I think I bought a sailboat today...

1/2/2013

This morning started out pretty cold (by Calif standards) and very windy.   The sky was clear, so with my long johns, sweat-shirt and leather motorcycle jacket, I got on my motorcycle and rode the 100+miles up the coast to Oxnard and Vintage Channel Island Marina.  I met with the boat owner (of a sailboat I had become interested in) who was German American and who was a mechanic by trade.  I believe we hit it off immediately.   The boat is a 1975 Ericson 32-2.  We Germans tend to like things done right and Herbie was no exception.   If you look at the picture you will see that much of the boat is very clean and almost like new.   During the last few months Herbie had replaced the engine with a Universal diesel with only a couple of hundred hours on it.   While he had the engine out, he rewired much of the battery to engine wires.   When he started the engine, it purred and I could tell there was pride in his work.  He had also hauled the boat, cleaned and repaired the bottom and then had given it several coats of Micron 66 paint.   The last time he had painted the boat, the paint lasted over eight years.  Just recently he had the bottom cleaned by a diver and the diver told him the bottom was like new.    Herbie had also replaced the zincs and added a new folding propeller.   When I got to the boat, I noticed  two new solar panels that were mounted on the aft of the boat.  He had mounted these so that they could be adjusted so as to get the full benefit of the sun.   These keep the batteries charged and run all of the lights and electronics on the boat.  He had also not advertised the Raymarine self-steering that was part of the boat and was mounted below deck.   This is the best place for it out of the weather.   I asked about an inflatable and he stated, "Oh yes, that would be included also."  It also has a dodger to keep the spray and some of the wind off of you when sailing and the list goes on and on.

The boat was very similar (only larger) than my last boat which was and Ericson 29.   While the boat is only a 32 footer, they are a proven seaworthy boat.   Another Ericson 32 that I was going to look at had just sailed back from Hawaii.   I will have a slip in Long Beach and my friend Mike from my astronomy club also has a boat there.    My friend Mike has already volunteered to help me sail the boat from Oxnard to Long Beach (approx 100 miles).   As you can tell, I am excited.   Mary is less excited (she gets sea sick) but I love her so much for hanging in there with this new adventure.

As the owner, Herbie, and I shook hands, I could tell he was a bit sad.   He had told me earlier that he had another boat already picked out.   I have a feeling that Herbie and I will stay in touch and grow into friends.  Thanks Herbie.