So what do I do?
In thinking about building another boat and doing sums about what it cost, I happened to look at the Classy Classifieds on the Latitude 38 website. There, in the under 24-ft section, was an ad for a Gladiator 24 all set up for singlehanding with windvane, autopilot, etc. and so on. And Gladiator 24 has made prodigious offshore passages, including at least one around the Horn. So I think to myself, why pay $20,000 to circumnavigate in a new boat when I can pay less than $10,000 for a used one and then pay even less to fit it out for offshore?
I have study sheets from Paul Fisher for his Pioneer 23. I have study plans from Jay Benford for his Sourdough 23. I have a set of plans for Seabird 86 that I have sent to the Philippines for a construction estimate. I have corresponded with the owner of the Gladiator. I have looked at other used boats -- Pearson Ariels, Cape Dory 25 and 25Ds, Cal 25s, Contessa 26 . . . and more, I'm sure. There is a whole herd of used sailboats in the United States that I can buy for much less than $10,000. I built Resolution. Is there a need for me to build Resolution 2 myself? Or that she be a newly built yacht? Is there something in the Resolution project that says an old used boat would not be right?
And what about the Westsail 32 that lies languishing, tied up to a pier in Pichilinque, BCS, Mexico? I spend my time tickling numbers and thinking about buying a little boat to circumnavigate in, but morally speaking should I instead be doing sums on what it will take to get DoriKam ready for sea? She needs new stays and shrouds, new whisker and bob stays, and maybe a new bowsprit. What else she needs, I don't know without going to see her, but she's been at the pier in Mexico since 2002. Surely some cosmetic work needs to be done, and I know her cabin floor needs work. Should I give up on little boats and do what needs to be done on one of the most seaworthy of yachts, my Westsail? Once I step aboard a 32-footer, I'm out of the realm of small craft. Those who have supported me would have to continue to do so through my blog and a website; Josh and Craig at SCA wouldn't be able to justify DoriKam.
So there I am. Betwixt and between. And I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
