Hi Tod, My thoughts and feelings on boat show boat visits also.
I used to go to Newport, RI and poke about. Some of the layouts are ridiculous. Like a 40 footer with a 5 foot diameter steering wheel. The sail lockers had cutouts so that the wheel would fit. .....but the sail lockers were so short that if the Admirable wanted to stretch out, her legs had to go through the steering wheel..........?????? May be fine for racing, but for normal cruising and enjoyment.......????? As Captain, I don't want legs sticking through my wheel limiting movement if I have to take sudden evasive action. Or when I asked how you get to the engine, on a 38 footer cutter, the eager salesman said, "It's easy....... let me show you." and he then proceeded to unload the port sail locker. First a foot-locker type tray was removed that went on the starboard sail locker: then fenders; lines; sail bags; etc. etc. came out of the cavernous sail locker until the whole cockpit was filled with "stuff". Then he climbed into the sail locker, took out a screwdriver and undid about 6 screws to remove a plywood panel. Then he showed it to me. "See how easy it is to get at the engine......." I just shook my head in disbelief. Can you picture a clogged fuel filter: a sloppy seaway; and then go through this routine to just get to the fuel filter? Either the designer was asleep: the builder was cutting corners and costs; or neither had ever sailed in the real world. But it sure broadens your horizon as to how much junk is out there. Maybe that is the reason why the inexperienced people buy one boat after another: with each one they learn a little bit more about what is really useful and what is not. Such as the 20 footer that sleeps 6......... .......or the dog that won't go to windward. Connie _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
