News From The Bay

It is that time of year when we plan ahead for the next season of boating.   Some of us start reading the boating magazines from cover to cover to substitute for a boating fix or walking the docks.  Others buy tickets to the warm southern coast areas for a winter time boat show and call it a vacation.  The rest of us start searching the internet for schedules for local boats shows that do not entail a flight.  Our first local boat show on the Chesapeake Bay is the Baltimore Boat Show coming in January 19-22.   After prior years of hosting both sail and power boats and their associated equipment and hardware, the past few years the trend has been to exhibit only power boats.

Eastern 22 center console, w/ hard T-top

Since we at Gratitude Yachting Center have several lines of Sail and Power cruisers, we bring this year several of the Eastern Boats, a line manufactured in New England, but having a great design for use on the Chesapeake Bay.  The fuel efficient design, and the sea-keeping ability of this rugged construction have developed a cadre of well-satisfied boat owners.   The Chesapeake Bay always has had variety in recreational boats for the weekend boaters and the commercial boats sought after by local waterman.   We find that the Eastern line brings many of the commercial designs to their boats for the weekenders.

Eastern 24 Islander Extended Top

As we accumulate a variety of sizes to bring to the Baltimore Boat Show, we are also preparing for future boat shows.   We will be bringing boats to the Ocean City, MD Boat Show the following month.  We will have available the introductory 18′ Eastern boat, motor & trailer for a low price under $25,000.  Also the 22′ Center Console with the hard T-top, rigged & ready to go.   Then we hope to bring down another Eastern 248, with maybe a different design than the Tournment Series we had in Baltimore last year.  The Islander series has a layout very comfortable for family travel & enjoyment.

Eastern 22 CC

At this time we are planning a Rock Hall Open House with the marinas and yacht brokers available to discuss the different boats available.   Stay tuned for future info.   The following shows will be In-Water Shows starting with the Bay Bridge Boat Show for power boats, or the Annapolis Spring Show for sailboats.  Make your plans now  Find out what boats will be there, but be sure to get a program when you arrive, because many boats don’t make the initial list but show for your viewing.

If there is anything in particular that you are interested in, Power or Sail, please contact Kirk Wilson, kirk@gratitudeyachting.com, or call 410-639-7111 ext 113.

Preparation for surey haul-out

One of the main concerns of boat buyers is whether they are getting good value and whether there are unknown flaws in the structural integrity,  the many various systems including electrical and electronic equipment.  The Yacht Brokers Assn. of America believe that all “yacht” purchasers should have the right to have a professional marine survey to determine the quality of the boat and the equipment.  Their standardized forms have that written directly into a specific paragraph addressing that availability.  Some of the many older agreements of the various brokerages required you to add that into a contingency paragraph.   Be sure to review the “offer and purchase agreement” prior to making an offer so that you understand the basic terms of the agreement.  Then for any specific concerns, insure that you write down the request for any individual inspections, engine or mechanical surveys, sea trials, etc, that you want to accomplish before making a final decision.  Ideally, there should be a week between the survey and when you are required to accept or reject the boat, or re-negotiate the terms based upon findings.  You want to determine from the surveyor up front when and how he will get the findings to you.

The sureyor may start the survey early then move the boat to the lift, or have it near the lift to start the day.  Most yards to do what is called a “short haul” which means it is pulled out for a short period of time & left hanging in the slings during a typical lunch hour for the hull to dry and the surveyor to review the hull integrity.   Ideally, you want the bottom & prop cleaned well, so that the surveyor is able to do a better inspection, and if there is a sea trial scheduled, then it is after the bottom cleaning.  Otherwise, boats for sale typically are not being used enough to keep the growth of the prop and bottom.  The performance will be so poor without a cleaning, that the boat will surely be rejected.

Each surveyor has their unique system in working through the boat, reviewing systems, inspecting structural components, checking all the wiring, piping, equipment, and at the same time documenting their findings either through photos, notes and/or recordings.

If you are there for the survey, some will review findings and give some education instruction on how to deal with issues found.  Otherwise you are receiving usually an emailed review with photos defining the issues.  There also should be a complete listing of all the equipment models and condition.  It is advisable to call and discuss findings for a better perspective and maybe more detail.  You should not feel intimidated by the surveyor.   You are hiring him to look out for you and protect your interests.  Also your insurance carrier will be interested in the survey results, requesting upgrades for certain issues.   If there is a financial loan to be made for the boat, this may be of interest to the lender also.  You should expect a written review within days with the current technology emailed to you.

