Thinking About going to the Darkside.

[crazycarl]

Joanie has a very hard time moving about on a sailboat. Going up and down stairs to use the head or just getting in and off the boat is trying. So, I have been looking at Ranger Tugs. I like the 27' version. Light enough to be trailered and with a 2.2' draft, we could keep it at our dock. The trailer means I can pull the boat to clean the bottom. That alone saves $400/year. Keeping at our dock would save another $1500 in slip fees. With the onboard generator Joanie could enjoy a/c even at anchor. The galley, head, and navigation center are all on the same level as the rear deck. No stairs. The transom opens to a swim platform for easy boarding. A couple in the sailing club has a 25 and offered to take us out to see if it will benefit Joanie. The biggest advantage is taking it on the Great Loop. Something that is gnawing at me. No mast to lower and if things don't work out, it can be trailered home. At an average cost of $150k, no way I can keep the Orion and there isn't enough room at our dock for the tug and the 19. 🤔 a 16 would fit. Anyways, I'm not selling the Orion until after I sail the Bahamas with it 1st. Still, if the right tug comes up for sale, I may have to act on it.

[brackish]

Welcome to my world.  Have been considering that option for a while.  Is it more important to continue sailing or to continue making it possible for both of us to remain on the water for a few more years? Have been looking at Rosborough 246 along with some others as a solution.

Currently getting the 23 in better shape for maybe a fall overnight trip or two, we'll be able to judge the validity of continuing with it better with that.

Keep in touch if you do the loop, our current boat resides in a marina that is on it, we'll give you a break from boat life when you come through. Also, Bay Springs Lake is probably one of the nicest places because there is no development other than that marina, and it is a beautiful lake with many fingers for anchoring.

[kickingbug1]

    seems like you have room for a tug on one side and the 19 on the other.

[kickingbug1]

plus your 19 will sail rings around a 16

[brackish]

You know, Carl, being up at a marina that is often a great loop fuel and overnight stop, I've bumped into a few folks doing the loop.  It is not uncommon for them to be in older traditional trawlers that they have bought specifically for the trip with the intentions of selling them when they return.  One couple said their trawler had done the loop four times before them with different owners.  Those old trawlers with Ford Lehman diesels in good shape don't use much fuel and are reliable, often see them sub $50K. Plus a bit more space and creature comforts if Joanie is making the trip with you. Might take a little longer pushing along at hull speed, but something to think about.

[crazycarl]

Our club has several multi day/week sails every year and Joan can never go due to her limitations. The tug would be used for more than just the loop. Last weekend was the annual pirate jam. Just about a half mile from our house, but 6 hours long. A boat with an easier accessible head and a/c she could get to would be nice.