Passport 40 Review w/John Kretschmer

[Moonfish]

I'm looking for some feedback on this... We did a "Used Boat Notebook" video review with John on the Passport 40 (see below). Personally, I will listen to whatever Mr. Kretschmer has to say in regards to sailing, as his knowledge and experience is undeniably vast. Professionally, I think his delivery is great, and he is able to articulate his thoughts on camera - without a ****** - just like a pro. But that's me. I'd like to know what you think.

Question is: Would you like to see more "Used Boat Notebook" (classic plastic) types of video boat reviews w/John K? And if so, any particular models?

The idea John and I have had is to take 10-12 classic bluewater boats (most probably from his book), review them similarly to the Passport 40, and create a DVD. His publisher could even bundle the book and DVD together as an option. We think it's a good idea, but if there isn't going to be a market for it, we won't invest a lot of time and money in creating it.

Thanks all!

[gtod25]

and who won't invest in one (or both) of John's "Used Boat Notebooks" is an idiot, IMHO. His reviews are clear, concise and generally based on considerable experience sailing the vessel in question, usually during a delivery. Deliveries are often in the wrong direction, at the wrong time of year and sailing a boat that the owner is smart enough not to want to be on board during that specific trip. This is a much better way to get to know a boat that a 4hr sail in the Chesapeake (aka Cruising World BOTY). His review tipped the balance for me in my recent purchase of a Whitby 42.

I met John at a book signing and lecture and he came across as unassuming, pleasant and knowledgeable. Not bad for a guy who has more nautical miles going astern than most of us have cruising.

His "At the mercy of the sea" is a great read but keep it away from your wife/sailing partner.

As far as making money out of cruisers /potential cruisers.....well!!!!!!!

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[teddier1]

I thought it was a great vido. It would be nice if he gave you some recent sales data so you would have some idea of the cost to purchase one.
Ed

[Cruisingdad]

Darren,

It's great. You did a great job.

- CD

[Freesail99]

Bravo, very well done !

[Melrna]

Thanks for the video. It was great. I do have one comment. I wish he would go into the negatives/weaknesses of the boat: systems, poor stainless steel in most Taiwanese boats, leaking ports, etc. This would be helpful to understand the total cost of boat ownership if one buys used and it needs to be brought up to standards.

[kwaltersmi]

Awesome...exactly what I've been looking for in a video review: bluewater boats by a knowledgeable sailor w/ good camera work. Keep them coming!

John mentioned that he was "continuing the series on great boats to sail the world". Are there more videos available?

Some ideas to improve future videos:
1) Add a short segment that mentions the boat's specs (LWL, LOA, beam, displacement, keel type, rig type, etc.)
2) Add something about the market like availability and price ranges.
3) Don't forget the <$100k crowd.

And finally, since you asked for it, here's a list of other reviews I'd personally like to see:

1) Baba 30/35/40
2) Westsail 28/32
3) Hans Christian 33t
4) Tayana 37
5) Southern Cross 31
6) Bill Garden 41's (Island Trader/CT/Hardin/etc.)
7) Anything by Bob Perry

[jackytdunaway]

I really enjoyed it. keep them coming

[JohnRPollard]

I don't own any of his books, but I have always enjoyed John's articles and respect his views. You guys all did a nice job on this video, too.

Not to nitpick, but a video review like this would seem more comprehensive if it could also get a good look at the underbody of the boat while it was hauled out. I like to see and talk about the keel, skeg, rudder, strut, aperture, etc. I also like to see the entry at the bow, and the bustle at the stern, not just the topsides. It really wouldn't cost much to haul the boat and hang it in the slings for a half hour or so while you get some good footage.

If that sort of cost is prohibitive, at a minimum it would be helpful to show some graphics that include the profile drawing of the hull, sail rig, etc, along with its critical dimensions. Better still if you could include some derived calculations, such as payload capability, theoretical hull speed, LPS, MC, CR, etc and compare those figures to some competitors. Additional info such as water and fuel tankage, battery bank, etc are always important to world cruisers, too.

Those are just a few suggestions off the top of my head without giving it too much thought. I tend to gravitate toward hard data, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

[xort]

jrp

I think your idea of discussing the shape of the underbody is a good idea. But numbers, numbers and more numbers will make a video long and boring. Those things can be put on paper or on a website as supplemental details. Keep the video to things visual, use a webpage to add to the info for those who want more details. Video is for SHOW & TELL.