1983 Cape Dory 25D (Hull Number 127)

[Michael Abramson]

It seems like all the cheap boats require "too much work".

All the market-priced boats are "too expensive".

Brings to mind the old saying about "champagne taste but beer budget". This rarely works in real life, but even less likely in a close and well informed community like CD owners.

I'm sure we all want Sea Hunt to find a good boat. But the longer it goes on, the more I have the impression the goal is shopping, not sailing.

Again, I hope you find your boat, but it does seem like you may be waiting to stumble upon the mythical underpriced gem.

Michael

[Neil Gordon]

But the longer it goes on, the more I have the impression the goal is shopping, not sailing.

There are all sorts of sailors here. Some of us sail at the expense of sanding, varnishing, etc. Some prefer their boats in the yard so they can modify, upgrade and customize. Some sail lazily while some race. So if any one of us is a bit out of the mainstream, even a perpetual tire kicker, that's okay, too. We'll continue to tease him, of course, but we'll welcome him just the same.

(On the other hand, if, after all the advise he's gotten, he breaks down and buys a clorox bottle boat, we'll surely keel haul him.)

[Sea Hunt]

Hello Michael:

There is much merit in what you say.

I do have particular standards, goals, things I want and things I do not want in my first Cape Dory. I compromised a lot in life. I guess I am unwilling to compromise on my first Cape Dory sailboat. This is probably not a good thing but I am too set in my ways to change. As the younger generation says these days, at least according to my goddaughter, "My bad"

I am shopping a lot, I know. I think part of it is my lack of experience and lack of knowledge about what I am looking at. I came to sailing late in life. It is a learning process for me.

"Champagne taste and beer budget" is, unfortunately, accurate. That's what happens when you spend your entire career working for the federal government.

I have received several private messages suggesting I not pursue the Cape Dory in Stockton, Missouri. I intend to heed that advise.

I again extend an apology to any on this board I have offended or irritated with my rambling posts about looking for a Cape Dory.

Fair winds,

[Sea Hunt]

Neil:

I just saw your post.

You can think about keel hauling someone else.

You have my solemn word as an officer and a gentleman under no circumstances will I buy anything but a Cape Dory. That is one criteria I will absolutely not compromise on - period.

Fair winds,