Letters

From our fellow boaters …

Submit letters & photos via e-mail to: compactyachts@gmail.com
Steve,
Sitting here in Shanghai on a layover and contemplating my upcoming (Aug 2013) mandatory retirement and whether to list my Pearson 303 for sale and leave the sailing/motoring lifestyle behind for just motoring and ran across this blog on the Rosborough line of boats from Nova Scotia. Unlike many sailors I like small motor vessels and yachts of the passagemaker type. Unfortunately as is discussed in this blog , my tastes and desires are out of line with my income and net worth. Nimble Nomads, various C-Dory’s and the Rosborough line of boats have been on my short list of favorites. Early models of the Mainship Pilot/ Alura and Albin 28′ family cruiser lines, are favorites as well although they are at the outside edge of the budget. Thanks for this website/blog as the reviews are great and the links are helpful.
Sincerely,
Dave R.
Hi Dave,
 
Glad the blog was part of your layover! Don’t give up on a Rosborough or Nomad because of the price. We just listed a Rossie for $35,000 in the classifieds! Let me know if you ever get to S.F. Bay … and we’ll cruise together!
 
Warm regards,
 
Steve
compactyachts.com
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Hi Steve,
I am very impressed with your website. I, too, am dreaming of cruising on a Rosborough sometime in the next few years with my soul mate and wife of 27 years. We plan on doing the Great Loop once we retire and our toddler grandkids grow a little older – maybe in five years when I reach 62. I just wanted your opinion on a couple of our ages (my wife is five years younger) handling the boat without much problem. We have sailed for many years and are in reasonably good shape. We are waiting for that time when we are financially sound enough to venture off for a year and still retain our primary residence. Your stories make great reading and provide a wonderful inspiration for us. Thanks.Gary L.
Hi Gary,
 
My recommendation is that you do it NOW. Too many life changing occurrences can come about while you’re ‘waiting’ for the right time. I suffered a massive stroke 2 years ago (my life and living changed forever), and am thankfully recovering to the point that I can have much of my life back. I wish I had gotten “Kokomo” sooner, and experienced it for years before I did! Just a thought …
 
As for my opinion on whether folks your ages can handle the Rosborough, I can’t think of a more spacious or ‘any-water’ yacht anywhere that can be so readily and competently handled by a single person, and certainly by two people. I recommend getting used to wearing PFD’s, and taking it slow. Of course, that’s what yachting is all about!
 
If you’re thinking about trailering the boat (vs. storing it on the water somewhere), then you’ll want to know the particular challenges of a heavy trailer, salt-water maintenance and launching/retrieving a big boat (Kokomo is 10,000lbs wet!) but I do that single-handed too (lots easier, faster and more pleasant when Lee is there, though) so you can do it either way.I’d guess that with your experience sailing, you’ll find the “Rossie” to be a great deal easier to handle and enjoy! Let me know when you get yours, so I can celebrate with you!
 
Fair winds,
 
Steve
compactyachts.com

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Steve,

I’ve been researching RF-246s again and had a question for you. How has having the “head in the bed” been over time? Does it ever get a little “gamey” in the berth with that arrangement? Also am I correct in that the only shower available is the one in the cockpit? How does one maintain any privacy with that set up?  Both of these may be issues for my wife and just wanted to get your real world experiences with both those issues?

Thanks for your help!

Chris Foster

 Hi Christopher,

 Nice to hear from you. I had the same reservations re: the location of the head/commode before I bought the boat. In fact, there was a boat for sale in MS (I think) that was the very rare rear head version, and I thought I wanted to see that one before investing over $100k in a used boat.
 
But I’m glad I didn’t, because I might have bought that one for all the wrong reasons. The nearly 360-degree view from the helm on most Rosboroughs is worth much more than the enclosed rear head. As for the ‘gamie’  sense some folks have at their head (in the front compartment and while in bed) I can’t relate, because my boat doesn’t get that way.
 
