Casting off

2007-04-06T13:31:00.000-04:00

I should have started this a year ago. I probably would have, but at the time I hadn't realized my experience might be blog-worthy. You see, a little over a year ago I started on the happy adventure of searching for my Cape Dory trawler. I was probably still telling myself that I would consider other makes (in particular, maybe an old Cherubini-designed Mainship), but Clive Dent's design had already won my heart.

There aren't very many Cape Dory 28 power cruisers out there: just over 200 were made between 1985 and 1993, and the whereabouts of many of those is unknown. I was seeking a flybridge model, and I was prepared to go anywhere from Maine to Florida for her, and bring her home by water. As fate would have it, #47 turned up in Annapolis, close to home. It was a done deal.

They're simple boats, really: straightforward design, well-built in the downeast workboat style, with uncomplicated systems. Though called a trawler, the Cape Dory 28 isn't a true trawler. The single inboard engine, full keel, sharp entry and rounded chines give it a trawler-like feel, but it's a semi-displacement boat capable of 15 knots.

Over the past year, I've invested an immense amount of time and effort bringing "Mariner II" back to bristol, and still have a long way to go. I have lots of new experience in boat maintenance, and lots of new scars on my hands to show for it. For the most part, I've kept records and receipts. I've taken some pictures along the way, but not nearly as many as I should have. I hope to review all of the work done so far, and then continue using this blog as an electronic maintenance log of sorts.

That said, it's not all about work! The real point of course is the adventure and enjoyment out on the water. I'm happy to say, there's been a lot of that too, and much more yet to come. I hope to share details and pictures of many cruises on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

And finally, the most important point: I haven't been alone in all of this. My wife Michele has been there every step of the way, through the planning, purchase, maintenance, repairs, and cruises on the bay (plus, she has the additional chore of tolerating my incessant blather about every little boat detail). I'm sure this blog will be mostly my perspective, but in general where you see "I", read "we". I couldn't ask for a better wife and partner, both in the work and the pleasure of owning our Cape Dory together.

Now, on to the blog... Maintenance Blog | Travel Blog