How many frogs do I have to kiss before I find my prince? How many boats do I have to sail before I find my next blue water chariot? Three? Five? Ten?
Nope.
Try fifty-eight! I think we did our due diligence. We made spreadsheets and shot thousands of photos.
We considered them all, from A to Z, from an Alajuela 33 to a Zaal designed Northern Comfort 43, and many others in between.
Our interest started with the Cape George 36. With her traditional lines, full keel, cutter rig, bowsprit, and stoutness. It was a logical choice for former owners of a Bristol Channel Cutter 28 and a Nor’sea 27. But along the way, we were lured in by the beauty of the double enders like the Alajuela 33 and a custom built Freya 39… and so the journey began.
We looked at wood, fiberglass, aluminum and steel. We considered cutters, sloops, ketches, schooners, and even the wacky aero-rig, like this one pictured below.
We looked at fast boats like the Cambria 44, and slow, steady vessels like the Westsail 32.
We drove from the southern most region of the north America, to the upper regions of Quebec, looking at boats in Marathon, FL and the Gaspé Region along the St. Lawrence. Our search extended from sea to shining sea covering San Diego, Annapolis, and points in between. We looked at boats in a total of four different countries, and have the passport stamps to show it.
Do you think we are crazy yet? Nah! Picky? Maybe. Did we learn a lot about what’s out there? Yes. Do we want to do it again? Nope.
Almost two years later, we finally found a boat we both liked, that would serve our purpose, at a price we could afford. It’s a far cry from the Cape George 36, but we’re glad our boat search has been a long and windy road. I think we’ve learned a lot about what we want from a boat, and that every boat is a compromise. So we’ve made an offer, and crossed our fingers. Where is she located? I’ll give you a hint…it’s in a place where can you see the sun rise over the Pacific.
In the next post, we’ll discuss more of the nitty gritty details about some boats we saw and some of the things about them we really liked, or didn’t like.
Comments 26
Gee ,,, Guys ,,, Gosh , it is not easy , or “Our girl friends , and Others would do it for us ??? Wouldn’t they ?
The more you know , the more selective , you get , in the end the better decision , you will make !
That is why you can see , at a glance , just who is to be avoided in an anchorage ,,,,,
Ooooo! I can’t wait for more details!
Congratulations! Looks like a REALLY sturdy boat. Looking forward to more details 🙂
Did you ever consider a catamaran?
Sounds familiar!! While our search wasn’t as extensive as yours we spent about six months of 2011, traipsing across the south of England, with two small kids in tow, looking at boat after boat after boat. My husband’s six foot two, so despite specks or brokers telling us he’d have enough head room, we rejected so many boats because Julian couldn’t stand up straight or couldn’t lie straight in any of the berths. I hate to think we’ll have to do it all again, if we ever upgrade from Carina, our room Westerly Conway 36.
Martina
I knew this couple. They’d been aboard their respective small boats for years, had married, continued to live on their own individual boats and decided it was time to get it together. They did. A rather large Westsail.
I won’t go into details but they are still happily married. They sold the Westsail. They live aboard two smaller boats. One 27. The other 28. The exact same boats they’d owned before. Funny where life takes you.
Tony
You should have made this a contest – Where in world can Ben and Theresa see the sun rise over the Pacific?
Best of luck with the offer! We looked for almost two years to find our home. If your looking at sunrises over the pacific my guess is she’s in Hawaii.
I have been guessing inwardly for weeks. I think 36′ double endear like the Christian/Union 36, designed by Robert Perry. Its comfortable and its your size. I am so excited to here your choice.
Keep us posted.
Cheers, Capt Curt
I hope you found right boat for both of your dream. I am looking for your new boat info with your next cruising plan! ,,,, guessing from Tony and Dave and they are correct then I may know which boat you’ve got…..
That’s not fair, you can’t keep us dangling like that … what is the boat you’ve found? The suspense will finish me off, I’m sure. And boy, am I jealous of your sunrise over the pacific; here in Blighty it’s rain, wind and more wind, followed by a bit more rain … you get the picture.
I hope its Talesin,l she needs good stewards like the two of you 🙂
Did not know Talesin was for sale?
Hi!
one obvious choice should be Hawaii. For that reason, I will bet you that it’s not.
Looking forward to the next post!
Regards
J.-C.
Our fingers are crossed for you, may your search be successful. Question? The Aero-rig pictured, interesting we started there also but don’t know that boat might you have a link?
After doing our own 4 year search we found our own simplistic rig and super boat. I am 6′-4″
And cabin height of 6′-8″ works…
Happy sailing with your new joy.
hmmm. I think you may be purchasing the boat I was just starting to look seriously into?
Surise on the Pacific? And yet still on the West Coast of the US, it is possible you know.
Looking forward to hearing more. Love the suspense. All the best to you.
I think Alan guessed it. He is already so0oo jealous.
If Anen is right, 🙂 a great boat… If it turns out that your her next stewards may she also bring you continued joy….
Ben and Theresa. Can’t wait to hear what you came up with and where.
I also appreciate your great tips on what to look for inside boat and out, based on your personal experience. I especially like your preference for head, bunk and galley easily accessible from companionway and cockpit.
I’m still looking, but not as far and wide as you have. Please keep us posted of what you find best suits your needs and why.
Most helpful is Theresa’s uncompromising conviction that the sailor and crew spirit is the most critical component of the venture–from the design of the boat to its performance, from the sail plan to its execution, from launch to landing.
JE
Author
Thank you so much for the kind words, Jim. Its wonderful to hear my message is being heard. Tell me, where did you get the impression that my ” uncompromising conviction that the sailor and crew spirit is the most critical component of the venture”??
I’m curious.
Teresa
Hey Teresa,
If your new boat happens to live in San Francisco, please get in touch. I live here and might be able to put you guys up for a spell while you check her out. Local advice included!
Best,
C
Sunrise over the Pacific. Too many choices to take a guess. I do hope you get the boat and can’t wait to see what she is.
My money is on this nice vessel! All the best with your travels!!!
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/36385
Ok, I was wrong, unless you are a nice Canadian couple!
I love my Nor’sea so I’m looking forward to what this is that will care you to your next adventure.
Can’t wait to hear about your “new” perfect boat! I’m on my way to finishing my Cape George Cutter! The mast is ordered, not long now…
Good Luck with the bid!
Fair Winds, Wes