Sandpiper at Catalina Island
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Nomad Willy
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Hey Walt,
She looks great under way.
Is this the first time you've done that?
Gotta get out more my friend.
She looks great under way.
Is this the first time you've done that?
Gotta get out more my friend.
OP
OP
Codger2
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It's her first run to Catalina but certainly not the first time at sea! We were quite surprised at the ride (15-17 knots at 2700rpm) I am going to update the electronics, however, as they crapped out on me several times on the way home. 70 miles, rain squalls and couldn't see out the fly bridge half the time. Radar was a must!
I've had other boats to Catalina over the years (1990 OA 42, Mediterranean 54, etc. but Sandpiper is the most "comfortable boat I've been on. There were 4 of us, TV worked great, generator, galley, state rooms, refrigerator, ice maker, etc. Only the boat's electronics gave me trouble. (On then off....not dependable!) Also, with the new Maretron fuel system it was nice to see "real time" fuel burn numbers.
All in all, when I change out the electronics I will have the SoCal boat that suits a 75 year old skipper to a "T."
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CPseudonym
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Beautiful yacht Walt! You sure know how to pick 'em. 
OP
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Codger2
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Yes. For a boat our size (42ft) it's $42/night. We used the Avalon Harbor boats to take us ashore for $5/person. For those who have a dinghy, the dinghy dock is quite large and many tenders could be seen there.
Best steak house is "Steve's Steak House & best Italian is Portofino. (Excellent!) You can rent a gas powered golf cart for $40/hr & we were able to see damn near everything of note in an hour and a half.
An afternoon cocktail can be quite nice at the Descanso Day Resort, just north of the casino. It's just like being in Hawaii.
We only spent 2 days on Catalina as the real purpose for the trip was to shake down Sandpiper & see how she performed.
Note: The fenders in the photo were deployed to protect us from the shore boat but as it turned out they were not needed.
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Codger2
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Thanks, Craig! We've worked hard this last year readying her for some serious cruising and on this trip we learned a lot. 140 miles round trip gives you a lot of time to check everything out. (example: The satelite TV is 9 years old and I worried about not being able to see anything at cruise speed... 15/17 knots. Such was not the case as I left the bridge to my brother in law, went below and watched a half hour tv show without a hic up! We plan to change out the complete suite of electronics in the next few weeks as the present set is suspect at best. We didn't want to do that before getting a short cruise under our belts as the creature comforts with 4 adults aboard were an unknown. As it turned out, we all had a great time. Didn't run out of anything and the engines (Yanmar 6LY2A-STP 440hp) ran absolutely great! Time for the new electronics!Beautiful yacht Walt! You sure know how to pick 'em.
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Codger2
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The only photo I have is the fuel burn on each engine and the total. Notice that one engine shows about 1 gallon /hour less than the other. The tacs need to be synchronized as when both engines' fuel burns agree, I can hear an out of synch hum! The system did show 340 gallons burned for the entire trip which agreed with my site gauges and Tank Tender. I realize that those numbers will freak out the trawler community but traveling at that speed (15-17 knots ) is one hell of a lot of fun!
I'm going with the Raymarine ES127 & the ES128 with built in CHIRP Downvision, the Raymarine 4kw open array HD & the Raymarine EV200 Evolution Auto Pilot. My transducer for the sounder will be replaced and another added for the 3D Downvision. All these additions are compatible with the Maretron system and will show their data in the MFDs. I realize that I will never get that money back when I sell the boat but that's what I want!
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CPseudonym
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Sounds like more good stuff in Sandpipers near future. 17 knot cruise to Avalon, doesnt get much better than that. Bet it keeps one of these 
pasted on your face.
pasted on your face.
Sounds like more good stuff in Sandpipers near future. 17 knot cruise to Avalon, doesnt get much better than that. Bet it keeps one of these
But almost $1,000 for fuel each trip makes the other end pucker ;-).
David
mbevins
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Nomad Willy
Guru
Re Walt's burn ....
If I had the money I'd be do'in it.
If I had the money I'd be do'in it.
RT Firefly
Enigma
Greetings,
Hey, nice boat, cute wife...It's only money.
Hey, nice boat, cute wife...It's only money.
sunchaser
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Given all the OAs I see moving on the water it seems many are willing and able to keep the economy moving ahead. Not to mention he fun factor. Fuel costs remain minor in comparison to other boating monies many of us spend.
ancora
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You left out the most important place on the island, "Big Olaf's." Sure do hope it's up and runnin' when we get there in September for our yacht club cruise.
Tunajoe
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BruceK
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Someone once likened sailboat racing to standing under a cold shower while tearing up $100 bills.Greetings,
Hey, nice boat, cute wife...It's only money.
CPseudonym
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You bet!
Then it's cheap at twice the price
OP
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Codger2
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Epilogue
I realize that on this Forum most have 7-8 knot boats as did I for 8 years. I think that those who know me (on this Forum) will recall my disinterest in boating about 6 years ago when I contemplated quitting the boating scene.I had a 32 footer, SeaHorse II, which I loved but it did not deliver the experience I wanted. An experience that my wife & I enjoyed 20 years ago. Sandpiper is allowing us to roll back the clock, as it were, and make some of the old trips we used to do at 20 knots. Though our boat will do 20 knots, 15-17 seems to be the sweet spot albeit it at a considerable fuel burn.
I now feel that my boating experience is starting all over again and in greatly increased comfort. My wish would be that everyone who participates in this past time, have the "financial where with all "to enjoy it in a vessel that delivers an experience that maximizes their particular cruising grounds. I've found mine!
I realize that on this Forum most have 7-8 knot boats as did I for 8 years. I think that those who know me (on this Forum) will recall my disinterest in boating about 6 years ago when I contemplated quitting the boating scene.I had a 32 footer, SeaHorse II, which I loved but it did not deliver the experience I wanted. An experience that my wife & I enjoyed 20 years ago. Sandpiper is allowing us to roll back the clock, as it were, and make some of the old trips we used to do at 20 knots. Though our boat will do 20 knots, 15-17 seems to be the sweet spot albeit it at a considerable fuel burn.
I now feel that my boating experience is starting all over again and in greatly increased comfort. My wish would be that everyone who participates in this past time, have the "financial where with all "to enjoy it in a vessel that delivers an experience that maximizes their particular cruising grounds. I've found mine!
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I realize that on this Forum most have 7-8 knot boats as did I for 8 years. I think that those who know me (on this Forum) will recall my disinterest in boating about 6 years ago when I contemplated quitting the boating scene.I had a 32 footer, SeaHorse II, which I loved but it did not deliver the experience I wanted. An experience that my wife & I enjoyed 20 years ago. Sandpiper is allowing us to roll back the clock, as it were, and make some of the old trips we used to do at 20 knots. Though our boat will do 20 knots, 15-17 seems to be the sweet spot albeit it at a considerable fuel burn.
I now feel that my boating experience is starting all over again and in greatly increased comfort. My wish would be that everyone who participates in this past time, have the "financial where with all "to enjoy it in a vessel that delivers an experience that maximizes their particular cruising grounds. I've found mine!
Walt - You are a nice guy! Best luck for years of continued boating fun! - Art
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