The Rascal
I was spent a long time searching for boats and learning about different makes and models. I spent countless hours looking through listings on yachtworld and craigslist to try and find the right spot to concentrate my search. I was looking for something old, heavy, sturdy, traditional, long keeled, and cheap. I want the boat to be simple, easy to sail single-handed, and easy to repair in the boondocks. On the list of boats I looked at:
- Pearson Triton 28
- Contessa 26
- Alberg 30
- Albin Vega 27
- Cape Dory 28
- Columbia 29
- Southern Cross 28
- Laurin 28
She was built in 1960, right at the beginning of the era when fiberglass was introduced. In that day and age, nobody understood just how strong fiberglass was, and as a result, she is built with the thicknesses and construction that you'd expect in an older wooden boat... which means shes strong as a bull and she can take a lot of abuse and punishment. She was built in Holland and imported through New York, so though she is branded as a Seafarer, she was built in an industrial shipyard in Europe. Shes covered in brass fittings and accented with lots of rich, varnished wood. Shes quite clean and tidy (especially in comparison with other boats I looked at) and she even has lots of extra accessories, like a dingy and a tiller-pilot. The sails are exceptionally heavy duty and they were made by Schattauer Sails specifically for offshore cruising. They're almost 20 years old, but they still look and feel brand new. I think my favorite part about the interior is the little wood stove that heats her (and occasionally bacon as well).