Lessons Learned

This page will be a summary of lessons I am learning, either the right way or the hard way. Well maybe those two things aren't mutually exclusive. We'll see. 

Lesson #1:
The adage about the happiest two days of a sailboat owner's life is meant to be funny. Don't dwell on it, and don't let it come true. Yes, I was ecstatic on Day 1, but also a little trepidation. Now it's Day 20-something, and it feels the same. Sure I've spent some serious coin on boat parts, upgrades, and gear, but I'm still having fun. Oh yeah, and I can't wait to get back out onto the water.

Lesson #2:
My priorities for the family boating experience are not the same as the rest of the family...and that's okay. Interior cushions that don't look and smell of the 70's weren't high on my list, but now that my wife pushed gently on doing that, I find I'm anxious to receive the new cushions on this week. They certainly will make a huge aesthetic difference, and let's be honest, that matters. 

Lesson #3:
It's about sailing, so get sailing time in. The last weekend was shot due to other commitments, but the goal is to get on the water at least every other weekend. Unfortunately, the shorter winter days mean no evening options, but weekends are a must. Even with some rain, I need experience. And experiences. 

Lesson #4:
The Sailing Community is a social and friendly lot. Sailors want to share...knowledge, stories, tips, and good times. Ask and you will receive.

Lesson #5:
There's no one answer for any question, even though you do have to choose just one. The same helpful community mentioned above is comprised of many different perspectives and opinions. So you have to figure out who you trust (which can vary from topic to topic), and go with a trusted recommendation. It may not even be the way you'd do it next time, but it's better than going it alone and taking a wild chance.

Lesson #6:
The wind in winter in San Francisco Bay is less active than the rest of the year. So trying to sail on your new (old) boat is not highly effective. I need the experience but not really just motoring. Still, you can find some lovely views. 

Lesson #7:
Epoxy is cool. For the little jobs of sticking things (back) together, the little dual syring is useful for mixing, but getting the right tips in advance would've made the application easier.

Lesson #8:
Motoring without cushions in the cabin is LOUD. the cushion in the aft quarter berth especially provides sound deadening I didn't appreciate until it was not there. The lack of cushions during re-upholstery throughout the boat made the interior an echo chamber. Makes you acutely aware of the power of the 27 hp Yanmar diesel.

Lesson #9:
Make sure the wife knows the basics about the boat and its systems (at least as I learn them myself). Having purchased a Keurig coffee maker, she was surprised to learn that the standard outlets in the cabin do NOT work while underway. Candidly, I didn't learn that until a week earlier, but it does make sense that the AC outlets are only powered by the AC shore power and not a battery. This led to some chuckling from our tutor (her uncle) and a suggestion that an inverter is a possible addition for a few hundred dollars if battery power must be used to make that cup of java. This led to the alternate suggestion of making coffee before departing and bringing either individual or carafe sized Thermoses. Much cheaper and easier.