Recent Articles
Fuzzy Logic - Buying and Maintaining a 1988 J/35 (a series for Boats.com started in Sept. 2010)
This series is a detailed account of buying and owning, and maintaining a J/35 sailboat.
1. To Buy a Boat or Not to Buy a Boat - "Fuzzy Logic" at its Best - from Boats.com 9/9/10.
2. Looking at Used Boat Advertisements - from Boats.com 9/16/10
3. Talking to the Broker - from Boats.com 9/23/10
4. Looking at the Boat - from Boats.com 9/30/10
5. Reaching an Agreement - from Boats.com 10/7/10
6. Naming the Boat - from Boats.com 10/14/10
7. Repairing the Keel, Smoothing the Hull - from Boats.com 10/21/10
8. Working with Boatyards - from Boats.com 11/4/10
9. Mast Rigging Details - from Boats.com 11/17/10
10. Adjusting the Rake - Moving the Mast Step - from Boats.com 12/2/10
11. Blocking and Sealing the Mast at the Partners - from Boats.com 12/23/10
12. Spinnaker Pole Modification for End-for-End Jibes - from Boats.com 1/3/11
13. Shorting the Battery - Yowza! - from Boats.com 1/20/11
14. Installing a Solar Vent - from Boats.com 2/2/11
15. Winter Ice Damage - from Boats.com 2/20/11
16. Waking up the Instruments - from Boats.com 3/7/11
17. Boat Stoves - Alcohol and Propane on Older Boats - from Boats.com 5/5/11
18. Bow Pulpit Straightening - from Boats.com 9/2/11
19. Hauling out for Storms - from Boats.com 9/10/11
20. Winter Storage - Bring the Boat Home? - from Boats.com 9/28/11
Slip Sliding Away - Fast Sailboat Bottoms
This was a fun article to research and write. It's from the June 1996 issue of Sailing World, but nothing has changed since this was written.
To view a reprint of this article, click here: bottom_surfaces_article.pdf
What's a "Walk-Through?"
A walk-through is the solution to a common problem. You find a boat online that catches your interest, but the boat is located too far away to go see without spending significant time and money to do so. You'd like a little more information on the boat before planning a trip to see it, or committing to a full survey.
For a walk-through, I go to the boat armed with a camera and a checklist that includes specific concerns or questions you may have. I spend about an hour on the boat, email photos to you, and go over the photos and findings over the phone. This is not a survey, and doesn't replace a full survey, but it can give you an idea of whether the boat is worth pursuing further.
Walk-throughs are billed on an hourly basis. If we then move forward with a full survey on the boat, half of the cost of the walk-through is deducted from the cost of the survey.
Hobie 33 Used Boat Review
Hobie 33's are fantastic if you accept them for what they are - great sportboats. This article is from Boats.com - March 2010
Link to Hobie 33 ArticleJ/35 Used Boat Review
J/35's are versatile racing/cruising/daysailing boats, and a great value on the used boat market. This article is from Boats.com - April 2010.
