann

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jeff.

Congratulations!

[auscruisertom]

I would not be sleeping either ,Congratulations the Catalina is a great boat.
And once you get your bearings and the weather in the bay changes take some time to explore the Delta, warmer weather, no fog smooth motor sailing and if you cruise far enough you might even fit in a Winery tour.
Cheers Tom

[roverhi]

Also learned to sail on a Sailfish on inland lake. Jumped from that to a 26 footer after a 10 year hiatus from sailing. No problem with the transition not only to a bigger boat but going from Lake to open ocean. The Sailfish taught me well.

When you say paint, are you talking topside, deck or the interior?? Strongly suggest if it's topside and deck, you try compounding it and waxing. You can bring back really ugly gelcoat with a little elbow grease and Gelcoat is way more tolerant of abuse than paint. The paint will look wonderful when new but stay away from pilings and docks with hidden nails. Paint scratches and a braids way way easier than Gelcoat. Recommend a paint other than AwlGrip that can be touched up if you are going that route. How are you going to keep the boat out of the water for months??? Laydays in a yard will add up right quick.

Add a dodger and weather cloths for the cockpit and extend your sailing season to year around. The Bay is beautiful in the winter though the winds are sometimes a bit light. Actually think the winter is the summer as the seasons seem to be reversed if you are talking the city side of the Bay. Good luck with the boat. A perfect size to mess around there.

[SkiprJohn]

That's a great boat to step up to. Congratulations!
kind regards,

[accomplice]

Congrats. Enjoy!