About to buy one

[Captron]

Hi,

Just joined ... We've spent a lot of time messing about in boats starting back in about 1960 when I was a Sea Scout up in Connecticut. The first wife and I are retired now; been living in Florida since 1970 or so. I have a USCG Captain's License (100T). Once upon a time I drove the Cypress Belle at Cypress Gardens (80ft stern paddle wheeler). We've always owned at least one boat but since we sold our last one about two years ago we've been land locked. We're about to jump back in.

We've mostly been sailors, and we've owned quite a few boats over the years. I've taught sailing (I was a US Sailing Instructor) and we've done our share of racing. Our last boat was an Ericson 38 that we cruised to the Bahamas in the winter. However, economics being what they are, we can't afford that kind of boat right now so we're radically downsizing. It's too bad I can't downsize my family but that's another story.

We're about to buy a 1984 27FC or aft cabin or whatever that's called. Mainly, we're buying it because we think it might make a decent and economical ICW and Bahamas cruiser for the two of us and Molly our mini-Dachshound mix. Plus it's on a trailer so we can store it in the backyard. That helps keep the cost down. Also it's small enough that I can tell people that there's no room for them so they can't come along.

It needs some work, mainly cosmetic things (I hope) but I own a scrub brush. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions as we go along. Hopefully we can have her in the water here in the next few months and maybe even head over to the islands next season. I'm making lists.

Of course, I'd be happy to share what I know but there's plenty I've forgotten or just never knew in the first place although I do have opinions, lots of them and they're free too.

Capt Ron

[jcollins]

Welcome to AOG Captain! Sounds like you have plenty of experience and knowledge to offer. That's a great thing for everyone.

Also it's small enough that I can tell people that there's no room for them so they can't come along.

I like that.

[Veebyes2]

Have fun with the 27. We had one in the family for 13 years. Great cruiser for 2. Sleep in the back & you don't have to worry with that table thing every day. Dirt cheap to run, <2gph.


Be sure to get the beach chairs to put up on the 'sundeck'. The pad on the aftcabin is nice too.

[whwells]

Welcome CaptRon: We will all look forward to your ventures to the islands and your experienced opinons and advise. Enjoy the new boat.
whwells "Howard'
2006 35te Sportfisher/Conv.
Anacortes, Wa

[Captron]

Have fun with the 27. We had one in the family for 13 years. Great cruiser for 2. Sleep in the back & you don't have to worry with that table thing every day. Dirt cheap to run, <2gph.


Be sure to get the beach chairs to put up on the 'sundeck'. The pad on the aftcabin is nice too.

Love the picture. That's my idea of having a good time.

[imagine30]

We are also former sailors that have finished their first season with our 27. It takes a while getting use to going in a straight line and enjoying calm days. We can now go under bridges that were too low for the sailboat. But, like the sailboat, we cruise at about the same speed and do it economically. Best of luck with your new boat.

[Captron]

Thanks but we've decided not to buy that one. Down the road we'll look for a 36 ... maybe.

[kathylsails]

You will love it; can't wait to hear of your adventures! We're former sailors, too, and love our Albin. Having the aft cabin is wonderful, as Veebyes2 noted, and yes, being able to go under many bridges and not having to tack is great, too, just like Imagine30 said!