~ Top Five ~

Things We Like About Our Boat

There are more than the top five things we like about our boat, but the idea of the “perfect” sailboat is subjective and elusive because it depends on the needs, desires, and priorities of the sailor. While some may crave a sleek, high-performance racing yacht, others might value comfort, stability, or ease of handling in a cruising boat. Factors like size, speed, design, and materials all come with trade-offs, and every boat has its strengths and limitations. What works perfectly for one sailor in calm waters might struggle in rough conditions, and vice versa. Even the most expertly crafted sailboats require compromise—whether it’s between performance and comfort, weight and durability, or cost and luxury. Ultimately, the “perfect” sailboat doesn’t exist because perfection is a moving target, shaped by the unique needs and circumstances of each sailor and voyage.

Number 1

Electric Windlass – We had a manual windlass (Simpson Lawrence 555) for several years.  We decided to upgrade to a Lofrans Tigres windlass because we feel it’s a necessary safety feature.  The Lofrans is a high-performance, reliable anchor winch with robust construction.  It’s easy to use and provides smooth and efficient operation for anchoring, even in challenging conditions.  We never hesitate to re-anchor if needed, whereas with the manual windlass we would always delay re-anchoring.

Number 2

Canvas Dodger – We sailed this boat around the delta for many years without a canvas dodger.  Adding a dodger has been a game changer for comfort and protection in the cockpit.  Designed to shield the cockpit from wind, rain, and spray, a dodger also offers shade on sunny days, improving the overall sailing experience.

Number 3

New Engine – After the shed fire we decided to upgrade our engine from the old Perkins 4-108 to a new Beta Marine 43.  The Beta engine is reliable and efficient, and powerful yet compact.  While the Beta is 43 horsepower and our old Perkins was 50 horsepower, this marine diesel engine provides the perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency.  Beta is known for its smooth operation, low maintenance needs, and quiet performance.  Replacing our engine with a Beta Marine 43 gave us peace of mind on the water.

Number 4

Rocna Vulcan Anchor – We ditched the CQR that came with the boat and opted for the Rocna Vulcan anchor.  We have a bowsprit so some of the other anchors that have the roll bar on top would not fit.  The Rocna Vulcan combines performance with ease of use, offering quick-setting and superior resistance to dragging. Whether we’re anchoring in muddy, sandy, or rocky conditions, this anchor provides exceptional stability, giving us confidence and peace of mind while at anchor.

Number 5

After cooking with propane for nearly a decade we decided to scrap all of that for an electric galley.  We added more LiFePO4 batteries, an induction cooktop and a small electric oven/air fryer.  It’s been working out great and it’s nice not having propane on the boat.

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