Just a few Boat Bucks

The term "Boat Bucks" is commonly used around the sailing life. One boat buck = $1,000. I think it was created by a husband who didn't want to alarm his wife about how much his boat was costing. "Oh, its just a few boat bucks honey".

We spent a few boat bucks at the Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show the other day, but it was on gear we absolutely needed to have. Offshore harnesses/life jackets for the kids (they already have life jackets, but the new ones are to be used for off-shore and attach to a jackline tether), personal EPIRBS with AIS for all of us, foulie gear, etc.

We left home around 7 am in order to arrive in time for the boat show to open and meet our friends. Traffic is always a bit heavy when heading into the San Francisco area. We arrived around 9:45 am and met our friends on the way inside the show. Once inside, it was all business. We explored the exhibitor area and the kids did an amazing job, despite being a little bored waiting around for us to finish up what we needed to do. They patiently tried on harnesses, tested anchors, and were treated to a bunch of candy from the exhibitors. This made the whole process that much easier. =)

After a couple of hours, we ate lunch at Assemble restaurant and then walked over to the marina where all the boats were located. The kids played frisbee along the way and enjoyed reading the historical signage.

 

There was a sailing club demonstrating their little remote sailboats, which was the kids' favorite part of the day. They are convinced we now need to bring one aboard our boat.

After touring a couple of the new Lagoons (mainly so the kids could look at the storage options in their cabins), we headed back to the exhibitor hall to pick up our purchases and head back home. Our friends decided to stay and tour more of the boats, so we said our "see ya laters" and parted ways.





As far as the BIG purchase (our boat)? We have a friend in Croatia right now, who is looking at boats for us, with the guidance of our boat broker. Hoping to hear something soon! =)

Strictly Sail Pacific

Can't believe that a year ago this month, I was writing about our trip to this very same boat show. Except this year, we are making some major purchases! New PFDs, harnesses, and other equipment for the boat.

We are meeting another boat family at the show which will add to the fun. Updated post with pics to come soon!

San Diego International Boat Show

I received a text from Jared back in May one morning: "sitter, flight, and hotel booked". I was surprised and excited! For one, I am usually the planner in our family, and two, we haven't vacationed away from the kids. Ever.

Our destination: San Diego! While the kids are getting some quality time with their grandparents, Jared and I will check out the Boat Show and hopefully test sail some catamarans. We sort of know what we want, down to the manufacturer, however, this will be a good opportunity to actually sail them and see how things feel out on the water. 

I'll be sure to post a review and photos of the trip! In the meantime, does anyone have suggestions on restaurants to try or "must see spots" to visit while we are down there?

~Stef

Research: Strictly Sail Pacific April 8, 2016

April 8th, 2016: Strictly Sail Pacific.

Jared and I attended the Strictly Sail Pacific boat show in Richmond, CA.  Our goal was to check out the boat to finalize our boat type. I am all for a catamaran and Jared was still wanting to check out a few mono-hulls to see if I could be persuaded. With 5 of us aboard, I know the space will come in handy. We currently own a Erickson 911 30 foot mono-hull, which is fine for day sailing, however, I know we will need a lot more space when it comes time for cruising.

Being a Friday, there wasn't too much of a crowd yet. We scoped out the vendor area and then headed over to the marina after grabbing a quick bite at a local pub. The walk over from the vendor area to the marina was about 5 minutes. There are historical references along the way and "stand in the footsteps" interactive activities. The port of Richmond is located along the city's southern coast and ranks number one in San Francisco's ports. Constructed in the 1980s, the majority of traffic is oil and petroleum products, with imported foreign cars coming in second.

Not all of the boats had made it in time for the show, so there weren't many cats available to check out. There were actually only two. We toured a few mono-hulls in the 50 foot range and then two of the Lagoon 39 and 40 footers.

 

It was a quick stop for us and we are looking forward to the San Diego International boat show in June and then possibly Miami in February 2017.