The perfect evening aboard

Everyone you speak to about their greatest moments aboard have an interesting story to tell. For myself, I remember the feelings I'd get as I push back into a cushion sitting on the aft deck looking skyward. The night was so peaceful, millions of stars to choose from, the air was warm, the water at its best. The only thing I could hear between the frequent topping up of wine glasses and chatting to my lovely wife, was the current passing on either side of the hull. I often wonder if it gets better than that! It's simple isn't it, no heavy lifting, no math about it, just the perfect evening aboard.

Where are all the wooden trawlers

I have been searching for wooden boats over the years and have found sites such as: anchorline.com.au, yachtworld.com and boatpoint.com.au. There are of course many boat sales type web pages, few that specialise in the size and type of boat I want.
A few years ago we thought the Pacific North West in B.C., Canada and/or Washington, USA would be the ideal place to find exactly the type of boat I wanted. After travelling there and inspecting their workmanship and designs I came to the conclusion the PNW style of boat would NOT be the right boat in Qld., Australian waters. So I am concentrating my search to the local market, there are few here for sale and the ones that are available are expensive compared to the overseas market ATM. Never the less, long after you spend the money you will be enjoying the dream.

Things I need in my next boat

• Safety has always been No #1 . 

To achieve safety I need to find a seaworthy vessel designed and built with experience. I've owned custom built boats and didn't appreciate the time I had to put into re designing.

• Comfort

I want a comfortable boat that allows us to lounge in at least two areas. It's just great to be able to put your feet up after a few hours of maintenance and those small projects that keep popping up. I'll be seen from time to time anchored off my favourite Island resting nautically in the aft cockpit, reading the latest issue of PasssageMaker.

• Walk in Engine Room

A walk in engine room instead of a climb down into type was mandatory. Heard too many stories of people stepping into an open engine room hatch in the salon and falling. Ouch !
A waterman has to have his own room/shed and the holy place with the big machine has to be large enough to enjoy your moments. I don't expect to be able to stand full height but I do want to be able to sit on a stool and have ample working area.

• Guest Accommodation

A two cabin with ensuite for the possible guest or rellies is going to be necessary for privacy. No one likes to have to pass through another persons cabin or berth to go to the toilet or make way to the galley for something to eat. The perfect boat will have a cabin in the bow and another in the aft. I've been told by her self that a second toilet is a must. I understand that!

• Single Engine

A single screw with a bow thruster for economy and docking. With fuel and the eco system in consideration, not in that order necessarily, a single engine, namely a Gardner is the preferred choice of primary power. Sails would be a source of alternative power on longer hauls up the coast.

• Stabilisation

Having been out in light and heavy seas there is no excuse for rolling about and being flung into hard objects in the boat. You can keep everyones lunch in the proper place by simply reducing the roll of the boat to a minimum. Hydraulic fin stabilisers/gyro type are the best and most efficient methods used today. Sails can be used when the wind is your friend, otherwise, you flick the stab switch and everyone is happy.

• Aft Cockpit

A sizeable aft cockpit for entertaining and living is a huge requirement. In this climate, you'll find everyone sitting around in the back of their boats with fellow cruisers' dinks tied up to the transom talking away the hours of the day. I have not been sold on the need to have a flybridge yet.

• Flash

I'm no fan of all things, "Varnished and Polished". On the exterior of any/my boat, white paint is just fine. The fewer hours I spend on ridiculous maintenance such a bright work the better. I enjoy placing another coat of special white paint on a soiled cabin exterior or even polishing a S/Steel davit or rail but please, give the varnish can to someone else who really appreciates it.

• Speed

To obtain my optimal speed through the water which is 8 - 9 knots, I need at least a 50' full displacement boat. A boat smaller than this just doesn't cut through the water as well and would have to try to get up on the plane to reach this speed. I found 5 knots to be too slow after years of sailing, some would say I'm going to be too slow for most power boat cruisers but I do still love the journey.