17 Comments
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Charlie's avatar

Couldn't agree more. If you are just talking about enjoyment on the water and don't need the latest and greatest, it is amazing that you can find something great used for 1/10th to 1/5th the price. Even if you have to update all of the electronics to the latest and greatest you are still way ahead...

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

100% correct! So many sweet deals out there! Appreciate your support, Charlie! Looking forward to summer!

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Will Gerstmyer's avatar

Yes, I found an inexpensive Brewer 12.8 that needed very little to take me anywhere in the ocean, several thousand miles so far. There is no better time to be buying a great old boat, a “buyers market” after covid days and “why in the world?” modern boats and cats.

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

Excellent! A Ted Brewer boat. He designed our Morgan 382. Big fan! And I agree with your comments. Enjoy your sailing!

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Kyle Leonard's avatar

This was a fantastic post! Thank you. I saved an Evelyn 26 a few years back and raced her at the club with good results. I've looked for a novel that has this theme of saving a classic sailboat. I couldn't find any so I decided to write one as I close in on my last days before retiring from teaching. The story "Stinger" incorporates a 1962 Pearson Triton. In my real life I am refurbishing my Herman Lund 1939 34' cutter CURLEW.

I have a that 50/50 love of working on a sailboat and sailing a sailboat that really helps me dream on and off the water.

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

That’s awesome! Love those Tritons! And I just watched the video of Curlew being launched a few years ago. Gorgeous boat. Wow! Appreciate the comment and thanks for reading! And writing! Good luck with your novel.

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Tom Emery's avatar

I'm currently restoring a 1973 45' Columbia Motorsailor. Yes, the topsides are a tad boxy, but the under body is a work of art and efficiency.

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

Fantastic! Is that the 43? I reckon she's super comfortable. Enjoy!

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Tom Emery's avatar

No...it's 45 feet. Very accommodating. Tri level (step down galley, main salon, step down after master suite, walk in shower. Tons of storage. Hard dodger. Deep fin keel. Skeg hung rudder. Bought it for $7,000.00. I will invest $60k and a lot of work, but it will take me anywhere. Not my first boat!!

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

That’s really cool. Great, comfortable boat. Missed the 45 feet in first message. Duh!

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Tom Emery's avatar

No worries. I miss stuff all the time. I agree with the article. The new boats just don't look good...no grace

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K.W. Landry's avatar

Have you seen the Surprise? If you've walked by Peter Otts you should see her just there, they're working on her, but she's already pretty sweet, what do you think?

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

If you're talking about the schooner Surprise, yes, she's a beauty and a fixture of Camden Harbor. Always a highlight to see her out on the bay. Lovely boat!

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leslie mccurdy's avatar

Hear Hear!

CD 30C “Libelle”

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

Love the CD 30C. My buddy has one and sails more than anyone I know!

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leslie mccurdy's avatar

You did a segment on him I think…

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The BoatFools Report's avatar

I did indeed! Cape Dory Carlton. I literally have him in my phone as this. I am pretty sure he loves that boat more than his family.

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