We've chosen a bunch of stuff to start selling.  We're going to see how we fare on craigslist and then maybe try for a Labor Day garage sale.  It's starting to feel like we're really doing this.

Some notes from the first chapter of  The Capable Cruiser:
  • Success cruising:
    • satisfaction with the experience
    • harmony aboard
    • eager to go on to the next passage or port

  • Successful cruisers are:
    • self-sufficient
    • self-confident
    • possessed of strong seamanship
      • specifically?

  • Consider the loaded capacity of the boat based on the following:
    • for 2 months, 400-600 lbs per person
    • for 6 months, 1200 lbs per person
    • long term, 2000 lbs per person
  • Cruising boats must have
    • a reasonable turn of speed
      • specifically?
    • windward ability
      • should point to 45 degrees from the wind
      • performance specifics?
    • maneuverability under sail
  • An overloaded light displacement boat has no performance benefit.
    • How is light displacement defined?
      • Displacement: the weight, in tons of 2,240 pounds, of the vessel and its contents. It is calculated by dividing the volume of water displaced in cubic feet by 35, the average density of sea water.
      • what's light, what's heavy?
  • Recommend a light displacement boat for >45 ft, heavy for <40
  • Quality boats cost by the pound
    • range?
    • Avoid extreme fin and skeg
      • what's "extreme?"
      • Look for something with enough sump that 10 gallons of water won't leave the sole awash
      • Look for a beamy boat, well-balanced fore and aft
        • what's "well-balanced?"
        • Avoid long overhangs
        • Rudder easy to remove and repair
        • No short rigs
          • 350-400 sq. ft main
          • 600 sq. ft headsail
          • Masthead rig w/long J measurement -- no fractional rigs
          • No running backstays
            • What's a running backstay?
          • Look for a staysail rig where the staysail balances with the main, single-reefed
          • Must be able to make 90-degree tacks
          • No rod rigging
          • Ease of movement in and out of the cockpit
          • 18-inch side decks
          • 8 inch bulwarks
          • Easy access to halyards, mast winches
          • Rails at the mast to hold and lean on
          • Cockpits should not funnel water into the companionway
          • Great galley layout
            • Meaning?  
            • An are by the companionway which can get wet and salty
            • Room for everyone to stretch out in the main cabin
            • Gear storage, especially amidships
              • move any tanks that are amidships fore or aft