I think that is because I do the following: 1-I treat the head with a nice sea-friendly deoderizer/waste eater that I buy from West Marine (costs not so much and a bottle lasts me at least a year) every time the head is used and before/after each voyage. About a tablespoon per treatment., 2- We only use the head for #1 when we’re in an area where heads are at the next port. When we aren’t, I flush (add several gllons of clean water) and pump-out thoroughly at the termination port for our cruise … and then use the treatment again and 3-I never trailer the boat without pumping the holding tank dry and putting fresh/salt water and treatment in it (about 2 gallons of water). This way, there’s just a well-treated tank sloshing about (and cleaning it more) as I go down the road. I think if you do this, you’ll never have a problem with odor. 
 
A note about the location: Don’t get the head door; everyone I know that has a head door has removed it in favor of space (and it’s expensive!). The bulkhead door makes for privacy when needed and the head seems well thought out when you need it (after all, how often do you?) and tucked away the rest of the time.
 
As for the shower, there are/were two factory options: the (much preferred) cockpit shower and the shower at the head with a sump pump. Note that you have to have a water heater for either option – about half the boats do. As you might imagine, the shower at the head can be cramped (if you’re like me) and create unwanted moisture in the v-berth area. The cockpit shower (which I plan to install a version of this summer) is more spacious (an issue for me) and has a natural drain … out the scuppers. Privacy, if needed (it’s not an issue when we’re anchored out in the wilderness), can be achieved by hanging strategically-placed towels off the roof extension or simply showering in a swimsuit. 
 
Another option I see a lot is the ‘solar shower’ on the roof (for showers in the cockpit). Also, I’ve read about the garden sprayer/shower conversion that sounds interesting. I have a propane powered water-heater and shower device on my upper deck at home (outside showers with a view) that would work for a grand cockpit shower if you got cold water to the unit. And last, if your boat has a normal faucet, you may want to try the trick of fastening a hose to your faucet and running a shower out to the cockpit (my sink has a Pfancy Pfaucet and so we can’t do this). We’ve found that, when cruising from port to port, we usually have a great shower option (take a roll or two of quarters). This summer were going to cruise Desolation Sound in Canada for a week, and so we’ll need an onboard shower option of some sort.
 
I hope this answers your questions … and that you become a fellow RF-246 owner sometime soon!
 
Steve
KOKOMO
 
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Dear compactyachts.com,

We own “Sweet Pea” which is NN Hull# 1. We bought her in 1994 and our home port is St.James City,Fla. We dearly love our little trawler and have spent many hours on Pine Island Sound just enjoying the pleasures of slow boating.
The Nomad is not a boat for everyone but for those that enjoy the ability to cruise economically and comfortably in skinny water and in coastal areas, she is perfect. We do overnight on her quite a bit and have even cooked gourmet meals with the minimal facilities on board.
Also Face Book has a petty active group for Nimble Nomads so check that out for more info and pictures of Nomads.
And thanks for your very well written article about our neat little boats.
Tom & Sharon Nowling

 Tom and Sharon,

Thank you for your letter and enthusiasm about one of our favorite boats. I’m a member of the Facebook page, and keep up on the news about Nimble boats. I’m glad you found my article to be worthwhile. I’d enjoy meeting you and seeing ‘Sweet Pea’ if we ever find ourselves in the harbor or cove!

Steve, compactyachts.com

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Hi Steve,

I am the owner of a Nimble Nomad (also named Puffin) that I keep just off Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn, NY. You’ve written a very detailed and accurate review of this unique boat.

I would just like to add that the Nomads are quite capable coastal cruisers, as well. We have had ours in significant chop and 2-4-foot waves in lower New York Harbor and the waters off Coney Island. It was uncomfortable, but we didn’t feel unsafe. And I know of one Nomad owner in Alaska who regularly boats and fishes on Sitka Sound.

