5Yr plan - am I crazy?

[di_namic42]

Hi Guys
Yes it is a huge decision!

I was able to do a lot of research via contacts at the chandlery and a local shipright, both of whom know the boat, did the work and sold them the gear, and recommended and help me choose the surveyor, not the vendor.

Cyclone: I have contacts in the marina further up the creek from yorkys , which is where i will go if any cyclones threaten. I was going to try so sail quickly south, but I would prefer to take things very slowly, and do this end of the coast now as i may never make it back here.
New years eve on Lizard sounds good, weather conditions permitting!!!

It does tick so many boxes of what i dreamed of and more. The right size & build etc. I checked out other boats in QLD and NSW > 60K, allow for negotiation and I really feel they are not really as well equipped.

with only 1500 hrs on an IVECO 39hp I am happy, as with the new mainsail, etc. I didn't realise until the other day that it has a new watermaker, a new $15,000 raymarine plotter systems, SMEV stainless steel gimballed four burner cooktop with grill and oven, Radar: Raymarine C80 25 nautical range and interphased with GPS and laptop computer, auto helm & AIS integration, and ( BLISS) an 185L eutectic fridge and the means to run it ( solar and wind generator).

I have been costing this stuff, and it adds up quickly, as does all the installation.


Yes there was a 33ft Arends sold at auction down here recently & went for 76K. Not nearly as well equipped.

Ok I'll admit it, after researching for a year and being very analytical , I also love the interior and the layout. I am smitten!!!!!
Indulge me, at least all this is taking my mind off my health, and how crappy the chemo is making me feel.


For those who didn't check out yachthub or the website.......
Vessel Name MICO (previously Mi Columpio
Year 1979
Length 33' 3" - 10.13m
Beam 3.25m
Draft 1.45m
Displacement 6.2t
Keel / Ballast Lead - GRP encased ¾ full keel
Vessel Location CairnsNeed Boat Transport/Shipping?
Region Queensland

Designer Raymond H Richards USA
Builder Alajuela Yachting Corporation USA
Hull Material Hand laid fibreglass
Decks Material Hand laid F/G
Engine IVECO Model: 4041M39
Engine build year: 2006
Engine horsepower: 39hp
Complete service and new engine mounts 2010
Fuel: Diesel
Controls: Morse
Transmission: Twin Disc 2:1
Cooling: Freshwater/heat exchanger
Prop: 3 blade feathering (2010) on S/S shaft with SureSeal drip-less seal (2011)
New engine mounts (2011)
Engine Hours 1500
Engine Room New Vetus wet exhaust and riser 2011
Excellent access – top, front, rear and both sides. Engine room is well insulated and ventilated with lighting and easy access to all intake and exhaust valves.
Genset No
Fuel 189 litres S/S Tank
Water 284 litres S/S Tank (Baffled)
Dinghy 2.8m RIB Tender (2010) with cover
Outboard 4hp Yamaha with new full zippered cover
Covers Bimini, Dodger, Hatch, Dinghy, Outboard and BBQ
Shower Pressurised cockpit shower
Toilet 12 volt macerator - 90 litre S/S holding tank
Accommodation Light airy cabin with extensive teak fit out with new cabinetry & bench tops
2010 and 2 pack epoxy spray on teak and holly sole 2010.
Extra large V berth with extension, drawers and cabinets
1 x Small double aft port, 1 x large single starboard
2 x single passage bunks amidships
Large cockpit with custom cushions
Large cockpit with infill enabling cockpit conversion to large queen size bed
No: of cabins: 2
No: of heads: 1
Folding saloon table with wine rack plus fold out prep table in galley
Other: Bronze port lights throughout plus 2 large deck hatches and vents
Galley SMEV stainless steel gimballed four burner cooktop with grill and oven
Sink: Large single stainless steel sink. All new plumbing throughout 2010
2 x 9kg Gas cylinders in custom external locker and vented
Pressurised water and water filters
Other: Stainless steel BBQ with independent 5kg gas cylinder
New Katadyn 40e watermaker
Refrigeration Custom built 185 litre capacity with eutectic plate
New hoses, thru holes and ball valves throughout Dec 2011
12 volt submersible bilge pump
12 volt Jabsco impeller pump with pressure cylinder in galley
New taps 2011
Ground Tackle 12 volt Lewmar Pro Series with new deck & cockpit switches Oct 2009 - PLUS COMPLETE SPARE!
Wireless remote control 2010.
65m x 8mm short link primary anchor chain with 30lb CQR
Safety Gear 6 lifejackets, danbouy, with ring and strobes, throwing line, 406 Epirb, grab bags and all flares, 3 x powder extinguishers, fire blanket and torches.
Electronic AUTO WATCH ALARM with visual & audio alert
I x electronic Bilge pump & 1 x manual Bilge pump
4 x man Pacific RFD Life raft in f/g case tested Dec 2010
Electrics Completely rewired throughout Dec 2009 with new Blue Seas distribution board
Portable Inverter
Shore power with outlets through out vessel
Battery house: 4 x Trojan 6 volt (2012)
Battery engine: 1 xTrojan 12 volt gel (2011)
Battery charger: Beeline 1275-D
Other: 35amp Engine Alternator
1 x BP Solar 125 watts with integrated smart controller battery monitoring system
Airex Wind generator & smart controller
Electronics
Navigation Depth sounder: Raymarine ST60+
Autopilot: Raymarine Grand Prix SPX-5GP 2012 tiller pilot
SPX-5GP Wireless helm remote control (steer from atop the mast!).
Spare Raymarine ST 1000+ and Raymarine ST 4000 tiller pilots as backups
GPS / Plotter: Garmin 172-C
Radar: Raymarine C80 25 nautical range and interphased with GPS and laptop computer, auto helm & AIS integrationLighting system: 12 volt lighting LED throughout with Red & white LED Strip lighting Wind Speed: Raymarine ST60+ Wind Instrument
Radio/CD Player - NEW,
New STANDARD HORIZON VHF with DSC & AIS integrated with Radar & chart plotter
ICOM M710 HF RADIO PLUS ICOM 130E AUTO ANTENNA TUNER
Sail Inventory Brand new fully battened main (used twice) with 3 reefs Feb 2012
Brand new Lazy jack and integrated boom sail bag with zip March 2012
Furling headsail in very good condition with new UV strip Head sail in very go
Furling Inner Staysail – fair condition
Spinnaker & Pole
2 x spare headsails, storm jib and spare main.
Boom brake
Brand new Harken Traveller system, spectra lines and Ronstan blocks
Mast / Rigging Mast info: Alloy mast and boom in good condition
Spar rigging info: Two alloy spreaders
Standing rigging info: Stainless steel
good condition
All lines and sheets new March 2012 spectra
Deck Gear WindPilot wine vane steering system
Winches: 2 Lewmar 8 single speeds in cockpit
2 x new Lewmar 16 x 2 speed at mast (2012)
2 x Lewmar 42 self tailing in cockpit
BRAND NEW Harken traveller car system with all NEW blocks throughout
Other: Swim ladder
Other: SS BBQ
Remarks If you're looking for a quality classic-look, tried and true vessel with all new systems and ready to head out into the blue with absolutely nothing more to spend or do - then this is the yacht for you. Visit our website below for heaps more images, spec sheets, videos and details.

