RR wrote:
We would really appreciate hearing from people who have been sailors and
have made the transition to power.


That would be me. I have been sailing for 25 years and love it. We just
got back from a bareboat charter in the BVI, and plan to continue
chartering to keep sailing.

In March of this year we boat a Chaparral 350 Signature (twin engine
V-drive cruiser). The issue for us was the time and distance to good
sailing (one to two hours each way to the Cheasepeake, depending on
traffic). We can keep the power boat nearby (20 - 30 minute drive) and
so use it more often--at least twice a week.

We like being out on the boat, and it is nice to be able to get places
reasonably quickly. We have found that we miss having the journey itself
be part of the pleasure. Engine and hull noise do take something away
from the experience.

Our plan is to return to sail in six or seven years when the last child
is out of the house and our weekends become wholly our own again.

Regards,

Dave
M/V Auspicious
"A sailor fallen from grace"

On Fri, 18 Jul 2003 07:16:33 +0000, RR wrote:

We would really appreciate hearing from people who have been sailors and
have made the transition to power.

It is hard decision as we have loved sailing but we also just want to be on
the water and sailing is more time consuming and we have tight schedules. We
are also nearing our mid-50's and it seem like more work than it used to be.

Please E-mail us - we would appreciate all thoughts.


I moved in that direction, but...

I tried an 18-ft trailerable powerboat, but found 1) I couldn't go out
unless the weather was really nice, and 2) Once I got there, I only had an
18 ft boat (ie it wasn't as pleasant as the 36-ft sailboat)

I pondered a 24-ft planing powerboat, but soon realized that, at $500 or
more a weekend for fuel, I wouldn't take it anywhere!

I considered a larger, trawler-style displacement powerboat, but then
realized: I already HAVE one! $10K would get me a nicer, more powerful
engine, and sailboats make pretty good displacement powerboats.

So if you want a powerboat, and you're not willing to spend the Big Bux on
fuel, get a bigger engine for your sailboat!

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36

Two years ago, I made transition from 30' Newport sloop to 22' Searay
cuddy cabin. It's not a good comparison, bcz the Searay is a planing
boat and much smaller.

1. The Searay is on a trailer, - stored/covered near my home for $600 a
year (instead of $350 / month)
2. The Newport slept 4 adults easily, 22' Searay could sleep 4 but I
would not want that many people on an overnight trip.
3. Searay can be towed to port of choice, including lakes.
4. Searay, with 260 hp Mercruiser I/O, is a little noisier than sailing.
5. In the Newport 30, there was nothing better than shutting off the
motor and having the wind move the boat thru the water.
6. The Newport 30 easily handled much wind, much swell, much chop, even
when I really, really longed to be in a harbor.
7. I choose to not go out in the Searay 22 unless sea and wx are going
to be mild.
8. ref --
http://home.bak.rr.com/kingjim/cruiseshipmyboat.html


If I was retired, I'd want to resume sailing.

J K


We would really appreciate hearing from people who have been sailors
and have made the transition to power.

It is hard decision as we have loved sailing but we also just want to
be on the water and sailing is more time consuming and we have tight
schedules. We are also nearing our mid-50's and it seem like more work
than it used to be.

Please E-mail us - we would appreciate all thoughts.

Konnie