"Jere Lull" wrote in message
news:2008052500171016807-jerelull@maccom...
But we *do* have the maximum-area bimini we could fit. Once installed, my
wife got far more comfortable -- and likely to accompany me for long
sails -- which is what it's all about. Hardly any cruising boat lacks a
dodger and bimini ...

... and something hanging off them blocking the late-afternoon sun....

Draping a simple net over a bimini wouldn't be that much different. Sounds
hot, but that may be what it takes in his area to get the family onboard
after dusk.

Mistake #1 Catering to the wife! A real sailor doesn't compromise his boat
for the sake of ANY woman! If a woman wants all the comforts of home make it
clear that is where she should remain. If she wants to go sailing educate
her as to what sailing involves. If, when she discovers that sailing is no
picnic she is less than enthusiastic, then all the better for you because
she will then willingly stay home.

Mistake #2 Dodgers are stupid and stupid looking. They are just a fad or a
gimmick. They add more weight up high and windage and they make it difficult
to see forward and to go forward in some cases. I've seen too many helmsmen
perched on the windward cockpit coaming leaning out just to see around some
crummy dodger with so-called clear plastic window in front that's like
trying to look through wax paper.

Mistake #3 Getting the family onboard any time is to make a sailboat a
floating day care center. Leave the wife and kids at home and go sailing.
You can't really go sailing with the family along. That's the main reason
Bobsprit recently gave up sailing after years of abortive and futile
attempts. He allowed his boat to become a day care center and a hen ship.
Pathetic! Can you imagine the *******ization of sailing that occurred aboard
any of his boats? There's the non-stop hi-pitched and irritating female
voices going non-stop, there's the whining and crying of young kids and
babies, there's the smelly diaper bag and urine soaking the cushions.
There's the drinks spilled all over the place by the brat(s), there's the
women queuing up at the toilet and clogging it with large clumps of toilet
paper and even tampons. There's the excessive use of water requiring the
tank to be filled every day. There's the stench of cheap perfume, underarm
deodorants and feminine hygiene spray. Then there's the slippery and
dangerous sun tan oil smeared all over everything. Can you say travesty?

Wilbur Hubbard