Instant Poll: The Other Dark Side?
How about those of you who have moved to powerboats?
Associate Editor Marty Loken recently wrote a column called Going to the Dark Side, about painting your boat a darker color, but contributor Mike Smith asked to hear about those of you who have gone to the other “dark side,” giving up their sailboat or rowboats in favor of a powerboat.
He asks: What powerboats did they choose? How do they feel about the transition? And can they send some photos and details?
We’ve noted plenty of interest from sailors looking for a powerboat that meets some of their functional and aesthetic needs. Maybe you’ve made the switch or found a powerboat you like and can share some thoughts with readers? Feel free to comment below. If you want to send a lengthier description and photos, you can email josh@smallcraftadvisor.com —Eds
As long as I can crawl aboard, handle the rigging, find my way back to the dock and drag my ass ashore, I’ll always love sailing a small camp-cruising boat. (Currently building a 14’ lapstrake gunter yawl, with hull that’s similar to the Francois Vivier ILUR.) But we’re happily living aboard and cruising a vintage 29’ motorboat designed in 1930 by John Alden, which I restored over a two-year period. It’s more comfortable and inviting than the 27’ production sailboat I lived aboard before, so we feel we’ve landed in a pretty bright corner of the dark side.
I have been a sailor for 50 years and still have a Montgomery 17. Two years ago I went to the dark side with a Maple Bay 27. So nice to be inside dry with a diesel heater. It has a very efficient diesel engine that cruises at 6.5 knots. Took it to Alaska last year over 3,000 miles. I carry a sweet sailing dinghy so I can get my sailing fix.