"I'd go with you more often if we had a bigger boat."
What else could a guy do when his wonderful wife says that about sailing? I got a bigger boat!
Serenity was found in Naples, FL where she had been in commercial service for weekend cruises and sundown cocktail tours. She was in good sailing condition but needed a lot of TLC. I had been fixing Puff up after the first trip and she was in great shape. A bit of cleaning, a coat of Polyglass, and sorting of gear and Puff sold after 1 day on the Internet.
I could only afford to do the necessary repairs/upgrades on Serenity by working at West Marine. Between the discount on items purchased and the great ideas from fellow employees, Serenity began to take shape as a well-outfitted coastal cruiser.
Upgrades/repairs included: Raymarine Wheelpilot S1, refrigerator, larger bimini, new sail cover, cockpit shades, waterpump, cockpit shower, AGM batteries, battery charger/inverter, rudder, rudder cables, rebedded stanchions, deck repairs, raised boom, recut main sail, new sun cover on jib, new running lights, new cabin lights, Air X wind generator, head rebuild, dingy motor mounts, new vents, fans, fuel tank, tachometer, volt meter, Fortress anchors with rode, and many more things, than I would ever admit. Boat = break out another thousand.
I told my boss at West Marine I needed to take a 3-month leave of absence starting in mid-March. Hopefully I will have Serenity ready by then. Then off to the Keys and Bahamas.