Maybe a Tanzer--Tuesday, August 27, 2013 --Driving up to Port Angeles Saturday to look at a Tanzer.  Only two sails, but the advertised price is right and a spinnaker and maybe new sails can come later if I buy it.

Had a very generous offer extended from a Lido owner--wanted to lend me his boat for a race.  Think I'll look at the Tanzer first.  If I don't like it, then ask him to take me out on a non-race day.

Still Looking--Flying Scott in Boise--Saturday, August 24, 2013 -- Check Craigslist everyday for Seattle, Portland, Tri-Cities and Spokane.  There are a couple of possibles.  There is a Tanzer up in Port Angeles--the price seems right, $1600--only two sails.  The trailer needs work, but is road worthy.

There is a Flying Scot in Boise.  The price is really right--$5500 for what he is selling.  This boat has two mains, two jibs, two spinnakers, pole, compass--trailer isn't bad--galvanized.  The owner is still racing it.  This an interesting class boat.  Last year FS #1 won a regatta.  This particular boat is a '78.

Fifty-five hundred is more than I want to have tied up in a boat that I'm only going to sail 10 or 12 times a year.  It's a long drive to Boise (10 hours each way).  New Scots go for $19,000--I didn't stutter, that's three zeros.

Thinking about it.  It's a good buy.  More than I want to spend, but it would be fun to go head to head with Semper Fi.

Withdrawal -- Monday, August 19, 2013 -- A couple of hours after the boat headed down the road, a big case of sailboat withdrawal started to come in waves.  Checked Craigslist from Seattle to Missoula and down to San Francisco.  Only one boat seemed like it would fit--a Tanzer 16 in Portland--already sold.

My new approach is going to be to offer sellers $100 to try the boat out on the water.  If I like it, we will dicker the hundred into the price.  If I don't like it, I got to go sailing and they made a 100 bucks for their trouble.  We'll see how it goes.  You would think with all the dusty, dirty boats sitting in yards, there would be many more boats for sale--maybe everybody wants to use up the last month of summer.

Here is the current ad on Craig's list.

Wanted sailing dinghy (Olympia)

Looking for a dinghy to race. Sit in not on. Thinking Lido 14, Tanzer 16 or other of similar size. Need trailer too. I am pretty handy, but not looking for a big project boat.

Did not include in the ad:  Of course I would consider a San Juan 21 Mk 1--the one with the big cockpit, but there aren't any of those either--at least right now and finding one with a good balsa core deck can be a challenge.

Lido 14 still in production--you can buy every part on it including sails on line.

Tanzer 16 is no longer manufactured--looks more knee friendly--wife says "Maybe" on a nice day with not too much wind which really means, "Yes dear, but no thanks, I am busy today."

 

Gone to a good home -- Saturday, August 17, 2013 -- So the 1st little boat is gone--to a good home I think.  Ben and his dad, Chris, hooked it up and took it to its new home in Hood Canal.  They will enjoy it I think.  It only cost me a grand to go sailing three times--cheap in the world of boats.  So now to find a fast boat that is a little bigger and easier on these old knees (a little more wife-friendly wouldn't hurt).  Maybe a Tanzer 16--too bad they didn't make a San Juan 17.  I have a different strategy for selecting the new little boat--stay tuned. 

Next week a tour of the shop.

Ben and Chris rolled the main and stowed it prior to departure.

 

Last Race--didn't happen--Thursday, August 15, 2013 -- It was dark and gloomy all day.  The rain fell straight down.  I got to the boat launch, and it was obvious that it just wasn't going to happen.  Even the Lasers bagged it.  We drank a couple of beers; watched a dinghy sit--the current moved him a bit, not the wind.  We talked about the next boat, and speculated on a third crew member if we get a spinnaker.  Dang--oh well there are worse things than good company, beer, and talking about boats. 

Last Race?

Last Race for the No Number C-lark?  Thursday, August 15, 2013 -- Have a couple of very interested potential buyers for the little boat, but I stalled them until after today.

I would like to race it one more time.  Unfortunately the sky is lead-grey, and there isn't much prospect of wind.  It has been raining on and off all day.  It's so dark that my photocell lights came on.  Can't complain too much it has been great most of the summer.  Low tide will be during the race, but still seven feet above mean lower, low water. 

I really like this little boat, but these old knees require something a bit more roomy if we really want to be competitive.  And,  there is no chance that I will ever get Pat on this boat--she doesn't even like the Miata.  Fortunately Craigs List is just full of boats that would do nicely.  Will get back to you with tonight's results.