If you have the opportunity to attend the survey, by all means do so, but let the surveyor focus on a thorough review.  That is in your best interest long term.  Enjoy your boat purchase; with adequate knowledge and professional assistance, you will worry less.  For help in your search for your next boat, call Kirk at 410-639-7111 ext 113, or email kirk@gratitudeyachting.com .  With plenty of boats available in various sizes, types, and ages, there are boats for all.

Gratitude Yachting Center took our new Eastern 22 Center Console to the Easton Village Festival & Boat Show for the weekend of Nov 12 – 13 to draw attention to the Village from attendees of the Easton Waterfowl Festival.  There were home owners roaming around the gounds along with Waterfowl Festival attendees.  Some of the homeowners purchased here for a second home, while other live here full time and commute to other areas.

To attract attention to the boats available the Easton Village developers had granted a $10,000 discount towards their deeded slips it they buy a boat over the weekend.  That was enough incentive to get some boaters out to look over the boating selection.   There were 2 other boat builders, Matthews Brothers & Campbell Yachts there were in attendence with boats there as well as a boat restorer that brought an antique Chris Craft that had been restored.

With the sun hiding behind clouds part of Saturday and all Sunday, people were out and about watching the other events going on at the Festival.  There were sheep herding demonstrations 3 times each day with border collies doing the job better than any human could do.  They were amazing, and followed commands diligently.  Sunday there was a DNR representative to discuss and show the various Raptors and Reptiles of Maryland.  This got the attention of the children.  There was plenty of crab meat at the Gormet Food Wagon, with crab soup, crab chili, crab dip and more, along with more traditional festival food.   It was all good.

Easton Village is a very nice community with about half the lots built on now.  They are in the process of building the community building that sits in front of the community marina already there.  We hope to return next year and believe that the show will be in the water rather than on land.  If you are interested in an Eastern Boat, please call Kirk at Gratitude Yachting at 410 639-7111, ext 113.  For the pricing of boats listed in their catalog, click on Eastern Boats.   If you are interested in the boat that was at the festival it was the Eastern 22 center console with hard T-Top.

Eastern 248 Islander w/ Extended Roof

Our main attraction at the 2011 US Power Show was seen by man yover the fence walking up to the main entrance.  The long roof line attracted those that came from afar, not just the Chesapeake Bay area.  This Eastern 248 with grey hull and long roof was built specially for this Show in Annapolis to attract attention.  It did. Also available was the original 248 Islander built earlier in the summer for the Eastern Catalog Photos.  It has a Sea Mist green hull, and that picnic boat feel.  The long bench seat forward of the transom makes for a great ride with your passengers.  Also next to the sink and refrigerator is another bench seat and backrest.

Everyone held their breath this year at the boat show hoping the turnout would be good and the interest would turn into sales.  Whether you were working or shopping, everyone had the same thought, since consumerism drives the economy and eventually personal income.  The good news was the weather held through the US Sail Show and we were happy with the crowd.  We had one less boat that expected due to a recent sale before the show, and the buyer did not want the boat in the show.

I worked the brokerage booth two of the days and was pleased with the interest.  Actually, many of the people walking around are more interested in purchasing affordable boats rather than the new Island Packets we were displaying.

I was not stationed on the newest Island Packet, the 360 model that was designed to minimize maintenance, yet give the traditional twin headsail rig, and the traditional interior layout.  It was parked next to a previous “Boat of the Year” the IP Estero, similar size to the 360 but more unique interior and single headsail.  We watched the crowds overfill the cockpit and raise the bow, changing the waterline temporarily.

Since our Flagship 485 was not there with the two ensuite cabins, and the third usually set up as an office on board, we had to entertain people on the IP 465.  It holds a number of people easily, so we never had to conrol traffic, just answer questions and set appointments for future private showings

We do have all these boats still to review here in Rock Hall, MD

The SP Cruiser did not draw such a crowd since the motorsailor design is not as popular on this side of the Atlantic.  I did end up driving it out of the mooring spot, last boat out of the show, before all the power boats came pouring in after dark.  Then brought it back to Rock Hall, but did not take the time to unfurl the sails and have some fun. There was too much to do in preparation for the Power Show next, and communicate with all the sailors from the Sail Show.

