March 2015 we are up in Maine climbing on stored boats under plastic in 20 degree weather and 4 feet of snow. Second showing of a Coaster 33 motor sailboat from England. Only 3 ever made it to the United States and 2 were in Maine. Dean researched the history of this boat and found it was built for North Sea sailing. This intrigued him so I journeyed to see this boat stored in a barn in Appleton, outside of Camden, Maine. This one owner boat was shipped from England in 1982 to East Coast as a model to be shown at sales events.I think we saw 4-5 boats in 2-3 days in the cold weather, narrowing down our choices. Most motor sailboats have a center enclosed cockpit, inside steering, occasionally outside as well, not the usual exposed or canvas covered cockpit of a regular sailboat.
Did I mention, it has to have shoal draft as many areas along the Great Loop are shallow.
What we were looking for was no more than 4 1/2 foot draft. Dean was interested in a ketch/ 2 mast boat to keep the height of mast lower and sails more manageable single handing, and I was more interested in what the interior room looked like. If I am going to live on this boat for at least 6 months, I need to know I can work with the inside space.
we also took some trips, again, to New York, Connecticut, and Maryland to look at boats. While in Maryland, we attended a seminar with the Great Loopers and learned some valuable information.
Enough for now.
Next time, The final choice!!!
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