Part of The Underway Gourmet by Suzy O'Keefe
This is supposed to be fun... so why isn't sailing fun for many folks??? Why are there so many broken dreams, vessels sitting neglected, and people disillusioned. Oh, you've heard reasons like:
Consider this. The real reason isn't likely to be any of those listed. These are just the symptoms. More often than not, the wrong boat or the wrong equipment for your cruising needs is the true reason. "It's a cruising boat" you say "the boat broker said so, and I've seen lots of others like it out there". Perhaps. But. even if it is a cruising boat, who says that it's right for you?
There may be things you can do to make your boat more "cruiser friendly" and yourselves more "cruise ready"... and the process may not be as difficult as you suspect. It's really more of a different way of thinking than anything else.
First, try to identify the problems. Why is the boat so wet? Why can't you sleep underway? Etc. etc. Let the symptoms lead you back to the cause then try to fix it.
And, if you're still looking for the right boat, maybe this will help you make your selection.
I've listed a number of potential problems, explanations, and solutions below and I hope some of them will help you make your boating experience fun!
Are you chained to the boat each day for a couple of hours while charging batteries? Is this because your alternator is undersized? Is it time to replace those tired batteries or change to a different type? Should you buy a wind generator, solar panels, or a diesel generator? You can spend thousands of dollars on a generator but for that kind of money you can probably purchase a water maker, enough solar panels to power it AND have a sturdy structure made for mounting them. A wind generator may be the way for you to go, but a lot depends upon the percentage of time you spend underway versus at anchor. Also whether the majority of your travel will be upwind or downwind. And remember...the only way you are going to get any significant power out of your wind generator while at anchor is to anchor in unprotected windy spots that are far outside the tranquil inner bays. Rock & Roll!
Your refrigeration doesn't necessarily like being "fed" at 10am and 8pm when you feel like running your engine. It needs to come on when the thermostat dictates, and not when its convenient for you. Other systems, like your water maker, can be operated whenever you feel like it. Really make a conscience decision about your habits and your needs before choosing anything that is engine driven.
Do you really need that 200 gallon (1600 lb.) water tank under the salon settee? Chances are that most 2 person boats can easily get along with a 50 gallon tank and a 4 gallon per hour water maker. Think about it... you could have a small 15 to 17 gallon dedicated water maker tank (just for drinking) and a transfer pump for filling your main tank. That way you can fill up by hose or jug whenever you want and never contaminate your drinking water. And, plumb your overflow somewhere where you can see it -- like into the galley sink. Things don't have to be complicated to work well.
Beef up your alternator, belts, brackets, etc. so that you can get the most out of engine charging time. A large frame 95 amp or larger alternator will probably do a fine job for you.
Install a proper switch so that you can turn off the alternator in case you need a bit of extra UMPH to get off that lee shore. Or, for those times when your solar panels have your batteries charged up, turn off the alternator and reduce your RPMs to save a little fuel. Yes it is possible to have more power than you need!
An inverter is a nice addition to any boat. As well as running power tools and the microwave, it can also be used to power those rubber novelty items... ;-)
The right combination of living space and storage space is essential. It just doesn't work if you have enough of one but not enough of the other. Does the boat have enough outside lazarette storage space so that things aren't piled around on deck or stuffed into the v-berth?
Can one person raise and lower your sails? Is it easy? Fully battened sails can be extremely heavy... sometimes too heavy for the 110 pound first mate to deal with alone. If you have a choice or are planning to have your sail recut anyway, try having only the top few battens. Chances are you'll only really need them when you're reefed down anyway.
Thinking about one of those roller masts or booms? Just remember that most require that both "ends" of the furling line be controlled during furling & un-furling. This can be more difficult than handling an ordinary sail. You must pull the sail both up and down and it may even be a two person job. One other thing to consider about roller mains is the whistling sound made by the wind getting into the slot while you're docked. You may get used to it, but your neighbors won't.
Can one person easily do all that is necessary to tack or jibe? Some auto pilots have a button or series of buttons to push that change course about 110 degrees for exactly this reason.
When your jib is only partially unfurled, does it have good sail shape? If the answer is no because there are lots of wrinkles, you may be able to have a piece of foam added to the luff. This allows the sail to roll smoothly onto the furler and unroll the same way thus giving good sail shape at any percent.
Are you both comfortable with the procedure to heave-to? Have you practiced it in 6 knots so that you'll be ready in 40 knots?
Are the aft lowers in the way when you want to sail downwind? It maybe a poor design. There is probably nothing you can do about it but at least add some chafe protection -- add shroud and spreader patches to your sail and a chafe guard to your shrouds.
Is the traveler in or behind the cockpit? This can be awkward and make accidental jibes even more dangerous. Can it be relocated in front of the dodger? Ask an expert. At least install a line control system on your traveler for quick & easy adjustments.
If you don't have a preventer system that remains in place all the time, you should... preventers that can be easily activated from the cockpit and available while on either board without going forward to re-rig.
Snatch blocks and a genoa track often work better than blocks snapped onto the rail. They are more easily adjusted for optimum sail trim. Keep the snatch blocks from clanging around by tying them to the lower lifeline with a piece of bungee cord...this will slide easily along the lifeline and the off-watch won't be kept awake by blocks banging about.
When you "fly your pole" make it both safe and easy by using a dedicated foreguy and a dedicated afterguy as well as a topping lift. You may think that's just more lines running around the deck, but that's a small price to pay for piece of mind. Consider a system that is completely separate from the sail. You can furl/unfurl, raise/drop, or even jibe without ever touching the pole. When you're done with the sail, then deal with the pole. To make this work, your guys should lead back to the cockpit and your sheets should be long enough so that they can remain in the jaws of the pole and be free to run when you furl, drop, or jibe. In other words, the lazy sheet has to be long enough to allow the activity without coming up short. The extra guys give you complete control, and all can be done by one person if need be. The pole doesn't flail around at all.
