I have been sailing for about 20 yrs and before that spent most of my
life canoeing Florida rivers. A little over a year ago, I decided the
sailboat wouldnt take me to the really interesting places I wanted to
go. Most of these places are in shallow water and I wanted to be able
to beach my boat. So, I decided to build a 20' Tolman Skiff. I had NO
experience with power boats at all and had never piloted one. I
finished "Syzygy" in late November and launched her the day after
Thanksgiving. So far, I have taken her out only 4 times making
improvements each time.
So, here is my reaction.........its sort of a letdown. Whenever I got
back from a long day of sailing, I would be exhausted and feel like I'd
had an adventure and feel like I'd accomplished something. After going
up and down the St. Marks River today in the Tolman, I dont feel that
way at all. No feeling of being tired, no feeling of accomplishment
(except for having finished my boat), not sure what to think. I am no
fisherman although we will give it a try. I dont know if we will feel
any different after we use her to go some cool places.
A couple years ago, I sailed my 28' S2 sailboat from Sarasota to St.
MArks and came into the river late on a cold January night. We were
cold as hell but I was so excited and full of accomplishment that I
didnt care if I was numb from the cold as I spotlighted the markers. I
still have my sailboat and may go back to her to get that feeling back.