Just joined

[olivertwist]

Hi. I just found this forum while searching self steering. I'm 55 and have sailed all my life but never more than coastal trips with a few overnight races. I'm gearing up my Cape dory Intrepid for eventual cruising when I retire and have time. I spend as much time windsurfing as sailing.

oliver

Oliver, welcome aboard. I understand that time thing. Getting tougher to find it, but then again, maybe I just regret wasting it more as I get older.

[bearphish]

Welcome aboard, Oli. Lot's of good folks here, no doubt.

[Lancerbye]

Welcome aboard from a part time displaced Canadian. I also understand the time thing and am working on that.

[olivertwist]

Thank you all for the kind welcome. This looks like a very usefull forum. I look forward to learning much from it.

Oliver

[swagman]

G'day and can I add my welcome also.

It's always good to see so new people joining the forum and hopefully you'll find it of value as we do.

Sail safe

JOHN

[Therapy]

Lots of value here for your time.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Oliver,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here. I just went out for a sail with a new boat owner who bought a Columbia 28 that needs a few things corrected before going interisland. (Atomic 4 still smells like gas and the prop shaft is a bit wobbly) I enjoyed the feel of the boat and believe that 28 and up to 36 is a very good size. The Cape Dory is a bit higher quality than the Columbia and is a great boat for anyone. Good luck and hope you contribute with questions and answers in this forum.
Dodger and self steering are pretty much a requirement in my point of view.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[olivertwist]

skipperjohn,
Thanks for your comments. I have a few years to gear up for cruising. My boat came with an auto-tiller although I haven't used it yet. I also bought the Davis Tiller Tamer at West Marine. I'll get that rigged during the off season and try it out next Spring. I'd like to convert from Diesel to electric and replace the standard head with an airhead toilet. I want to reduce the number of things that need maintenance or could break. I'm looking at Re-e-power for the new motor. It can recharge the batteries while under sail power.

Oliver