Understanding ...

Posted By: Rod M. Nimble Vagabond "Loligo" S. Gulf Isl. BC
Date: 1/6/07 6:35p.m.

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In Response To: I truly understand... (pic) (Greg Koch)

Hi Greg, I can dig it! The journey can be its own reward, so why rush across the top of it? The Vagabond is built on the same hull as the Nimble 20, with something of an abbreviated keel, so she draws about 30 cm -- which is enough to protect the prop (I hope.) Trailer work is still underway, so I have not splashed her yet. The PO got 6 or so knots at 3000 rpm, 0.5 gal/hr. I am not sure how her sharpie hull (yes!) will behave if I try to force beyond calculated hull speed, but a 30 HP OB might incline her to plane if the water is flat. So, final analysis -- she will be launched soon, in the Florida panhandle, and we can start our learning curve. Come March I intend to take her to BC, and get in some cruising time before the crowds develop around the best anchorages/hangouts. With her shoal draft I ought to be able to anchor far from the madding crowd. If you ever try to come this far north (BC not FL) give me a hale. We live on Pender Island, and our little marina provides the best Orca viewing for miles around during the summer. Those babies can splash water on you!! The S. Gulf Isl. of BC are the same archipeligo as the San Juan Islands of Washington state. South Pender is about three NM away from Stuart Island in the SJs. All the islands are close together, and the scenery; anchorages; maritime karma; and climate are hard to beat. I've been here only three years (my family much longer,) but the islands and the people have just run me over. Really, I don't mean to sound like a pimp! ~~~ __/)~~~ Rod