I'm going to write something unpopular, but it makes my heart glad to hear any praise about the Macgregor 26X and M. It seems they are villainized by so many, but from those who have owned them I only hear fondness. I sold mine because it wasn't a "real" sailboat and have regretted it since. Trailerable, room for 4 grown couples, and easy to sail. It makes more sense in the San Juan Islands than most sailboats. I only had a 25hp, but I could get anywhere regardless of the winds or tides. There prices have all gone up since I sold mine. Says something.
The list got me to thinking. I'll reprint the entire list, paste on my "Better Halfs" office wall, at that time I expect she will stop reminding me about my very minor past collection.
It's similar, kind of, to that potato chip commercial, "Bet you can't eat just one". However I am jumping on board with Harry Cunningham's thinking. Damn good idea sir.
At 81 Ferd is still a kid but he’s off to a good start to be a star in our “Colorful Club”.
I Just turned 85. And with a long wake trailing behind, my current fleet is eight boats, sail-row-paddle, (just sold the Boston Whaler and I’m restoring a ComPac 16).
I'm not sure, is he bragging or complaining? But if he's looking for another boat, have I got a deal for Ferd! 12' open boat with mast and boom (no sails) and a trailer to boot....
And I thought I'd had a lot o boats - but my 12 sailing boats (not counting about 10+ different paddle and oar craft) seems wholly inconsequential. The thing about Ferd Johns's boats, however, is not the number, but how many of the boats he owned have long been on the short list of boats I have wanted at one time or another - Cape Dory Typhoon, Compac 19 and 23, Sanibel 18, Dovekie, Bristol 24, Montgomery 15. Right now I have to make do with my Sandpiper 565, Seabright sailing skiff, and Gig Harbor Whitehall. Sigh. But, being 76, Ferd's story gives me hope that there are more boats to come. Ferd's also post brought back another memory. I first became enchanted with being afloat misspending teenage summers on a lake in upstate New York in my cousin's MFG 15.
WOW!!! Ferd Johns is my new Super Hero! A man after my own heart with boats! So many boats, so little time….maybe I need another!
I'm going to write something unpopular, but it makes my heart glad to hear any praise about the Macgregor 26X and M. It seems they are villainized by so many, but from those who have owned them I only hear fondness. I sold mine because it wasn't a "real" sailboat and have regretted it since. Trailerable, room for 4 grown couples, and easy to sail. It makes more sense in the San Juan Islands than most sailboats. I only had a 25hp, but I could get anywhere regardless of the winds or tides. There prices have all gone up since I sold mine. Says something.
The list got me to thinking. I'll reprint the entire list, paste on my "Better Halfs" office wall, at that time I expect she will stop reminding me about my very minor past collection.
He’s off to a good start, I suppose.
Now I'll feel less bad when I add another boat to my fleet. Apparently I have a long way to go yet, and so little time...
The most amazing fact in this article is that he has been married only 3 times. Thats enough boats for double digit divorces !
It's similar, kind of, to that potato chip commercial, "Bet you can't eat just one". However I am jumping on board with Harry Cunningham's thinking. Damn good idea sir.
This boy has a serious addiction problem. Well, all of us seem to be in the same boat when it comes to....wait for it....BOATS.
At 81 Ferd is still a kid but he’s off to a good start to be a star in our “Colorful Club”.
I Just turned 85. And with a long wake trailing behind, my current fleet is eight boats, sail-row-paddle, (just sold the Boston Whaler and I’m restoring a ComPac 16).
Great read. So much knowledge gained through all that passion!
Congrats on finding Beth and your 40 years together!!!
I'm not sure, is he bragging or complaining? But if he's looking for another boat, have I got a deal for Ferd! 12' open boat with mast and boom (no sails) and a trailer to boot....
And I thought I'd had a lot o boats - but my 12 sailing boats (not counting about 10+ different paddle and oar craft) seems wholly inconsequential. The thing about Ferd Johns's boats, however, is not the number, but how many of the boats he owned have long been on the short list of boats I have wanted at one time or another - Cape Dory Typhoon, Compac 19 and 23, Sanibel 18, Dovekie, Bristol 24, Montgomery 15. Right now I have to make do with my Sandpiper 565, Seabright sailing skiff, and Gig Harbor Whitehall. Sigh. But, being 76, Ferd's story gives me hope that there are more boats to come. Ferd's also post brought back another memory. I first became enchanted with being afloat misspending teenage summers on a lake in upstate New York in my cousin's MFG 15.
Still plenty of time, Ray. Plenty of time. Ferd
I'll keep at it.