Have more than enough self-tailing winches on board and try to put them in the very best locations. Do the same with cleats. I know winches are expensive, but don't "cheap out" now!
The mainsheet should be easily and quickly "blown" to help prevent knockdowns. Don't lock the mainsheet on the cleat. Often, a split second makes all the difference. Instead of a horn cleat, a jam cleat generally works just fine. It's easy to flip the sheet into or out of a jam cleat.
Do both of you have basic navigation skills? Speed, time, and distance. Current, set, and drift. Dead reckoning. All these terms should have meaning for you. Please don't just rely on the "push-button system". It's best to use several means of determining your position whenever you can.
Have you done your homework? When you get to the destination of your choice, are you there at the best time of year to enjoy it? Will the tides and currents be favorable when you arrive?
Stand 4-hour watches instead of 2-hour watches if there are just two of you on board. You can almost always get a solid 2 1/2 hours of sleep during your off watch and still have time to read, cook, take a shower, etc.
Remember that privacy is important to everyone... even the crew!
Autonomy is also important. All watch-standers should have decision making authority. They should be allowed, even encouraged, to make certain decisions. If they are not, then you are doing something wrong.
All on board should ideally be able to handle the boat if necessary. Remember, people get hurt and people get sick... even you! Have an emergency plan and practice it.
Choose the proper anchor system and learn how to use it early on. I've seen folks get halfway down the western coast of mainland Mexico who have never anchored once! Don't let that be said of you! The hardest thing seems to be figuring our where you'll end up once you're anchor is set. There are many excellent articles on the subject, but one important issue that is seldom touched upon is that of picking up your anchor. As the boats swing, you may find your neighbor sitting directly on top of your anchor when you are ready to leave. It is reeeeeeally bad form to have to ask them to move so you can leave. Plan ahead and don't drop too near another boat's swinging circle.
How about a salt-water washdown up forward? You can clean off most of that yucky mud before it gets to the deck. Have a saltwater rinse for the fish cleaning area aft as well. One electric pump and a tee in the line should do the trick.
And as long as we're talking water... install a freshwater washdown in the cockpit for cleaning yourself after you clean the fish!
In really warm climates, keep a spray bottle in the fridge and spritz each other often. It's fun!
Make time for sex; and I don't mean every Wednesday at 9:30 either! Always make time (and be prepared to make it happen anytime). If there isn't a bunk large enough for the two of you... you have a real problem!
Sexy clothes are nice. Men, this means you as well. Women aren't the only ones who look good in "skimpies." Of course, sailing naked is fun too.
One of those pressure water systems that pulls up from the basin can turn your toilet into a bidet for the lady on board.
Ladies, keep shaving your legs. Don't let water rationing or goose bumps prevent it. Use any cheap lotion (the cheaper the better, in fact, because it doesn't clog the razor) and a cup of warm water. Coat your legs with the lotion and dip your disposable razor into the water often. Its quick and easy, there's almost no cleanup, and can be done privately in the tiny head.
Plenty of electric fans make a big difference (strategically placed, of course). A couple in the prime sleeping areas to make the afternoon nap & "play time" nicer... one in the head for those noxious odors... the galley... the radio/nav station... the salon... and maybe even one that connects outside so that you can use it in the cockpit. And, of course, some fans are better than others. They aren't cheap, but they last longer and run quieter.
Have most "things" on board stowed so that you can get underway with a minimum of preparation. If the things are usable where they are stowed, all the better. Don't make it difficult to turn your "house" back into a "boat" or vice versa.
Why have hatch boards when you can have doors? You have to stow the boards somewhere when not in use and its nearly impossible to close up quickly for rain, splash, or water cannon attack. Both boards & doors can be in place at the same time if mounted properly. Really nasty conditions might warrant both.
A HAM or SSB radio is a big plus "out there," but just having one and a license isn't enough. Listen and learn the protocol for the various nets. Know your phonetics and be comfortable and natural on the air. Let your personality come through. And most of all... if you can't hear, don't talk!
Get the right wheels for your inflatable. Some operate much more easily than others. Ask around and see just how different they are: some deploy and stow in 2 seconds, while others can take more than a minute; some just click securely into place, while others require you to remove and re-position two pins that don't always line up properly.
Can't keep ice cream on board the boat because your freezer isn't cold enough? Try the drinkable yogurt instead. Keep it in the reefer until a few hours before you want to have "ice cream" then put it into the freezer. Get the kind of bottle with an opening big enough for your spoons and satisfy your craving for a frozen treat anytime.
Learn to cook (and I mean really cook) underway. Provision with all kinds of things and use your imagination! Lots of small containers are often much better than huge ones because once opened, they probably need to remain on hand. Examples: peanut butter, soy sauce, and mayo.
Also provision for potlucks. There will be plenty of them among cruising boats. Try something like no-bake cheesecakes with a canned fruit topping.
Learn from others. Visit their boats. Ask questions. Go for day sails aboard someone else's boat and try out that piece of equipment you are thinking of buying. Offer to do the same for others. Remember... sometimes you learn how to do things and sometimes you learn how not to do things!
You know the old saying: Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't change , and the wisdom to know the difference -- well, try to live by this code on board. Just because "It came with the boat" or "that's the way they made it," doesn't mean that you must continue to live with it. Think about it: Can it be changed for the better? Should it be changed? Be innovative (but not foolish).
The bottom line: It's your life, it's your boat, and it's supposed to be fun!
| Copyright © 1998 | Suzy O'Keefe |