Penalties at the 40' line

We're still boat searching.  It has slowed down considerably - and as we continue to narrow our window on brand and model, the key question has become length.  

Here's where I need some help.  We're shooting for a 38' + size, but I've read snippets here and there about increased fees for docking, customs etc.  But that's just it - only snippets.  Hints at higher costs, but no concrete evidence.  So I'm on the prowl for information.  Is it true that something magical happens after 39' and that we should be charged accordingly?  Should I stick to searches for 38' and 39' catamarans?  Or is it just more boating folklore floating around on the web?

If it's true - that certainly narrows my searches and helps me focus.  If it's just another tall tale of the seas, well, I'd entertain the possibility of another few feet!

 Cat haulout   Image from Cruiser's Forum 

*The longer the boat is, the wider it is - the longer and wider it it, the more it costs to haul out of the water!  And once you hit a certain (TBD by more research) width, it seriously limits your choices of marinas throughout the world.

One Step Closer...

While it may not seem like a huge step, it is a significant (potentially life saving) step for us.

We headed up to Chattanooga for the weekend - he went camping/mtn biking with the boys and I stayed with a friend and her husband and got my craft on.  It was a great weekend all around.  On the way home we decided we'd stop in Macon to check out Divers Supply.

Diver's Supply is a  giant  SCUBA supply store - boasting that it's the biggest in the area.  (They laughingly admitted they were the ONLY scuba store in the area when we called 'em on it.)  We really just planned to poke around and see if there were any good deals going on.  We've been diving for 19 years on gear picked up (very used) at a pawn shop.  Since we've had it for 2 decades, and it was broken in when we got it - I have no idea how old it actually is.  Most of it is still in great working condition - and as our lives depend on it when we're diving, that's a good thing.  Unfortunately, last summer my BC sprung a leak.  A BC is a buoyancy compensator - and is basically the vest that you see divers wearing.  The air tank attaches to the back, and the regulator (that crucial hose that sends air to your mouth) is tied in as well.  The BC is inflatable and helps you maintain neutral buoyancy while under water.  Needless to say, when your BC has a leak, there's a problem.

This little beauty is mine.

Just so happens Diver's Supply is a ScubaPro dealer - and we've had our eyes on some ScubaPro gear for quite some time.  And after this weekend's little shopping spree, I can now lay my eyes on that gear anytime I want.  Yes - we grabbed 2 complete sets of new gear, and we're thrilled!  I can't wait to use it - I may even put it all on and go jump in the pool just to try it out.  Our next big dive trip is not scheduled until December and I really don't think I'll be waiting that long to test it all out.  The only thing we're missing is dive computers.  We'll add those soon - but we needed to put in some more research on that subject.

So glad to have the new gear - and I can only hope that this gear holds up as well as the pawn shop sets did.  Because it's ScubaPro - I'm pretty sure we'll easily get decades of use!

Secret Diving

A lot of people don't realize you can actually SCUBA dive out of Savannah.  I know - there's a giant shelf out there.  It keeps the water shallow  (and just happens to protect us from hurricanes).  We also have a few rivers feeding into the ocean, creating healthy estuaries along the shore.  This water is chock full of all kinds of things - and if you go out just far enough, you can see it!
I had an event to go to yesterday, but that didn't keep Honey Pie from going out.  Not only do we have diving off shore - we have wreck diving!  So the gang settled in for the 2 hour ride to the wrecks.  They headed out in what were reported to be 1' seas.

Too bad the weather forecast was completely off.  Somehow the weather man missed the giant band of storms heading in from the SE.  Seas were closer to 4' to 6'.  Some of the gang is already prone to sea sickness, so you can imagine a 25' boat in 5' chop for 2 hours was not what they were hoping for.

The first stop was a bust - but they rallied and headed to the next wreck.  The good thing about diving in chop is that as soon as you descend it calms down.  Bye bye seasickness, hello freaky sea creatures!   Thankfully H.P. is a camera fiend underwater and we've got several to share.

I think it's time to buy one of those fish identifying books!

Where IS she?!?

Holy Bujeezus.  I am not a shopper.  I know our boat is out there, and she'll show up when it's time.  That's just how this crazy Universe works.  But shopping for her is getting old.  Maybe it's time for a sunshine break!  

Happy happy Friday everybody!

Saloon or Salon?

Hey guys!

Not a lot going on boat-wise this week.  I've got a little birdie offering to get me on a Lagoon 380 for a peek.  This one is not for sale, but I'd certainly like to see the layout.  We're at that crucial point where we're trying to decide if a 38' is big enough, or if we should suck it up and go for a 40'.

We're strongly leaning toward casual chartering/liveaboard.  Not a "oh crap we've gotta fill the calendar" sort of chartering - more of a "hey, my friend says you do tours" sort of way.  Laid back 1/2 day, full day, or dinner tours - with MackDaddy food, of course.

If that plan holds, we would like to have a little more space in the Salon.  Or is it saloon?  I see it both ways, and I've gotta say it drives me nuts.  Either way, it's technically the dining/hang out area inside the boat.    Of course, the maximum number of paying guests at any one time is 6, so maybe the right 38' would work.

See - I told you there's not much going on this week.

I think I'll take advantage of the short news day to let you know that I love comments (feel free to chime in below!) and it would be great if you would follow this blog.  There are at least 4 ways to keep up with updates - just scroll along the right and left columns here and choose whichever one works for you.  I'd hate for you to miss something important - you know, when we start getting a little more adventurous and junk.

Thanks for reading!

Paddle.Paddle.Paddle.

No boat news since we went to view the FJ Athena on Sunday.  Still shopping/researching/biding our time.

In the meantime, we spent the last 2 evenings on the SUP's (stand up paddle boards) and saying hello to the dolphins as they swim by enjoying their high tide dinners.  Gotta get your water fix however you can.

Here's a video from January - enjoy!