Hello to All !

[Bluefuss]

First of all let me thank you all for the informative, interesting and humurous posts I have enjoyed over the last few months. What a great venue! The exchange of opinions and ideas, quotes and information will go a long way to educating me in the ways of our salt water world.I am getting very close to my first sailboat purchase and have a lot to learn on and off the water. Thanks again , and I look forward to hearing from you all.
Bluefuss

[boatman61]

Hi Bluefuss... nice of you to join us, welcome on board mate..

[Lancerbye]

Welcome aboard fellow Canadian in BC.

[scook1]

Hello hello,
Glad that you have joined us!
Spencer

[Bluefuss]

Thanks for the nod.....Portugal eh? Would love to hear all about that some time

[Bluefuss]

Hey Lancerbye, thanks for the hello. I'm just up the coast in Nanaimo. Racing whenever I get the chance and patiently searching for my boat

[Bluefuss]

Hello Scook1, love the fact that everyone from any location can be a part of this. Thanks for the hello

[Bash]

ah, I see that your boat is a TBA.

One of the best boats I've even owned, that TBA.

Welcome to the forum.

[Bluefuss]

hehe yeah i'm workin on it, everyday. Tryin to make a choice thats half assed intelligent

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
I recommend the TBA 32 or up to the 36. For some boat ideas you can check out the links after my signature or the book recommendation.
You've got a great place to sail there.
kind regards,

[Bluefuss]

Thanks John,
I have read the links u sent me (and everything else I have been able to find in the past couple of years) about sail boats. I am still looking for advise and comparing lengths and models, gear, rigs etc. I am currently drooling over a Cape Dory 36 that is probably a little beyound my budget,(but who knows if she doesn't sell for a while).
I am thinking of something in the 36 foot range. Love the layout of a Hunter or Catalina, but want the blue water capability of that Cape Dory. Whatever I buy it will have to be as easily single handed as possible so things like a Dutchman flaking system are a must. I will either buy her or make additions to her in order to be as self sufficient as possible. IE solar, wing gen, watermaker etc.
I am currently getting some time on the water by crewing on weekend races, and soon Regattas here in the Nanaimo area, and picking every brain that will sit still for it. Any advise, news, etc that you can send my way will be GREAT and I look forward hearing from u again.
Regards,
Keith

[Southern Star]

Welcome to the forum, Keith! The Cape Dory 36 is certainly a capable vessel, although as I'm sure you are aware, there are many other similar designs out there if that is what 'clicks your switch' (for example, Canadian-built Alberg 37's that may be available for less money in your market).

In any case, if you are looking for advice on boats/gear you have come to the right place. A good place to start may be to check out some of the earlier threads contrasting full keel and fin keel designs for offshore purposes and then working forward from there.

Cheers!

Brad

[Bluefuss]

Thanks Brad, good thinking on both counts (i love this forum), I'm on it.
Keith

[feelsgood]

Welcome aboard yet another man ready to throw loads of cash in a hole in the water. In this forum I have alwas found if you ask you usualy receive good luck.