Please visit my blog if you’re interested in reading about some of our adventures in Puffin. In the future we hope to cruise the Erie Canal, do a circumnavigation of Long Island, and take a trip to Chesapeake Bay.

Regards,
Brian

Dear Brian,

Thanks for giving us your input on the Nomad’s sea-keeping capabilities. We appreciate your perspective and are glad to hear from you.

Steve, compactyachts.com

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Dear compactyachts.com,

The Skyhawk sunglasses arrived last Friday and I LOVE THEM! I can can feel my eyes relax when I slip them on. They must cut every bit of glare. Thank you so very much!

Tammi Goddard, “Cloud Nine”

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Dear Mr. Reeves,

Thank you for the fine article you wrote about spotting the Sperry on her final voyage. I have included it in my Navy memorabilia. I served aboard her from ’64 to ’66, took a few cruises and one yard overhaul in Bremerton. The rest of the time, she did her job in San Diego. She was a fine ship, solid, and rode like a Cadillac. We took care of her and she took care of us. Her condition at 70 years old is a testament to those that built her and those that crewed her.

From all the information I have, she is headed to ESCO Marine in Brownsville, Texas for dismantling. I would much rather see her scrapped than sunk. Recycling her means she’s still useful.

Best regards,
Robert Merry

Dear Robert,

I’m pleased to ‘meet’ a crew member of the USS Sperry. It was my privilege to cruise out with her on Oct. 17, and I’m here to report that she did so with some of the “Cadillac” ride you mentioned. Glad you saw and liked the article.

Steve Reeves

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Dear compactyachts.com Editor,

I just discovered your blog. It is terrific. Could you put me on your distribution list?

I have a 2001 Rossi Sedan Cruiser which has the reputation of covering the distance from Florida to the San Juan Islands and back to Florida OVER LAND! 6600 miles!

Curious about the sunglasses. Do you have one that fits over regular prescription glasses. Not the flip up type.

Thanks for the story on the freezer.

Bill (True Blue)

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Hi –

Just found your blog and so I’m reading through some of the older posts. I’m thinking the “Bufflehead” (article on the Bufflehead 22) name comes from the duck, which is a rather stout and sturdy looking one, mostly black and white.

Looks like I’m going to enjoy your blog, thanks!

Pen

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Dear compactyachts.com readers,

I thought I’d just reinforce my confidence in, and the great feeling I’ve had for Lewmar. I have a stainless steel vertical windlass and a Delta anchor (that I call “old faithful”) that are quality built and are important components of Kokomo’s ground tackle.

Recently we had a Fall Safe Lever on my V700 windlass break, and Josh in technical support sent me a replacement right away. Once my email was answered, the support was exemplary! I installed the replacement today (with additional assistance from Josh, who gave me a really helpful tip).

Don’t hesitate to buy from Lewmar, Simpson-Lawrence or Delta …

Steve Reeves

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Hi Steve,

I too have a Rosborough and a 43 qt Edgestar. Wondered where you keep yours aboard your RF246 ? We have ours under the dinette table which is bearable but a little difficult to dig into at times. Our Edgestar has been very good to us so far.

Regards,
Greg Clement
Hull # 418
“Salty Dog”

 Greg - Nice to hear from you. I see occasional postings about ‘Salty Dog’ on the Rossi site, and am always interested in what you’re doing.I keep my Edgestar 43, with the display showing forward, in the aft-most port corner of the cockpit, alongside the transom settee. I have a custom hook up to the starting batteries (we have twin BF150 Honda’s) that provides me with a 12V power port in the aft corner. I don’t have AC out there, though, so (if and when I want to do the dual voltage trick) I either run a short (and stout) extension cord or move the Edgestar inside, under the dinette. I don’t think there are any other spots for it in our boat (do you?), although I’ve thought about fashioning a strapping system on the starboard side of the hull extension and putting it there (after doing the commensurate 12V wiring). It’d be easy access to the door, but impossible to see the display.