We plan to give some test sails for those interested in buying one of the boats we had at the US Sail Show at our Open Dock, Saturday October 22 .  Weather permitting, we should have the new IP 360, the Estero, and the SP Cruiser available for test sail. To register for the Open Dock, email aleah@gratitudeyachting.com or all 410 639-7111.  For a private appointment to see these boats, call Kirk at 614 989-7775.

For those armchair sailors, or day sailors looking for adventure, there are boats out there that will, with a few upgrades, maintenance, and TLC, take you away for weekends, months and more depending on your available time constraints.  I will summarize several boats under $50,000 that we have listed that will take you places.

The 37′ Hunter cutter shown above is a prime example of Hunter’s first foray into the long distance cruising market with tankage for longer trips.   100 gallons of water and 40 gallons of fuel are a start and exceed those currently built on similar sized current models.  The cutter rig has been the prefered rig for long distance cruising since the ability to shorten sail to reefed main and staysail during higher winds keeps boat and crew safer.

Another well know name in cruising boats is Cheoy Lee.  We have a Pedrick 35 design here locally that with some upgrades may provide you with a solid boat that could go places.  This is a teak deck for solid footing. The nav station and quarter berth are at the base of the companionway, as well as the galley.  Engine access is available from three sides and is made by Universal.  Salon is divided by the center table with leaves that fold down.  The forward cabin has plenty of storage.  The solid boom vang helps when handling the main sail.  This one needs a little TLC.

Another tested cruiser, sister to the larger ocean cruisers is the Irwin Citation 35.  This one has had a lot of updated rigging, standing and running rigging.  There is also a new oversize Hood furler added as well.  For the interior comfort,  a Marine Air reverse cycle AC , new cushions, flat screen TV add to this boat.  Exterior, the decks are in great shape, recent electronics, good canvas dodger and bimini, and cockpit cushions work well for serious cruising, or even living aboard.  Forward thinking design added a opening stern with integral with swim ladder.

Another performance cruiser is the Canadian Sailcraft CS 33.  This is well known north of the border and has a great reputation for well built construction, yet sails well too.  This one has been a one owner boat and has been meticulously maintained and upgraded.  Recently painted hull, new dodger, and well kept interior make this an enjoyable boat to stay on.  The folding prop and backstay adjuster enhances the sailing abilities of this model.  This boat includes the inflatable dinghy.  Recent sails and replaced standing rigging add to the great condition of this boat.

The Dutch Flyer 32 was built in Holland with a solid glass hull.  This hull topsides has been painted with Awlgrip.  Recent sails, running rigging, Harken furler and traveller, and a rebuilt rudder should help this survey well.  The bottom has been refinished and barrier coated.  This one also has reverse cycle AC, recent refrigeration, and many mechanical improvements.  There are also teak decks for good traction.  It is better known on the other side of the Atlantic, but it is worth checking out.

Another Canadian built cruiser is a stout boat with a shallow draft, the Bayfield 32.  Because they have been used more as cruisers, they have filtered down the coast and many have landed along the Atlantic region if they were not sold by local dealers.  This boat has a full keel and a well protected rudder.  With the shallow draft, it works well in the Chesapeake Bay as well as Florida.  Her sails and electrical upgrades are recent.  The Yanmar inboard was rebuilt in 2006 and has a recent heat exchanger.  This will be a good cruiser for weekend travelling or longer.

Allied is another venerable name in cruising boats, and they built a 30′ ketch called a Seawind.  This vessel was the original Seawind and has been extensively restored in Maine.  She has new equipment, the interior and exterior have been repainted.  This has been a complete restoration that must be seen to be appreciated.  A lover of classics will really enjoy the ability to own this at a fraction of what it cost to restore her a few years ago.

