Read our original article on Small Boats for Seniors here.
Leland Foerster writes: Thanks for your timely post about small boats for seniors.
I recently purchased a new Point Defiance from Gig Harbor Boat Works. It was a replacement for a Gig Harbor Scamp. I loved my Scamp, but at 79 with balance issues, I did not feel safe climbing up a ladder to rig it. The Point Defiance is a delight to rig and launch. I can do it standing on the ground. But as you mention, it is very tender with just one person aboard. In fact, I capsized it with an unexpected jibe one beautiful day in San Diego’s Mission Bay .
I called Falk at Gig Harbor Boat Works about the problem. I had installed tied down MSR Water Bladders for ballast. Falk recommened 50 lb. sand bags for ballast. They are cheap, readily available and will fall out of the boat in the event of a knockdown. With the ballast overboard, the boat's flotation works as designed. I ordered sponsons with the Point Defiance, and I use them now on every sail. The boat is virtually unsinkable with the sponsons.
I positioned a 50lb bag on each side of the centerboard trunk and one 50lb bag lashed upright in the cockpit sole in the stern. The lashing would allow the bag to fall out in the event of a capsize.
The Point Defiance is much more stable with three 50-pound sand bags. I like the boat now, and will keep it. It points well in light wind on San Diego’s Mission Bay. For maneuvering around the dock to get to our hoist, I am using an 8-foot kevlar kayak paddle. It works much better than oars. I was getting the long oars tangled up with the dock and other boats. I have also added cam cleats with fairleads to the forward corners of the cockpit seats for handling the jib sheets. With the cam cleats in this position, the jib sheets can be adjusted without leaning toward the leeward gunwale.
I would put the Point Defiance with sponsons and sand bag ballast on your Boats for Seniors list.
—Leland Foerster •SCA•
Small boats rule!! Boats for Seniors eh?….I would still go with my SCAMP for stability and over all ability to handle conditions. Rigging my kit built SCAMP #6…I can still @ 79 yo. do from the cockpit! ….I think the 2 piece aluminum Gig Harbor mast would be easier to rig….especially with the new guide for the mast foot…….SCAMP also has “the Cool Factor” of P15, SF Pelican, & C14, combined! Truth be known…I think there is nothing out there easier/simpler than the ComPac Picnic Cat 14 with the Hutchins patented “Mast-Tender System…..I still can’t remember why I sold my Picnic Cat!!! ALL fun…too many boats….too little time!!
As a frustrated senior citizen, I hate to admit that I can't do certain tasks with the ease of 20 years ago. We old duffers like small, easy to sail, and stable boats. Our wives prefer even more stability (they don't like getting wet...it messes up the coiffed and expensive hair. I love my WWP 15 for all the above reasons. I am glad that the author found something to his needs. Keep sailing, dude!!