Introducing myself

Spyder · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2011

I have about 55 yrs sailing experience in all the usual places, and a few unusual ones. Home port is on the Hudson River not far from the TappanZee Bridge (30 mi. N of Manhattan).

Most of my experience has been between West Point (USMA) and Martha's Vineyard. Other sailing areas (charter and friends boats)) have been: Tasman Sea, Indian Ocean, Med., Sea of Japan, Carribbean, S.F. Bay, Cam Ranh Bay, Bodensee...

Emily and I are recently retired, and sailing a smaller boat as an experiment. This boat is a 23' Menger Catboat. We enjoy cruising so I'm setting it up as a pocket cruiser. Em wants a larger boat (she really liked our 33' Cat-Ketch), but I think this can work nicely for two. It will let us into a lot of places the fixed keel wouldn't let us go. The Menger draws 30" board-up. Great for getting between islands and into quiet anchorages.

This season should answer the question. Since February I've added: windlass, auto pilot (w/ data link to GPS), wireless instruments, custom sail (450 sq. ft), new cushions, hard dodger, full cockpit canvas, teak binnacle, teak cooler table, small refrigerator, high-tech running rigging, and changed the cabin layout.

I'll report our results if anyone's interested.
Cheers,

WanderingStar · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2011

Sounds great! I have friends on catboats, I've owned a gaff yawl, and now I have a traditional marconi ketch. I also like the idea of thin water boats (though my current one draws 5'6" loaded). Let us know how it works out. If you visit Port Jeff, I'll buy you a beer.

Spyder · #3 (**permalink**) 05-20-2011

I grew up in Milford so I spent a lot of time in Port Jeff. I'll contact you next time I'm going to be around.
Cheers,
Dick

smackdaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-2011

Hey spyder. Welcome to SN dude. I've sailed once on the Hudson with one of the legendary SN salts: Bubb2.

Great memories.

WanderingStar · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2011

Sounds good. I've enjoyed a few visits to Milford over the years too.

NG721 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2011

Cheers!

miatapaul · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Welcome aboard!

What kind of Cat Ketch did you have? was it an Offshore or Freedom? I am looking at an Offshore 33 on the Hudson.