In review, there are a number of boats under $50,000 that you can take cruising depending on your need for storage and space.  Many people have cruised for seasons or years in these models.  Come visit and explore the possibilities.  They have a variety of equipment from spartan to more recent electronics.  Some have refrigeration and AC, others have auto-pilots, radar and chart plotters.  A few of these are ready to go cruising now, but some may take a little TLC getting things ship shape before planning a departure.  To view any of these boats, call Kirk Wilson at 410 639-7111 ext 29, or email kirk@gratitudeyachting.com.

Even though I’m not putting into distant ports and exploring the countryside around the world, I get on my bike several mornings per week and do a few miles to keep in shape.  I talked to a sailor leaving for Spain the other month, and even while getting the last few items done, he was doing them by bike and let the car sit.  He did pack the bike optimistically hoping to bike to Russia letting his Pacific Seacraft 34 sit on the hard in Spain for the summer.

Biking around the back roads of Kent County MD, I see a lot of wildlife.  It has been rather common to find rabbits that want to run alongside me in the grass for a short distance to make me feel slow.  After seeing many squashed toads along the roadside, I am amazed that I see turtles crossing ocassionally, but never one that met a car.  There are many birds that fly in front trying to lead the way but they eventually veer off while I stay straight.

After biking northern Ohio, I am surprised how many foxes that I see crossing the roads in the morning here.   They seem more plentiful and one the other day jogged ahead of me on the Swan Creek Road for over 100 yards.  That same morning  I almost ran into a young buck with small velvet antlers standing in the road intending to “play chicken.”  He finally bolted when I came close.   What puzzled me was a large dark shape that ran across the Reeses Corner Road the other week. It looked big enough to be a bear and seemed to run like one also, but I was not close enought to tell.

Earlier in the year there seemed to be a lot more vultures along the road waiting for their next meal, and I did not like them eyeing me.   Usually they scattered when I got close, but occassionally they focused on the current road kill, and protecting it from strangers.  I usually hold my breath while passing, since sometimes their meal is not very fresh.  I’d rather be sailing, but this time of year there is less wind, and biking does create a breeze.

St. Michaels Harbour

It’s been a while since I visited St. Michaels and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, sailing in to their dock and tying there overnight under the lighthouse.  They have a number of summer events that engage the community as well as tourists.  It seems there is an attraction of the various buildings including the old Hooper Strait Lighthouse that drew us there.

This time it was a trip to list a 1988 Island Packet 31 and eventually move it to our dock in Rock Hall, where we have a number of Island Packets and a few other listed boats.  The boat was in the city dock area across the harbor and next to Pascal’s Harbour Inn.  It was in between a number of watermans’ commercial boats for crabbing or fishing.  The waterman there seem extremely friendly and watch out for the yachts nearby, adjusting their lines if necessary when the owners are not there.

Since we are in the heat of the summer, an iced tea at Foxys’ made sense, and ended up complimenting one of their fish tacos.  The breeze along the harbor helped improve the comfort level, and I as able to watch their local cruise boat for Patriot Cruises come in with their passangers.  A walk along the various shops showed that the local businesses are able to attract customers even mid-week. There were plenty of people walking about and some were carrying shoping bags.  Walking through the Chesapeake Trading Co allow a respite from the heat of the day.  In addition to the shops lining the street, there are a number of places to find breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Most are near the water to enjoy the view or fresh air.

Next to Bob Pascal’s Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa, was a classic wooden gaff rigged sailboat “Selina II” ready to take people out for a casual sail.  The teak was well varnished and the decks clean, sitting there waiting for the next outing

Driving around the side streets was enjoyable as the homes whether they are primary residences or second homes, are well kept.  There also seems to be a number to B&Bs or Inns that cater to tourists or summer travelers.    No one needs to travel far to find water, or their boat slip.  There are still waterman that work the various rivers & bays looking for crabs or various fish.  It is hard work and the rewards are not enough to bring more people into the business, so there are less commercial fisherman in the harbor than decades ago.

If you continue through the town, you will eventually cross Knapps Narrows and land on Tilghman Island.  There is a new summer home development there to attract people that want to slow down their life, or enjoy boating.  The entire area is a charming place to visit for a week or a season.  This is the place to come unwind and relax.  Good food, great people, and fantastic atmosphere.  The good new is that the major town of Easton is nearby when you crave those conveniences.

Another very small town I am anxious to visit soon is the town of Galesville, MD on the western shore south of Annapolis, where you will find Hartge Yacht Harbor.