The initial expense of having a An example of simplicity on a ultimate boat that would cost twice as
larger boat and the elaborate systems smaller boat is tiller steering instead much as both boats combined. We have
that go with it, in today’s economic of wheel steering. Is there anything a 27’ aluminum sloop here in the San
climate, can cause a temporary or simpler than tiller steering? If the boat Juan Islands and a 30’ ketch in Florida
permanent roadblock on some folks’ has an outboard rudder, even better. that we use during the winter months.
cruising dreams. In the past few months A surveyor can see, feel and inspect This gives us two to four months a year
I’ve had survey clients that, instead of everything much easier than say a in Florida and the Bahamas and the
waiting for the economy to improve cable to quadrant or hydraulic type of summers up here. Both boats are easy
to give them more financial freedom, wheel steering. There are less moving maintenance boats, but not entirely
have decided to go cruising now by parts as well with the tiller. Making this maintenance free. Moorage and dry
going with a smaller, simpler and less basically a non maintenance issue. storage is cheap and available. And
expensive boat than what they’d first I won’t go over each component the boats are paid for. I can get away
envisioned. and compare smaller and larger boats almost guilt free if I don’t use the
Surveying a smaller cruising but you get the idea. It’s really all about boats as much as I like, knowing that
sailboat is not any easier than personal preference and choices. Your when I do go sailing on either one,
surveying a larger one. The basics are question is probably better directed to the maintenance to recommission the
the same, such as hull, deck, rig and a yacht broker rather than a surveyor, boats after long periods of storage are
systems integrity. The electrical wiring, but since your situation has become not really much of an issue, not yet
electronics installation, standing quite relevant I thought I would answer anyhow. Then there’s the issue of how
and running rigging, chain plates, it as best I could. I hope it helped. much time you have.
bulkhead attachments, et cetera, take Remember there are always good deals I must also mention that, since I’m
the same concentration and thorough out there on any size boat. Again, I already living in the San Juans, I’m not
inspection no matter what size boat. would suggest working with a yacht sailing great distances.
But a smaller boat generally doesn’t broker to help you find the right boat.
take as much time so the cost of the On a personal note, what I wound Tom Averna is an independent marine
survey is less as well as the boatyard up doing to satisfy my cruising ambition surveyor specializing in sailboats. If you
expenses, insurance and other financial without spending a lot of money was have any comments or questions contact
factors that might mean going cruising to have two smaller boats in separate Tom at <chartert@rockisland.com> or
now or later. locations, instead of waiting for the calling him at 1-800-544-5758.
48° No r t h , Ap r i l 2009 pA g e 31
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