GL: Trip Report, Cheap Cruising

[Charles and Pat Culotta]

> For those of you who might be inclined to cruise on a budget, I finally 
> got
> a chance to read over my parents log from their trip on my boat last 
> winter.
> http://groups.msn.com/TrawlerMV/piouspuffin.msnw


Kurt,

I like what you say abt cruising and like your boat as well.

THE WIFE and I have completed two seasons on the Great Circle Cruise on our 
CHB 45 p/h twin eng. and we BOTH agree that a smaller boat is all the is 
needed. We lean toward something in the 36 ft single eng range!!!!
 Note , I have had this boat 22 yrs. You can see pics of CCRIDER on our web 
page.

We cruise relatively cheap as we anchor most of the time or seek free or 
cheap dockage. Fuel is NOT a major factor if one is reasonable. That is we 
cruise at 1600 rpm, with a 2.5 reduction trans and 20x24 wheels this gives 
us 8 smph, IF no current so we often make less sog. Hey, if we were in a 
hurry we would not be here!!!!
This season we used a little over one tank of fuel, boat carries 510 gallons 
and covered 1,481 miles. Recall that I mentioned that we are not in a hurry 
as we plan on TWO MORE SEASONS to complete the trip.
I should mention here that we have 12 months cruising  on this trip and 
covered  5371 statute miles and are not yet half way. By most Grt Circle 
cruisers std on this trip we have covered enough miles and time to have 
finished!!!!!!!

We did the Rideau Canal in Canada , 125 miles in 3 weeks!! Stayed in one 
marina two nights at the end of this leg, at Kingston, Ontario. An 
additional nt anchored just off the marina!!!!

Addressing weather, we spend  6 days at anchor in Barnegat Light, NJ waiting 
on weather window to get on to Sandy Hook ,NY. ( It was very cold and 
raining for most days!)

(This yr we started the trip at Baltimore, Md and left the boat in Geneva, 
NY.)

We do use marinas for two reasons; One when there is no alternative and 
second when we need to do laundry or it is simply more convenient provided 
the cost is reasonable.
Reasonable varies as to location!!!!!

The cost of cruising is how much do you WANT to spend on

fuel
restaurants
dockage
entertainment
communication

OVER what you will spend staying home.!!!!!

Of course one must be prepared for contingencies such as repairs, a rental 
car now and then and the like.


The guy from whom  I pur the charts for the trip did NOT anchor at all for 
the entire trip!!!!Can you spell$$$$$$$$$$$

This is our experience and ans always YMMV.



CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
M/V CCRIDER
PATTERSON, LA.
http://geocities.com/charlesculotta