[Peter57]

Hi Di, she sounds like a good boat and with everything done recently on her. It is one that you would likely regret if she got away. My boat is a good boat but it is very basic and I have limited water, only the waeco 50 litre fridge, no solar panels, no separate icebox, no holding tank and no radar or other sophisticated electronic equipment. While her lines are led aft, there are no clutches - which I have just purchased and need to fit and before I did any extensive cruising would need to fit my fleming major windvane, dodger, new water tank and I am doing up the saloon and galley. All extra money. What I like about your boat is that it has opening portholes and a hatch over the saloon so plenty of air flow which you need in the tropics. With yours, just jump aboard and go. Great stuff Hope it all works out for you. Cheers Peter

[di_namic42]

So, a big long saga about MICO.
In shourt the boat was great except fot the rigging. I knew a rerig was due & had budgeted $5,000 for that.
However, after the surveyor found severe corrosion around the winches on the mast, a cracked bottle screw and one that was crystalline ( the threads could be scraped of by thumbnail) he was suspect.

He discussed with the local rigger and felt that the boat may have had a lightning strike. He said the boat was not to be sailed until the mast had been removed and checked and the corrosion fixed. Max 10 hours motoring in calm seas to get it to the rigger.

The owner offered to drop the price $10k, and I think may have covered the costs, but I had a lot of fluffing around to do. Also, with the rigger lead time, xmas and holidays it would not have been ready to sail until the end of January. Which is then the rainy season and cyclone season.

I did not fancy staying in cairns for summer, so I turned it down. If i am still in sailing condition, and it is still for sale in march/april I may make an offer on it.

So I moved on to plan B. I crewed on a Roberts 44 offshore from Airlie beach to Yeppoon. Stopping at Hamilton island, Whitsundat Island, Scawfell Island, Middle Percy Island and North Keppell island on the way. Middle Percy is great and the A-frame with all the momentoes from the yachts that pass by is unique and really not to be missed. I have crewed on this boat before and we had generally good weather. I cought up with Louis, who drove out and had coffee with me.

Then I have just finished a 5 day intensive RYA day skipper course, sailing out in moreton bay. Brilliant!!! I learned so much. I could write a whole post on that. Not cheap, but fantastic. Also my first experience with a fin keel ( Jeaneau 41). It was fun practicing docking with something that maneuverable.

Now I am physically exhausted and my body really hurts. so a few quiet days to recover.

