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When we were at the boat show I asked Pam Wall this kind of question. She said very few. She's very pro-women sailing and has helped many with buying and servicing their boats. But she told us few are the primary owners.
I was just wondering how many women here are the primary owners of their boat?
i have a chain hoist and a lifting thingie and a come along and all that very testosterone filled stuff used to exchanging engines in a boat, as i already did this around 3000 miles ago
man good for carry engine block on high way to machinist shop.
Hiring testosterone is always an option... and by the same token I've been asked to run wires, install tachometers and such in those tiny places a male simply won't fit. Because I am not afraid of heights I've done quite a bit of work from a bosun's chair (actually a climbing harness because to me it feels safer/more secure) -- not because the fellow cannot, but because I like to see the world from up there and hauling me up a mast is a lot less work than someone weighing a couple hundred pounds. It's a part of the life. Some things I can do better and other stuff not so much. That's when it's nice to help and have help. That's what boat folks do for each other.
I have owed my own boats the past 20+ yrs...first fishing boats and now a sailboat. Love it! I continually learn more and more! I have sailed solo quite a bit in the Chesapeake Bay. This year will try the Atlantic...
Thanks, Bubblehead!
I will definitely look into those. I have a couple books on the electrickery,including Calder's, but my problem seems to be taking it from page to hands - on where the mental block kicks in. I don't know how to transition from theoretical to practical. kinda like someone who has read all there is about sailing, but still can't translate to getting out on the water and actually going sailing. I need some hands on guidance, and I don't just know where to get it. Any suggestions?
thanks again for the helpful link!
Lesley
my problem seems to be taking it from page to hands - on where the mental block kicks in. I don't know how to transition from theoretical to practical. (snip) I need some hands on guidance, and I don't just know where to get it.
Hello Lesley. If you're in a marina or boatyard the best/easiest way is to chat up a fellow who has done similar work on his boat. Ask questions. Nobody knew all this stuff at first. We learn and eventually it will make sense to you too.
First though, wire something simple that you "can't mess up" - it's summertime so I'd suggest a fan. Tell your circle of testosterone (or lady friend) what you want to do and ask what they would do first.
One step at a time, and you can do it.
Two wires, (one positive/hot, one ground/neutral)
From your breaker panel to the object (one of each color wire)
I'm presuming of course you're working with 12-volts.
The rest though comes a bit at a time, and it will make sense, guaranteed.
IF however you're planning on wiring your entire boat and are clueless after reading Calder's, you probably will have to spend some money for help. Or work out a Swap.
What can you do well?
I've hired help for meals and a small bit of $$ (extremely small)
I've swapped my work for theirs
I've traded cruising guides for work
And I've simply done stuff for boaters because they needed help.
A while back I replaced a sheave at the top of a mast for two cookies. Doggone First Mate ate 'em when my back was turned.
Picture of First Mate:
And friends have helped me many times with things that were beyond my scope -- either strength or knowledge. I've been blessed.
Hello
Yup newbie here, just joined the site.
Don't have my boat yet but will next year. I got hooked on sailing with my partner when we did the winters south on the water and the summers north working. We made a great team...but a lousy couple. So he's off on his boat and I'm stuck here - for now.
Not experienced enough to be alone so I'll need a crew but can't wait to get back on the water.
I will soon. As with my 800cc motorcycle, time on my own was the best thing for building my confidence...which is what I am excited for sailing singlehanded. Can't wait to find the perfect match to call my own and cast off for open water. Galley swain wanted
I own my O'Day 32' and live aboard alone very happily in Ventura, CA. People even here in California look askance at this, because I suppose I'm in a minority.
People here don't. There's a Grandma living discreetly but illegally in a marina near me. She does a lot of woodwork, varnish etc. on other boats and knows more about it than most of the guys in the boatyard.
One dreamer was trying to do a hack rebuild on an old wooden boat. It needed a new stem and he was completely clueless about it. He ignored a lot of good advice from the denizens of the boatyard but finally was forced to hire her. She quickly got fed up with the BS corner cutting he expected so she fired HIM.
We are joint owners, but since I am currently unemployed, our dockmates know me.
I am noticing a pattern that I get projects started, then hubby swoops in on the weekends and gets to finish them. I just can't seem to make my arms long enough to reach both ends of a through bolted stanchion.
I know many single handed women sailors who have off shore experience and tough coastal experience. And to revive this topic, I add, they sail Steel Brent Swain sailboats or Vintage wood or other kinds of makes and have great lives cruising the oceans.
Its a good life for a woman.. sometimes challenging because of the 'old boys clubs'. but the nice guys are not ruffled by it! And friends are made tried and true.. its a good life! True colors. Thats what the sea gives.. True Colors.
Hi,
Many women own their own boats! But what is the big deal, many men own their own boats.
I don't see the need of this separation. It is a type of person who owns their own boat or plane. They live life to the wall and are blessed and lucky enough to have been given or earned the opportunity.
I can own my boat and plane and still really appreciate a man that opens a door and provides flowers now and then. And for my part thank you to all the men that have taught me something along the way so I could be competent captain and mechanic and unplug the head when necessary.
I seriously doubt that Julie's intent with her original question was to divide. It was probably just natural curiosity from one woman to the rest of us. No conspiracies behind it.
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