Lots of decisions to make here on the rigging kids. Going from rod to wire is going to take a lot of modifications on the upper fittings and the forestay … don’t even get me started. And, taping? More taping? YES! We prepped the boat up once again for the fiberglass repair as Video Annie gets ready to clock in at the yard.
Only $48? That’s great! Just a teeny bit more to go. Get inspired. Get on board!
Let’s KICK OFF this third season, shall we! With a trip to Ft. Lauderdale where we get a great visit in with the super-knowledgeable Pam Wall, get some initial rigging hardware quotes on rod versus wire and … well a funky little surprise at the end with my bad-ass brother, John. Bring your jukebox money!
Only $48 to go?! Shut the front door. That’s awesome. Just a teeny bit more to go. Get inspired. Get on board!
Kids I need help. It’s obvious. I crack myself up with the stupid questions I keep asking in these boat tours. I have to admit it is far more difficult than I imagined to both 1) keep an engaging conversation going with the boat owner, while also making sure I 2) hold the camera steady, 3) get a good shot and 4) don’t put my finger over the microphone. And, I’m blonde people. It kind of makes editing easy, though. All I have to do is CUT! every time I start talking and pick the footage back up every time I stop. Seriously … watch this and you’ll see:
Now, how many times did he say “It’s electric?”
Two, right? Yes, twice. And, what was my first question?
“So, that’s-a-what powers it?” Really Annie …
You can see why I just resort to humor often to try and gloss over my sometimes hideously-poor questions. But, I do believe I am getting better and I hope you all are enjoying the boat tours. I’m getting some great feedback on YouTube, Facebook and the blog, where you all have let me know how helpful you’ve found them and that you’re looking forward to more. Awesome! Because I have already filmed several more boats. Coming soon, I’ll have a Sabre, a Gulf Star, a Tartan, a Nonsuch and more.
So, now I pose the question to you. As you know, my primary goal in doing all of this is to help folks like you looking to get out and cruise. If you’re finding the content helpful, please support my Give the Gift of Cruising campaign on Patreon!
But, in order to truly help you all, I want to make sure I’m asking the questions you would of these generous (and patient) boat owners and getting you the answers you need to help you find your boat. So, lay it on me! What are the most important boat features you want me to discuss during these boat tours? I can’t promise to include them all every time (nor can I promise to not goober them up on occasion — you’ve met Video Annie),
but I vow to try to touch on each of them as often as I can. Send me your top ten questions list and I’ll put together a conglomerated master Q list for my boat tours and share with you all.
Okay … GO!
Boat Tour No. 2! Follow along as Bob aboard s/v Partager (meaning “to share” in French) shares a tour of his boat, some system upgrades, some lessons learned and how he came to be called “Backwards Bob!” Let me know what you think of the SeaPower alternator generator and his linear drive auto-pilot install and whether you’ve ever found yourself in a similar “backwards” situation!
If you’re finding these boat tours helpful, please help us help those dreaming of cruising at Patreon. Get inspired and get on board!
Whoa! We’re so close. Only $70 to go. Let’s make this happen kids!
Okay, you all called it. It’s time to haul out. “Uncle!” we cried. But, we were proud of the demo we accomplished DIY style. Now it’s time to take that same attitude to the shipyard and do this job with the professionals so we learn how to do it right, but save time (and our fingers!) in the process. Season Two, that’s a wrap!
Whoa! We’re so close. Only $70 to go. Let’s make this happen kids!
Hey kids! Little cruiser’s ditty for you here. I’ve done Dr. Suess style on the blog before (shout-out to Cara and Eddie on s/v Danseur du Vent!), and found it to be challenging, inspiring and fun. Here is another Suess-style musing while I’m dreaming of our plans to sail south this season. Enjoy!
OH THE PLACES YOU’LL CRUISE
Congratulations! Today is your day.
You’ve bought a great boat. You’ll soon be off and away!
You have hands that will work, and new occupations to try.
You may find you’re a bad electrician, a good plumber, not sure why.
But, you’re on your own. It’s just you and your boat,
and the brains in your head that will keep you afloat.
You’ll go to many an anchorage. Choose them with care.
About some you will say: “Only go if you dare.
The inlet is tricky. You have to zig zag,
and the skeeters at night really make it a drag.”
You may not find any where you want to stay a while
If so, just weigh anchor and sail on with a smile.
That’s okay if you feel the need to just drift.
The world is your wide open explorable gift.
And it’s opener you’ll see, on the wide open sea.
Out there things will happen, because that’s where they do.
Nothing will crack or explode at the dock. It’s true!
But you’ll find it’s really the way it should be,
because it’s more fun to make repairs, learn and work on your boat while at sea!
So, don’t worry about the happenings and the equipment you may lose,
because it’s all about the journey. OH THE PLACES YOU’LL CRUISE!
You’ll be on your way up at times, climbing the mast to great heights.
You’ll sail to exotic places, and take in new sights.
You’ll enjoy the fullest all of these cruising delights,
and savor the peaceful time on your boat and those calm, restful nights.
Except when you don’t, because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say, but sadly it’s true, neighboring boats will drag anchor and bump into you.
Hurricanes and run-agrounds and all the things that you dread,
can happen, you know that. Just be prepared. Use your head.
Your boat will get banged and form scars from hard knocks.
It just proves you were brave enough to leave the dock.
You can’t avoid it. At times you’ll need major repairs.
It will spring up inconveniently, when you’re not ready and unaware.
Times will be hard when your boat’s on the hard.
Be ready to break out another (platinum) credit card.
The list will grow in every cubby you look,
but you’ll want to do right by your boat, in every cranny and nook.
Looking back over time, the projects will seem smaller,
particularly when you’re sailing away, living simpler, stretching your dollar.
Your boat will be ready to take you so many places.
You’ll see all kinds of wildlife, wild people, all ages and races.
Take it all in, every bite, every hike.
Sail your little boat wherever you’d like.
But be ready, always, for another bump and bruise,
because it’s all worth it for the places you’ll cruise.
We’re getting closer and closer to giving the gift! Every little bit helps move the cause along. Get inspired and get on board!
Seems our hack job didn’t really pass muster and we have, in the words of Brandon with Perdido Sailor, “a lot more to do.” So, bad news and now a very BIG decision to make. What do you think we should do?
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Lookout! The DIY’ers are on the loose. Have grinder, will cut. We made a real mess of things in the bilge, but we gutted the stringers. Tell me, what do you think of our end product? Are we done cutting?
HELP ME GIVE THE GIFT OF CRUISING! Click to donate!
I might have told a story of losing my bikini top while kite-surfing … Pretty sure I did.
It’s almost impossible to control the things that will fly out of my mouth. Second interview with Travis Parsons on the Adventure Sports Podcast brought to you by 180 Tack. A lot of fun stories in here for you kids talking about sailing, kite-surfing, Keys to the Kingdom and my gift of cruising campaign. Enjoy!
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First boat tour kids! We’re going to set foot on different boats to help you find yours. This beauty is our broker, Kevin’s, boat and not only did he give us a tour but also some great advice for those who may be boat-shopping. Thank you again Kevin, with Edwards Yacht Sales for taking the time to show off your exquisite 1982 Pearson 36 Cutter.
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