I have been looking at several boats ( duncanson 35, top hat mk 3 in Yepoon, a Mk 1 in Scarborough) and finally a top hat 27 here at Manly.
I don't know if it was just after crewing on the 44ft Roberts, but it looked incredibly flimsy. Much less strong than the 25's. Is that just me?
For $32,000 it was pretty and a nice weekender, but did not seem strong enough for much more.

So, lots more sailing experience and knowledge, but still no boat!

[Troppo]

Well done Di! I would be happy to have achieved as much as you have and I am not battling illness the way you are. Good on ya!

cheers

Louis
Troppo

[Ianb]

Good to hear from you and your adventures. Plan B sounds like a good option. Ownership can have its hassles, and as long as you can find a berth on a nice boat, can still be lots of fun.
If you are still interested in buying a Top Hat, take a look at the one in Sydney. http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sal ... mk1/137415. It seems like it is ready to go. Cruising in the Sydney area offers quite a lot of variety, and no cyclones!

[storm petrel]

Yes, I know this boat and agree that she is well set up and cared for. Mark has moved up to a Catalina 34 and that is the only reason he has her on the Market. I have no connection to the seller but have sailed against the boat in races on the Hawkesbury.

[di_namic42]

It sounds like a lovely little boat.

I have my next CT scan on wednesday, and see the oncologist on the following monday. The Tarceva( daily chemo drug) is doing nasty things to my eyesight - blurred vision and a cataract in my right eye ( fixable at some future time I hope), plus daily nausea, foggy brain and fatigue. about half my hair has fallen out and my eyelashes, but the Tarceva paradox is that my eyebrows are going gangbusters. Also I am bruising really easily.

I am wondering if i may have missed my coastal sailing on my own boat time window. I will know more next week. The surface lumps ( lymph node metastases) did shrink initially, but i think they may have grown a tad in the last month. The Tarceva won't cure except in a very small % of cases, just buy me some time before I have to consider the big chemo and the nasty radiation.

I have decided to buy a hiace slwb van and kit it out simply and go up and down the coast visiting and crewing ( find a crew). Watch out, I may visit Sydney!!! It will be a great escape hole when I am not feeling well. We will wait and see about boat ownership after xmas, I think. I will be looking for a housesitter and head off. Also, I may fit a trip to italy in to do the mosaic course i wanted to do. I have a mosaic friend who will come with me and be my carer.

My family is planning a great all out xmas, as I have no idea if I will be here for the next one, or what condition I will be in. Geez, you can pack some living in when you know time could be short!!!

[storm petrel]

I am sure there would be plenty of Top Hatters that would be happy to have you aboard for a sail when you are passing by in your van. keep us informed of your progress and whereabouts.

Best Wishes
Mark

[Troppo]

Di, I had a hiace van and travelled around in it for a while. Awesome fun. I recall pulling into one camping ground, actually it was the NP out near Stanthorpe with all the granite boulders, and since it was raining I just climbed over the seat into the back and went to sleep on the mattress. Way better than getting wet trying to put up a tent.

The best thing about a hiace van is when you park it for the night, in the morning it should be in exactly the same spot not like a boat that swings around and might drift : ).

All the best.

Louis
Troppo

[di_namic42]

"The Yellow Peril" was the name of my ex-telecom van that I owned and travelled in in the late 80's. Having done that I have a good idea of what i want this time.

Land Yacht "Left Field"...... I am looking for a super long wheel base, which gives an extra 800mm of interior length which is a lot, a bit more width, and more head height. Having become familiar with 12V electrics in anticipation of buying my boat, the knowledge about solar panels, amp hours, watts, regulators, inverters, etc is there already! And I can almost use a multimeter!!

I am putting in a vented Airhead composting toilet, as The main thing I hate when travelling is camp ground toilets in the middle of the night, and I never know when Tarceva tummy is going to strike whilst I am travelling. Also, the double bed stays down, if I want table & chairs they are out under the awning, gobs of storage and a 100L fridge/freezer, and water/sink.

I picked up a metho cooker & oven on ebay ( retails at over 2K in whitworths) for $100 so I will install that in the van, with maybe a small butane stove for the urgent cuppa. Oven has never been used. one of the 4 burners may need replacing or just cleaning out.

Yes, Louis you are right ... no nightly worries if you are dragging anchor, much easier to resupply, and as it doesn't have anything to do with the word "marine" parts are not automatically 10 times more expensive. So, I can mix up land and water experiences as fast as I can!!!

I guess i will get my sailing fix on other peoples boats, at least for the immediate future. There is a good amount of opportunities on "find a crew", as well as Top Hat invitations. Hoping to be on the move in January, once I am setup and housesitter found to feed the chooks and mind the vegie garden.

Left Field as a name? Yes! then I can say i am truly out in "Left Field"!!! ( an american term for those who have never heard it, meaning unusual, perhaps strange, a position or circumstance that is remote from an ordinary or general trend.)