Kind regards,

Steve

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Dear Steve Reeves,

First of all we would like to thank you for the great review about WEATHERTRACK on your blog. Finally somebody who really understands the app!

We would like to put your reference on our website.
May we ask, if you could give us a perma-link, as we assume that your review will disappear sooner or later when you discuss new items?

Best Regards

Daniela & Jens-Uwe
www.weathertrack.us

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Dear Editor (compactyachts.com),

I’ve just purchased a used “compact yacht” (an older Sea Sport 24), and although I don’t plan to tow it much, it came with a (older) trailer. What would you recommend for greasing the axles when there is no external grease fitting. Sorry if there is an obvious answer, but I’m new at this (trailering) and am not sure what to do.  Maybe the bearings don’t need greasing?   Roger S. , (Tacoma, WA)

>> Hi Roger – Welcome to the yachting community! I hope you enjoy many happy adventures on your Sea Sport. I would assume that all trailers that go in/out of the water need lubrication (greasing) and I’d further assume that these have not been greased (the safest assumption). You either take them (once a season if you only put the boat in fresh water; more if salt) to a boat shop or your local tire store and have them disassembled and fully greased (with blue marine trailer bearing grease), learn to do it yourself (lots less expensive, but time consuming) or, better yet, have one of those stores install Bearing Buddy brand hub assemblies or Super Lube brand hub assemblies on all two (or four) wheels of your trailer. Then you and your grease gun can attend to the grease requirements of your trailer.  - Steve R. (Paradise, CA) for compactyachts.com

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Dear Editor,

Thank you for the article on Nimble Nomads. My late father had a Nomad 25, and he loved it. Reading about the boat seemed to bring back the happy memories of my teen age summers out with Papa in the “Gypsy Rose” on the Ohio River. I’ll see if I can find a picture to scan and send to you … but thanks for your article.   – Gary H. (Padukah, KY)

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To Whom It May Concern at compactyachts.com,

Your article on belt noise – and your experience at Lake Shasta with the Chris Craft – was both interesting reading and helpful to me. I now enjoy noise-free operation of my 1962 Stephens cabin cruiser,  following sanding some rust off the pullies and applying marine paint. Thanks a lot! I’ve been struggling with this and aggravated by it for several seasons of boating now.   – Herman S. (near Stockton, CA)

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Dear compactyachts,

I have really enjoyed your writing about small yachts. I love the idea of being able to trailer the yacht and go to another body of water by road, but I’m not willing to give up my dream of having a raised pilothouse trawler, or a diesel engine so I’m probably going to have to get a bigger boat. I’ll keep enjoying your blog, though. I seem to learn something new every time I visit.  - Hal G. (San Diego, CA)

>>Hal – While I don’t want to encourage you away from what you really want (I spent years looking at RPH Trawlers … and still love them),  you must have missed the article on the North Pacific Yachts NP28 (click here to go to it) which is a traditional raised pilothouse trawler with a Cummins diesel and many of the same attributes of a larger yacht … and it’s trailerable without a permit! Enjoy the process of finding just the right boat.  - Steve R. (Paradise, CA) for compactyachts.com

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Dear compactyachts.com,

I wanted you to know that your site has been very helpful to my wife Janice and I in the process of selecting our next boat. Please continue publishing the excellent articles and know that you’ve got some regular fans out here. We’ll let you know when we close a deal on a “compact yacht”!    - Will (Galveston, TX)

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Ahoy compactyachts.com,

Thank you for a fine article on the Ranger 29 tug. I didn’t need more convincing, but reading the summary of the boat you toured sure kept the fire alive in me. I hope to retire in a couple years, get a used R29 and go cruising! – Ralph P. (Richmond, VA)

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Dear compactyachts,

How about a section for used parts for sale. It’d be a popular one! – Harris B. (Jacksonville, FL)

>>Harris, Feel free to advertise your parts in our classified section for free. – Steve R. (Paradise, CA) for compactyachts.com

 

 

 

 
 
 

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